How to Avoid Bloating From Fluid

The foods you eat and the lifestyle you lead can bring on bloating, as can the liquids you consume. Bloating occurs when gas, water or air accumulate in the stomach. Specific parts of your body, commonly your abdomen, feet and hands, swell and cause discomfort. Your clothes fit tighter and your rings may not fit on your fingers comfortably. Knowing which liquids to avoid and which to consume can keep you from bloating.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep your body hydrated. If your body is dehydrated, it protects itself by holding onto liquids, which causes bloating. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day and consume water-rich foods, such as oranges, cucumbers, grapefruit and watermelon.

• 2

  Avoid alcohol and caffeine because these have a diuretic effect on your body and may dehydrate you.

• 3

  Limit the amount of carbonated beverages you consume because carbon dioxide in the bubbles creates gas in the stomach, which triggers bloating.

• 4

  Monitor your sodium intake because sodium encourages your body to retain water, which can lead to bloating. Liquids, such as canned soups and sodas, can contain a lot of sodium. Read product labels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that healthy adults consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium daily.

• 5

  Drink liquids slowly so you swallow less bloat-causing air. When you quickly gulp down liquids, you may swallow more air.

• 6

  Switch to lactose-free milk products, such as soy or rice milk. If you are lactose intolerant, your intestines have a difficult time absorbing foods, such as milk, yogurt and other dairy products. This may cause bloating.