Table of Contents
Remedies to Cure Bloating and Fluid Retention
Fluid or water retention is a common problem, experienced normally by men, women, and children, and as in the case of women's premenstrual syndrome, the bloating of skin tissues can be cyclical. The cells of our bodies are always awash in a saltwater bath, which allows the body to move nutrients and wastes throughout the body and carry on their intended purposes. However, it is possible for the system of control regulated by your kidneys and hormones to lose balance, particularly when we load up on salt in our diets or take steroids for some physical complaint.
Most often, water retention is more of a nuisance and discomfort than a serious medical issue, but if the swelling persists for more than a week or your skin leaves an impression when you poke it, you should consult a doctor. Pregnant women who experience sudden bloating should see a doctor immediately.
In general, cutting out salty foods, increasing your exercise level, and elevating the affected areas of the body should help alleviate the swelling and discomfort.
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
POPULAR REMEDIES:
| APPLE CIDER VINEGAR | 5 YEAS |
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
Ratings:
|
[YEA] 05/15/2008: Killer Bees from Brisbane, Australia writes: "I had the same problem as Sharon from Santa Fe. I'm 42 now and for the last couple of years, I've had problems with everything I eat making me bloated and uncomfortable. I've tried everything I can think of, including elimination diets, with no luck. But activated charcoal really worked for me. I take 2 tabs in the morning and then 2 at night, each time about an hour after eating to give my body time to digest the meal's nutrients. I don't usually take it at lunch time because I only have soup or tea and that doesn't seem to upset me too much. I didn't have the diahorrea. My stools were solid and did change to a very dark brown/black and I felt very cleaned out. They passed more easily as well. I'll keep taking the tabs twice a day until I feel like I don't need them. My thanks to Sharon from Santa Fe for recommending this product. Girl, you rock!"
EC: Read more about Charcoal.
 Reply to this Thread |  Email |  Print |  Back to Top |
APPLE
Ratings:
|
[YEA] 04/08/2008: Doris from Santa Ana, CA USA writes: "Have always drank lots of coffee w/sugars, syrups, dairy. This year, bloating began. Starting reading about stomach and bile and acid-sugar-alkaline balances and how stomach, gall bladder, liver, small intestines deal with it. Found your apple juice, acv info. ACV was a bit harsh last week, at 1 tsp each acv w/slight honey or water. This week bloating was very uncomfortable to point of constant distraction. Found on your site to take avc or apple juice or eat an apple to regulate acid balance. Took lots of antacids today, no help, bloating was worse. Ate a very small apple at 9pm tonite and 20 minutes later, bloating almost ALL GONE. Had the rest and feel like a million. Thank you for this site teaching me what to revise in my diet, to fix these things."
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Ratings:
|
[YEA] 09/17/2008: Zella Sauer from Terre Haute, Indiana writes: "Hello, First let me say I love this site!
I plan to try many many things here.
I came here because of a gallbladder attack. I was sooo sick with this last attack, and I am not working and have no medical insurance. So I started out with AVC in apple juice and wow !! I felt much better (((but a very wonderful side effect occurred, which I wasn't expecting.... I have been holding water a lot lately in my ankles, and I have been drinking lots of water to help rid my body and eating very little to no salt, but still some puffiness.... I have been using ACV for 3 days now and my ankles and lower legs are TINY again !!! I can't believe it !!!) I have since then been reading all the wonderful things ACV does so I am a believer and will be taking it from now on.))) I did start out drinking the regular kind from the store in apple juice, but I have bought the organic ACV now..."
RepliesEC: Rest the rest of Zella's post here.
[SIDE EFFECTS] 07/23/2011: Not A Happy Chique from Seattle, Wa replies: "Apple Cider Vinegar was the reason that I got bloated :/ any cures for that?"
[SIDE EFFECTS] 07/31/2011: Tracer from Maryland Heights, Mo. replies: "Why do I feel bloated after taking 2T of ACV/1/4 t of baking soda? SHOULD I STOP TAKING IT?"
