Feeling Bloated?
Bloating can be a real pain!
We’re talking both literally and figuratively here, affecting mental health, what clothes you feel comfortable in, interfering with your social life and causing considerable discomfort throughout the day. Bloating is often caused from high levels of stress, and this stress can actually be in the form of a hard workout.
The gut-brain axis is the connection between your brain and gut microbiota. Its role is to make sure that both the gut and the brain communicate regarding emotions and digestive issues, which is why a highly stressful (on the body) training session or race can often end up being felt in the gut.
So what can you do if you have bloating after hard workout?
Probiotics, the “good bacteria,” have been marketed as a cure-all for many ailments, from the upset stomach to the common cold. These tiny microorganisms, whose name originates from the Greek words “for life,” maintain the health of the body. This good form of bacteria can you recover from workouts and boost immunity.
More than 500 different types of bacteria reside in the digestive system, working together to aid in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immunity. In recent years, health and wellness claims have spilled over into the sports performance realm, with studies showing promising effects of probiotics on training, racing, and recovery.
Whilst there is no direct link between probiotic use and performance enhancement that can be quantified to date, the secondary health benefits of probiotics, which include enhanced recovery from fatigue, improved immune function and the maintenance of a healthy gut – helping to eliminate bloating, can improve general well-being, and body comfort. Allowing us all to get back into life quicker.
How to ease your current bloating:
1. Massage
Get rid of bloating fast! Start on the right side of your stomach down by the bone of your pelvis. Rub in a circular motion lightly up to the right side till you reach your rib bones. Move straight across to the left side. Work your way down to the left to the hip bone and back up to the belly button for 2-3 minutes. Try adding an oil to your massage to prevent friction (Looking for a good oil to use? Try activ(ology) Organic Jojoba Oil).
2. Take a warm bath
Soaking, and relaxing in the heat of a bath can provide relief for a sore abdomen. Relaxation can reduce stress levels, which may allow the GI tract to function more effectively and help reduce bloating. Add a magnesium based salt, like activ(ology) Anti-Inflammatory Salt Soak, to the water to ease cramping and boost circulation.
3. Herbal Tea
There are a lot of herbal teas you can drink that will also help to improve digestion and get rid of bloating. Try teas incorporating peppermint, licorice and chamomile tea. Adding in fresh ginger root can also help reduce inflammation.
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