Echo Health - Eat Your Way to a Flat Stomach
Posted on: Friday, 13 June 2008, 09:00 CDT
By Barry Nelson
THERE'S nothing worse than a pot belly when summer and its clinging and revealing fashions come around. But before you start daily stomach crunches, take note that your round tummy could be a health issue which is easy to solve.
"Although every person is different, there are some basic ideas to control bloating that are easy to follow, " says nutrionist Dr Carrie Ruxton.
"Many people suffer from constipation and bloating because they're not getting exercise and not eating enough fibre. The gut needs fibre to keep it working efficiently and exercise encourages food to move around the system. Keeping the lower part of the body mobile, makes the poo move down. But be careful how you introduce fibre into your diet. Do it gradually so your body can get used to it and doesn't bloat."
Over the last few years probiotic yogurts, containing "friendly bacteria" thought to encourage a healthy gut, have become very popular. But Carrie believes that maintaining a varied diet is probably the most effective way to get a flat, healthy stomach.
"Friendly bacteria can be helped by gradually increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables and then keeping the levels high. With summer approaching, we've got a fantastic range of seasonal produce here in Britain, including terrific berries. Go to www. iminseason. com, a site run by farmers with recipes and health tips."
Another source of a round tummy could be a high salt diet. "Lots of salt can lead to water retention and bloating, " Carrie explains. "Constipation can also be caused by dehydration. So drink lots of water."
Swapping to wholegrains and upping your fibre intake can also help, says Carrie, but ignore anyone who tells your that white or refined grains can overstimulate the body's insulin and make you store tummy fat.
"You get fat if you eat too many calories and don't exercise enough. Simple as that, " she says.
Is your teenager having a hard time keeping his facts straight in the run-up to exams? Efalex's fatty acid supplement is rich in Omega- 3 and Omega-6 and is linked to learning, memory and concentration. You can also get him or her a free Brain Boosting Guide, with tips and advice on prepping your brain before exam time, by calling Efamol on 01372-379-828 or emailing info@efamol. com
(c) 2008 Northern Echo. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: Northern Echo
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