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
[YEA] 09/14/2008: George from Glenpool, United States writes: "First suggestion 9/14/2008: swelling in my foot an leg.
1 tps of apple cider vinegar
1 tps of honey
with a cup of hot water
drink it each morning.
Next suggestion:
1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a galleon of warm water,,soak the foot an toe nails for 15 minutes to get rid of fungus an anything to improve condition of the skin an toenails."
06/11/2011: Andie from Redondo Beach, Ca, Usa replies: "I am very impressed with all of that great feedback in regards to ACV but I was told that ACV has molds in it and one shouldn't take it if they are prone to candida like symptoms. Anybody know about this? Thanks!"
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
[NAY] 08/24/2008: Tina from Dunbridge, Ohio writes: "I am trying ACV for fluid retention in my hands,wrist, and ankle. So far nothing's helped. It is crippling me. It's spreading and getting worse sporadically. I have had blood and urine tests that show nothing wrong but it's obvious something is and the doc.s don't have a clue. I'm poor and can't afford anymore tests or doctors. If anyone has any idea of what's wrong with me and what to do I will be very thankful!"
Replies08/25/2008: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Tina:
The simple ACV remedy is a rather mild remedy for fluid retention. However the ones most people used is a mixture of ACV with baking soda, such as 2 tablespoon of ACV with 1/4 (or 1/2) teaspoon of baking soda in a half glass of water.
A stronger remedy that is easily found is in the green tea about a glass, although this may lead to some constipation if taken too much, but it is helpful in reducing certain internal congestions from fats.
A more stronger one that i used is dissolving 250 mg of lithium carbonate in a one liter of water and drink only just 1/4 glass of water 2 or 3 times a day. This at least for me is a powerful diuretic because a small amount of lithium displaces sodium in the body, much like a potassium would.
An electrolyte imbalance may also be the cause of fluid retention in which case, potassium bicarbonate or potassium citrate will help displace some sodium. Although this remedy requires 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of potassium bicarbonate.
For an emergency remedy against a fluid retention is the taking of a laxative, where I prefer milk of magnesia taken as per instruction of the bottle. Those will cause reduction of fluids by laxative effect instead of the pressure put on kidneys. Most teas are also generally diuretic in effect too. A watermelon tea is also diuretic, if they do have it.
A fluid retention often is the congestion of certain organs sometimes it is the kidney sometimes it is the liver. A granulated lecithin therefore will help reduce some of those congestion.
Another simpler remedy that reduces some kidney congestion is simply an usweetened lemon juice mixed with water as the citric acid component or citrates when it is reacted with baking soda reduces calcium buildup in the kidney and help reduce fluid retention.
In some rare cases of liver congestion a hot castor oil pack on the liver or abdomen may help, or it is used only in small amount of castor oil to cause a laxative. When stools are loose fluid retention is reduced.
In many pharmaceutical applications in reducing fluid retention I have noticed they used digestive enzymes to reduce congestion by allowing these digestive enzymes to digest the congestions, such as liver and other areas. Common digestive enzymes for me is lemon, papaya, and digestive enzyme supplements sold in some health food stores are also convenient. Eating watermelon is also diuretic.
In the long run reducing congestions is most helpful especially from liver cirrhosis and fatty liver buildup and supplementing of lecithin 1 tabelspoon three times a day helps. In event the fluid retention also have varicose veins, then it might be quercetin and curcumin due to excessive blood thickening congestion which leads to fluid retention. Lavender applied to the kidney or lavender tea might help in relieving circulation or inflammation of the kidneys.
Ted"
08/26/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "To Tina with swollen hands/wrists & negative tests: Suspect allergy - try omitting dairy - you might also try the baking soda/ACV along with it this. If don't note much improvement, add wheat to your no-no lists. Also suggest you discontinue all carbonated beverages.I should also mention a book I read where some doctor was treating his patients with potassium and Vit. B6 supplements with good results. Eating more vegetables should increase your potassium level but I'd probably take a supplement while doing this. Vit. B6 is known as Nature's diuretic."
