Want a washboard stomach?

A washboard or a flat stomach is what we all crave for. Even the naturally slim ones usually complain of a distended abdomen after a meal. If this persists then you need to consult a doctor, but usually the cause lies in our faulty diet.

YS brings to you tips on how to have that envious flat stomach.

 1.Cut on salt

Our body do not need as much salt as we take. Extra salt increases the amount of  sodium in the body fluids which lead to water retention in the stomach. As a result, cells pump up with water causing the stomach to feel ‘tight’. Different spices can be used to season your food. Avoid French fries and take-away meals as they have that extra pinch of salt. Eat potassium rich-foods which help in reducing water retention.

2.Drink  water like a fish

People often do not drink much water thinking it leads to distended belly. Increased water intake, on the contrary, help dilute sodium in the body and flushes it out. It also helps in proper functioning of the kidneys. Practise caution with diet drinks, they can never substitute water.

3.Munch

Try to savour each and every bite. Eating rapidly not only leads to indigestion but also traps air in the gut. This can lead to a bleated stomach. Sit down and chew slowly even if you are in a hurry. Avoid chewing gum and smoking as excess air is swallowed this way. 

4.Exercise helps

Vigorous as well as moderate exercise nudges bowel content which thereby helps in reducing water retention. Try to keep the abdominal wall in shape as this will minimise swelling. Regular exercises such as walking, jogging, cycling will help you stay fit.

5.Fibre for you

Highly soluble fibre from fruits – apples, pears, dates helps in offsetting water retention. But beans and pulses are to be avoided as they are broken down in the body and produce gas. A remedy for this is soaking pulses; this drains out some of the gas they contain.

6.Healthy Intestines

Poor lifestyle, over use of antibiotics and stress can upset the balance between the good vs. bad bacteria in the gut. This in turn leads to excessive gas formation. The ‘good’ bacteria pushes out the ‘bad’ bacteria. To produce more good bacteria eat yoghurt.