How To Eliminate Bloating

1. Limit your salt intake. Unless your doctor wants you to eat more salt for a medical reason, avoid salty foods like processed lunchmeats, chips, and even just using the salt shaker. Garlic and lemon taste just as good on meat or vegetables and are better for you. Keep the salt shaker in the cupboard out of sight during meals and use it only when you can't stand the food you're eating without it. Remember that many processed foods, such as frozen dinner entrees, contain a lot of salt, so use them sparingly.

2. Drink plenty of water. It may seem odd to drink water in order to get rid of water in your body, but the extra fluid will wash out any stubborn salt that is holding water in your system. Sometimes when you don't get enough water, your body will try to hold on to what it has, which can lead to bloating. Try to drink eight glasses of water each day.

3. Have a cup of tea or coffee. Unless you are supposed to avoid caffeine, an occasional cup will help to flush extra fluid from your body. Caffeine acts like a natural diuretic, but don't drink too much or you will become dehydrated and your body will start holding on to the little bit of fluid that is left. Chocolate can have the same effect to a lesser degree, as can certain fruits and vegetables.

4. Exercise daily. Physical activity helps to keep your body working efficiently. It also moves fluid through your tissues and the circulatory system to help process it faster and better, thus removing unneeded fluid. Again, check with your doctor before starting an exercise program, but chances are he or she will agree that moving around will help you feel better and eliminate extra water.

5. Avoid eating between meals. Letting your digestive tract settle down between meals helps to relieve natural bloating, especially the type that comes from eating spicy or fatty foods. Giving your intestines time to recover between feedings helps them to calm down and work better, thus getting rid of extra fluid. Waiting two to four hours before eating again can take pressure off your system and water out of your body.

6. Don't use over-the-counter water pills until you check with your doctor. Some of these can be hard on your kidneys or may have unwanted side effects. Chances are your doctor will encourage you to get rid of bloating by natural means like those outlined here, or you may be prescribed a water pill that the doctor can monitor.

Bloating is uncomfortable and unsightly for many of us at times. Try these tips for getting rid of extra fluid in a natural, healthy way after checking with your physician first to be sure there is nothing medically wrong that needs to be evaluated.