04/01/2009: Lauren from Redondo Beach, CA replies: "This is in response to the swollen hands, wrist... This exact same thing was happening to me since I was 18 years old. I saw every doctor under the sun, and had many many tests done on me, only to have the doctors tell me everything came back normal. After much research done on my own, and at a total loss for how to help myself and how to cure the pain of swollen fingers, I read about people with gluten allergies experiencing some of the same symptoms as myself. I already knew that I was lactose intolerant and decided to cut out anything containing Wheat, Barley, Malt, Oats, and anything with Vital Wheat Gluten in the ingredient list. Almost immediately all my symptoms went away. The most noticeable difference was the swelling has completely disappeared. I have been free of these ingredients (with some mishaps) for about a year now, and have been completely free of all horrible symptoms previously unexplained. Personally I believe that doctors need to be better educated on food allergies and how they can affect the body. Doctors knew there was something wrong with me. I even had a doctor take pictures of my swollen hands that were covered in lesions. I had the leisions biopsied and the pictures sent to the best doctors around the US and no one could explain it. The only thing that has made this go away is not eating Wheat etc. It is sad at first because you feel deprived but you learn of yummy alternatives to your favorite foods.
Try eliminating these things from your diet. If it works, GREAT! It's worth a shot.
Good Luck!"
[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS] 06/13/2010: Laurie from Flora, Il, Us replies: "I read how acv helps with weight loss so I took one tbl in a glass of water. This was vinegar from the grocery store. I noticed a feeling in my stomach I can never remember having in my life. Ive always had a weight problem and never feel full unless I stuff myself. Anyway my stomach felt satisfied and I hadn't eaten for hours. I knew it was because of the vinegar so I searched on the net and found that asv gives a feeling of satiety (feeling you get when you're full). I also read to drink acv that has not been processed which is what you get at the grocery, so I found a site that sells it with the "mother" still in it (read on the net what that is). I have had an extreme problem with swelling in my legs, stomach and hands for yrs and yrs. It has been my life. Anyway, I started drinking 3 tbls in a glass of water before meals. I could only eat twice a day because I felt full for hours and hours!! wonderful!! After a few days I had to get up repeatedly at night to urinate and I would go a gallon each time it seemed. I didn't even know I could hold that much. And my legs and feet swelled beyond belief. I did some research and figured I was detoxifying so I toughed it out and after about a week all the swelling went out of my legs, feet and hands and my stomach went down...I was astonished! And it did not come back until I went on a medication that upset my stomach so bad I couldn't drink the acv for 10 days. After a few days the hunger came back and after about 10 days so did the swelling. I'm now off the medication and back on the vinegar as of yesterday, and will let you know the outcome.
Oh yes, I also have a real bad problem with exhaling when I recline to do breathing relaxation exercises my doctor has me do for stress. It has made me miserable....Well guess what. After taking the vinegar a few days I could breath out normally!! And like the water retention and hunger returning after going off the acv, the trouble with breathing came back too... amazing."
04/15/2011: Eloise from Little Rock, Arkansas replies: "Tina unfortunately it sounds a lot like you have arthritis, this causes painful swelling in the joints you were talking about. I'd see a chiropractor as soon as possible, and maybe start taking some omega 3 too."
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
[YEA] 04/11/2008: Jayadurga from Eastborough, UK writes: "I have started using Apple cider vinegar one spoon twice daily since two days. I am a diabetic. I take metformin and actos low dose daily. I was struggling from bloating of late and after taking ACV I really felt relieved from bloating. But i feel tired and depressed all the time these two days and no interest in anything. Is anything wrong because of ACV?I would appreciate if I get some good thoughts on this issue."
