Bloating is a common experience, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. A bloated belly can be uncomfortable, aggravating, and even painful at times — especially in the hotter months. Thankfully, there are some ways to get ahead of bloat before it even happens (and a lot comes down to diet and nutrition).
If you feel perpetually bloated, it helps to understand what's going on beneath the surface. To get a better idea, we spoke to registered dietitians about some common causes of bloating, plus their best tips for preventing bloat altogether. Read on to learn how to identify possible triggers, rid yourself of digestive discomfort, and stop bloating in its tracks.
Rachel Fine , MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and the owner of To the Pointe Nutrition. Amy Shapiro , MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and the founder of Real Nutrition NYC. Leslie Langevin , MS, RD, CD, is a co-owner of Whole Health Nutrition and author of "The Anti-inflammatory Kitchen Cookbook.
" Natalie Rizzo , MS, RD, is a plant-based sports dietitian and nutrition editor. Tips to Prevent Bloating To get ahead of bloat, check out these tips from registered dietitians. "One of the most common contributors to bloating is sodium," says Rachel Fine, MS, RD, CDN.
That's because sodium makes your body retain water. To beat the bloat, Fine suggests opting for minimally-processed packaged foods that are low in sodium (less than five percent of your daily value). For reference, Amy Shapiro, MS, RD.