How to Reduce Bloating and Cravings
Experiencing bloating? Craving sugary foods? If you have uncomfortable bloating, feel you’re being controlled by your cravings, or both, we understand that it can contribute to feeling less healthy and confident in yourself.
Since so many of our incredible community have expressed that often cravings and bloating go hand-in-hand, we decided to create the Bloating + Craving Relief Kit, containing our best-selling vitamin formulas Detox + Debloat and Metabolism + Sugar Support, designed to help you beat the bloat, plus support you to combat those unwanted sugar cravings.
Let’s take a closer look at what bloating and cravings are exactly and what lifestyle tips you can use to support yourself when you are experiencing either one of them, or both.
BLOATING
What is bloating?
Bloating is defined as subjective discomfort with a sensation of intestinal gas and visible abdominal distention. It’s a common symptom that all genders and ages experience. The causes of bloating are not entirely clear, although some research shows that a sensitive gut, impaired gas or altered gut bacteria may contribute to the symptoms. One who experiences bloating may describe it as excess gas in the abdomen, a heavy or uncomfortable feeling in the abdomen, a swollen stomach, or a full belly.
Lifestyle & diet tips
Currently there are no proven treatments, however management strategies include dietary and lifestyle modifications. Some things you may like to try when you feel bloated:
- Peppermint tea
- Yoga practice
- Eating and chewing slowly
- Go for a long stroll
- Practise stress relief techniques
- Avoid eating artificial sweeteners
- Drink enough water and sip mindfully
JSHealth Detox + Debloat
The Detox + Debloat formula contains Fennel, which is traditionally used in western herbal medicine to relieve digestive discomfort and decrease abdominal bloating and distention. Milk Thistle and Turmeric help promote bile secretion and flow, and relieve inflammation.
CRAVINGS
What are food cravings?
A food craving is an intense desire to eat a certain type of food, typically energy-dense foods. Some of the most commonly craved foods are chocolate and other chocolate-containing foods, followed by high calorie sweet and savoury foods. Cravings may be caused by physiological or psychological reasons.
What you can do to support your cravings
- Ensure you’re eating enough food throughout the day
- Getting between 7-8 hours of sleep per night
- Start the day of with a protein-rich breakfast
- Include all the macronutrients at meals (protein, carbohydrates/fibre, fat)
- Don’t be afraid to snack
- Drink plenty of water
- Don’t deprive yourself of foods, simply enjoy in moderation if they are ‘less healthy’ options
JSHealth Metabolism + Sugar Support
The Metabolism + Sugar Support formula contains Cinnamon and Gymnema to support healthy blood sugar levels, which can in turn help with our cravings, while Vitamin B6 supports nervous system health and the production of neurotransmitters.
References:
Seo, A. Y., Kim, N., & Oh, D. H. (2013). Abdominal bloating: pathophysiology and treatment. Journal of neurogastroenterology and motility, 19(4), 433–453.
Meule, A. The Psychology of Food Cravings: the Role of Food Deprivation. Curr Nutr Rep9, 251–257 (2020).