Replies12/29/2008: Royce from Tishomingo, Okla replies: "If you body does not have enough of the alkalizing minerals to buffer this ACV then you may be making your body more acid causinng this problem with low energy and depression i have experienced this, not all ACV is same,
1) get your urinary ph up , go to the store and get 3 pounds of key limes. Every morning take juice from one lime and one half teaspoon baking soda let it stop fizzing and add 8 oz water and drink this for about three days monitor urinary ph then start backing off the baking soda just keep it simple and stay in the green on the litmus paper test strips around ph-7 this is a safe ph for begining after the acid is buffered from you system this will get easy to maintain.
Every morning the second time you urinate check ph if it is not 7 use the Lime and soda , but allways on an empty stomache only, and do not drink untill you stir well and it stops fizzing. after you drink this wait 1 hour to eat. Once you have the ph balanced it will be safe to drink the Apple cider vinegar without the side effects you mentioned. You were probably acidic and were making it worse
If you do this you will begin to feel better, get organic ACVinegar, it will be cloudy in color, I use ____ ACV. its cost a little more but not all vinegar is alkaline forming and it is worth 15 dollars a gallon and lasts months.
You know when your ph in urine is to high will turn the test strips purple just lay off the baking soda a day or to and use the lime juice in the water.vitamin c will bring urine ph down fast if you want it to come down fast."
12/31/2008: Dianna from Austin, Tx USA replies: "could the ACV be lowing your blood sugar too much? i too am a diabetic (on insulin) and when i took even 2 teaspoons of acv 2x a day i would find my blood sugar very low (20 to 40) and felt very weak and tired. also, it made me bloated and gassy - unlike you - who that it is helping in that way. so i stopped taking it. now i have started again at a much lower dosage - 1/3 teaspoon in a liter of water 2 x a day and that does not lower my blood sugar so much - or give me gas. you may want to try lowering your dose of ACV."
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
[YEA] 12/11/2006: Uma from Gibraltar, Spain writes: "I take ACV 2TBS in 8oz water taking sips all through the day. I was bloated all month and had water retention 10 days before my period. I was miserable i tried everything , diet change , pills homeopathic, and my husband is a physician and he gave all kind of medicines but still everything just could not solve my problem. i was annoyed all the time becuase i do not know what my exact size was and i was restless all the ime , never comfortable, in sitting or lying down. Then looking for cure on internet in homeopathy somebody mentioned earth clinic, and i went to the site, and from that day my life changed. After reading about ACV I got up and mix one TS in one glass of water and without thinking i drank it . After 10 minutes my head suddenly clear and then my migraine was gone which I have been having for the last 10 years every week and i do not know how many pandols i have taken for that.----Well for the last 2 months, I am bloat free, water retention free, migraine free, and i am feeling comfortable for the first time in last 10 years. I have lost 10 pounds and I know my exact size now. Plus I had very bad dandruff and hair acne and twice a week I have been washing my hair with ACV and after two months I am free of dandruff and acne. There was no change initially except my migrain was gone but suddenly after one month before my periods i started noticing changes. No bloatedness and water retention and i had lost weight. I am thankful to all of u, whoever started this site. This has truly helped me. My doctor husband cannot believe it.
Just try it. Even if u don't see results initially it will show some benefits, later. I am hooked for life and i am giving it to my teenager son and daughter."
Replies[YEA] 08/01/2008: Fran from Glendora, USA replies: "All I have to say is the ACV works immediately on my heartburn. The kind of heartburn that feels like a heart attack. By the way I've been to emergency room thinking my life was in jeopardy! After all the tests the doctors say I get very bad heartburn. I looked up natural cures on the internet and found that ACV works wonderfully! Now I'm taking it for that bloated feeling from eating too much salty food the night before. Thanks for the tip!"
09/15/2011: Karenina from Southampton, Hampshire, Uk replies: "Hi Uma, what does TS stand for please?Many thanks, Karenina"
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
Ratings:
|
[SIDE EFFECTS] 12/05/2010: Keith from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England writes: "My wife has been trying to diet over several years and started to suffer badly with fluid retention. I had read somewhere that artificial sweetners can cause this and we know that many of her medications for diabeties and cronic back problems also cause weight gain, so we had to try something to help her. My wife stopped using anything with artificial sweetners in it and low and behold over the next two weeks the amount of fluid retention decreased by 50% and is still on the decrease. I hope that this will help some people suffering from the same problems."
