At some stage in life, everybody has felt bloated. Your tummy is swollen, your clothes feel tight, and you do in fact weigh more. You notice it in your hands, legs and feet as well.

What’s wrong with you?

Men too can suffer from bloating but it is more common in women for hormonal reasons, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or the menopause. In addition, stress, anxiety, a sedentary lifestyle, circulatory problems together with diet, have a great effect on liquid retention.

Other frequent causes are: obesity, lymphatic problems, kidney failure, heart or liver failure, high blood pressure, standing or sitting at work, without moving for hours, wearing tightly fitting clothes, taking too much salt in your meals or too much heat and humidity.

If you drink enough liquid, your kidneys will eliminate it through your urine. Otherwise, your body will start saving and accumulate liquid.

What can you do to prevent and avoid swelling?

• Do regular exercise at least twice a week.
• Walk as much as you can, avoid the lift and be more active.
• Do aerobic exercise, swimming, running, cycling, global fitness, aerobics, etc.
• Drink two litres of water a day. And diuretic infusions like fennel, juniper, horsetail, camomile, etc., two infusions a day and you will feel much better.
• Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods: bananas, melon, strawberries, Swiss chard, pumpkin, carrots, potatoes, walnuts, peanuts and proteins.
• Eat foods low in sodium like pears, apples, oatmeal, rice, soya, pulses, milk and derivatives.
• Moderate your salt intake in your meals. Use lemon or aromatic herbs to season.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothes, particularly socks or high boots.
• Sleep at least seven hours.
• Avoid fizzy beverages, very sweet food and processed
• If you stand or sit when working, change position Move your body, walk around, do some stretching exercises or go to the bathroom to walk a few metres.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol.

To lead a healthy lifestyle, a healthy, balanced diet and physical exercise are indispensable.