Zoe Bingley-Pullin is passionate about health, nutrition and exercise. Not only is she a professional nutritionist (Diploma of Nutrition, Sydney) she’s also an internationally trained chef (Le Cordon Bleu School, London). Through education, Zoe helps people embrace the benefits of food. She is also a passionate writer for the fitness industry, talking about the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.
Posted 26/05/11
Poor digestion not only causes you to put on weight, it can also cause bloating and make it harder for the body to eliminate toxins effectively. As you get older, your body's digestion naturally slows down. Having a diet that is high in beneficial probiotics and natural insoluble and soluble fibre is the most effective way to keep a healthy digestive system. Try having either a daily freshly squeezed vegetable juice or adding one tablespoon of Psyllium husks to a tub of Activia® yoghurt, to water, or sprinkled on your cereal.
Another cause of bloating can be chronic constipation. Constipation is when you have bowel movements less than 3 times per week, and it is most commonly caused by a lack of fiber in the diet and a lack of physical activity. Thus preventing constipation can be as simple as dietary and lifestyle changes. Professional's tips for healthy eating include: Eating 20-35 grams of fiber per day in the form of beans, fresh fruits, wholegrain breads and cereals, and vegetables like asparagus and carrots. Conversely, it is optimum to limit foods with little fiber like ice cream, cheese, and meat. Exercising lightly an hour after a meal is also suggested, as accelerating your breathing and heart rate helps your intestinal muscles contract, which assists in quick, fluid, and efficient bowel movements and reduced bloating.