Replies12/05/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "Hi Keith, the only sweetener I have ever used is Stevia, a lot of the others seem to be quite harmful. I don't have weight issues or anything but I use Stevia in order to avoid using sugar in my tea. There is a very interesting book called Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills where the author explains a lot of facts about Aspartame and why you should avoid it."
12/16/2010: Anonymous from Somewhere, Out There replies: "Damage to the digestive tract such as from Celiac gluten intolerance can cause bloating too, and may create a diabetic state. Your wife might feel a lot better if she cut gluten from her diet, have her try it for a week. If she feels better, she may have an intolerance. If she loves bakery, try some of the many gluten free recipes. Many of them are just a delicious as their wheat counterparts.Coffee and caffeine consumption may damage the digestive tract too by increasing the acidity of the tract and inhibiting the absorption of nutrients such as iron, zinc and calcium. They also may increase blood pressure, which can damage the kidneys, and increase insulin production, which may cause blood sugar to fluctuate or lead to insulin resistance. In place of coffee try chamomile/basil/catnip tea, don't add milk. Or mix 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of organic ginger powder and a pinch of cayenne in a mug of warm water. A heaping tablespoon of grated horseradish root mixed into ketchup eaten with potato chips or raw veggies clears head congestion and increases feeling of wellbeing. Cat's Claw tea helps, too, if you feel achy from drinking coffee. I hope this helps your wife. She may also like to try goat milk, which is easier to digest than cow milk, or kefir, which is a yogurt like beverage. Simply taking psyllium fibre daily might help the bloating, too."
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
AVOID GRAINS, POTATOES
Ratings:
|
[YEA] 05/25/2011: Gloria from Brentwood, Ny, Usa writes: "I have suffered of water retention all my life and no doctor could help me. Finally after reading a lot of books and doing trial and error with my body I'm at peace with my body. I even become a hypnotherapist trying to get some answers and I did.
My answer to inflammation, swelling, bloating, etc is to give up all the white stuff: everything made with wheat, potatos (big culprit), rice, excess sugar or replacements and grains as a whole. I know for some people it's not easy but at the same time it's easier than it seems. I increased proteins (chicken, fish, beef) consumption and vegetables and fruits. The more protein the less cravings yo have.
Do you see animals eating grains in the wild? Maybe I am wrong, but animals in nature eat each other or they eat plants, leaves, fruits, seeds and other animal's eggs.
Grains are hard to digest, we need to take out the bran in order to eat them (as rice, oats, wheat, etc) or soak them for hours to soften them (chicken peas, beans, etc). I wonder: Is it nature trying to tell us something? Anyway, let me assure you: If you really want to improve your health forget at least about everything and I mean everything made with wheat and avoid potatos and rice at least."
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
B3
Ratings:
|
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 10/12/2010: Pam from Marlborough, Ct. writes: "I just wanted to thank the people that got back to me on this, as I have started taking 250mg timed released B3 last week and my hands are 50% improved, I can't believe this myself but it is the only change I have made, I am also starting to take Tumeric and boron today. Just one more question about the B3 do you think I should increase the dose or stay where I am. Thanks to this wonderful place, I can't believe how much better I am feeling. I still take pain pills but not as often. Any reply would be appreciated."
Replies10/12/2010: Carly from Seattle, Wa Usa replies: "Hi Pam -
Good for you! Glad to hear you are feeling better. :-) One thing on the B vitamins though, as I understand it, the "B's" all work together, and taking just one of them will thow you off on the rest of them... You need to take a "Balanced B" supplement - where there is a combo of all of them. I take a Balanced B-100 right now, and it seems to be good. I have noticed I lose a lot of water weight when I take my B vitamins... Usually I can drop about 5lbs of water in a couple of days when I have been ignoring them for a few days and start taking them again. Also - glad to hear you are going to try the boron! I am SO thrilled with the results I have gotten from it re my knuckles and the pain I had in them. You should know within 2 weeks if it is what you were missing or not. I knew within one, but from what I have read different people are different, and it depends on the person. Good luck to you, and keep us posted? I am always interested to hear what is or is not working for others. This forum is awesome for sharing our tales of woe, as well as our victories! :-). Carly"
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
BAKING POWDER
Ratings:
|
[YEA] 06/05/2008: Danielle from Winnipeg, Canada writes: "Baking powder instantly took away the pain from bloating caused by gas.It really works. After trying several things and feeling so nauseous with pain, I finally tried taking 1 tbsp of baking powder with hot water. Within minutes it took the pain away. It taste really awful, but works like magic."
Replies08/17/2011: Ravenquille from High In The Mountains, Pa replies: "You should use Baking SODA, not Baking POWDER. Baking Powder contains Aluminum. Not at all good for you."
09/30/2011: Kelly from Bowling Green, Ky replies: "I thought it was baking soda too. It helps to relieve gas. And much more."
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
BAKING SODA
Ratings:
|
[YEA] 06/08/2008: Melissa from Belpre, OH writes: "Baking Soda in water helped cure my gassey, bloated stomach. I mix a tablespoon or two with water. It doesn't taste the greatest, but it's tolerable. It's worth it!"
Replies[WARNING!] 04/24/2011: Lori Walker from San Jose, Ca replies: "Bakig soda is dangerous for people with high blood pressure. Be careful and ask your doctor."
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
DANDELION ROOT
Ratings:
|
[YEA] 07/13/2009: Jeremiah from San Diego, California writes: "For fluid retention, Dandelion Root tea is quite possibly the best natural diuretic I can recommend. I know that it really made me go, which in turn made me lose a lot of water weight in my body."
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
DIETARY CHANGES, ENZYMES
Ratings:
|
[YEA] 10/01/2009: Rebekah from Athens, Ga writes: "I have had a terrible problem with bloating for at least a year now. Feeling terrible after every meal, looking like I always had a huge pot belly and I am a small person so this was very disturbing for me. My remedy is extreme, but my results have been AMAZING.
I cut out from my diet all sugar (including fruit), all dairy except butter, all gluten (like wheat and rice), all alcohol, and all beans. I use the proper food combining technique which I'm sure is easy available on the web (never eat protein and starch together in a meal). I now eat fresh and cooked vegies, organic meats, and non-glutenous grains as my diet. I think it helps to cut out nuts also, but I do eat sunflower seeds as a snack and drink kefir. I am also taking a probiotic formula twice a day, and with each meal I take a digestive enzyme supplement that has I think 8 different types of enzymes.
Let me tell you, in two weeks my belly is flat as a board and it looks like I have been working out! I definitely haven't been working out, but I am soooo happy that the bloat is gone and all the agony of leaving sugar and alcohol behind has been worth it. My allergies have also gone away. I drink a tiny amount of coffee in the morning with no sweetener.
I'm sure that this regime is not for everyone since it is incredibly difficult to maintain, but the way I feel and look now is astonishing compared to two short weeks ago.
Good luck to anyone out there who is bloating, I know from experience that it can make life hard.
~Rebekah"
10/01/2009: Saffi from New York, NY replies: "Dear Rebecca,
Thank you for the info. I've been having crazy bloating and gas problems for a year also, and I'm tiny as well which makes me look pregnant on top of it all. I don't think I need to explain to you how terrible this feels. I'd like to give your method a shot. Sounds hard but I'm curious and I can see that it has many benefits. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to ask you for two things:
1. Can you post a sort of "template" or outline of your diet for a day? Such as what you eat and at what time.
2. And a list of foods that you do eat?
I would REALLY appreciate it.Thanks so much."
10/03/2009: Rebekah from Athens, Ga replies: "To Saffi-Yes I know how you feel! I'd be happy to share more details. And I must warn you- if you have been a big sugar eater like I used to be, the first week will be absolute torture and the sugar cravings will practically keep you up at night. It is a real challenge.
For the most part I have been following the advice in a popular book and I don't think I am allowed to recommend any specific products, but if you can find a book about balancing the body's inner ecology, that has helped guide me.
Now for the food that I eat:First thing in the morning it's nice to drink some unsweetened kefir. I feel like this helps put the "good bacteria" in my system to start out the day. I wait a while before eating if I have some kefir. I also take a probiotic supplement at this time.
Breakfast is usually cream of buckwheat with butter and sea salt. Yummy if made with unsweetened coconut milk instead of water. The coconut milk has been easy on my stomach and seems to be the only type of "milk" that I can consume. Another breakfast fave of mine is scrambled eggs and a salad. I found a salad dressing made with apple cider vinegar (the only type of vinegar I can handle) and no added sweetener. I am reading labels like crazy now and I am shocked to see how much sugar is in everything! Oh and I should mention that I never have the buckwheat at the same time as eggs- it goes against "proper food combining" to eat protein and starch together. And I use butter to cook everything instead of using any heavy oils. It's so much easier on my tummy. (Butter and kefir are the only dairy products I have been consuming.)
Lunch is usually soup! I have never really cooked in my life before now, but I found a bunch of recipes for soups and I just make a huge batch that lasts me a few days. That way when I am hungry (which is often on this diet!) I can just heat up some soup. Lots of carrots and onions in the soup kinda satisfy the urge for sweetness. I am eating a lot of salads, I haven't done this yet but something good would be to have salad with hard boiled egg or maybe some chicken on top.
Dinner is generally some organic meat and then steamed or sauteed vegies. Pork chops, boiled chicken, even steaks I have eaten and my tummy is feeling good. I try to have more vegies than meat. I never eat too much to the point of feeling full, I try to keep my portions reasonable (I used to overeat at meals) and never have seconds. I don't want to overload my stomach any more. I take the digestive enzymes before every meal. And apparently sipping some water with a tsp of apple cider vinegar in it along with meals is another good digestive aid. I have done this a few times and it is nice.Every now and then I will have a vegetarian dinner of all vegies or have the "meat" be some red potatoes. Apparently red potatoes have less sugar than other kinds. And never meat and potatoes together! Or something I hope to do more is have some gluten free grain like millet or quinoa, with side of vegies.
For snacking I hit the sunflower seeds or some raw carrots. Or have a small bowl of soup. I get hungry so often that I would rather eat another small meal than just have a snack.
For beverages I am drinking a lot of ginger tea and fennel tea. Both are great for digestion and also happen to be super yummy. No sweetener!If I am out with friends I order soda water with lemon or lime. At home sometimes I will make myself a "mocktail" of mostly sparkling mineral water with some unsweetened cranberry juice added. It's really good!
And at night, another probiotic supplement. That's pretty much it I think. And like I said I have terrible cravings for DAYS, I was fantasizing about pancakes and muffins and bread, and actually feeling lightheaded at times as I think my body was detoxing. But I am finally at a point now where I am not having cravings... YAY! And I am more or less off the coffee, every few days I will have less than half a cup just for a little taste. And it is a real treat.
So here is a list of the foods I "can" eat: buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, millet, sunflower seeds, soaked almonds, organic meats, cold water fish, shellfish, sea vegetables, carrots, onions, garlic, red peppers, spinach, squashes, pumpkin, fennel, red potatoes, daikon radish, zucchini, cucumber, ginger, lemons, limes, unsweetened cranberries. Nothing fermented- I avoid soy sauce and miso. Nothing too oily. And nothing with any yeast. I think most any vegetable would be fine, but I guess beets and yams are too sugary. I hope to be able to add some things back into my diet slowly over time but not until I really feel healed.
I really hope this helps you or anyone else suffering the dread bloated pot belly. I finally feel like I am digesting my meals. And no hurting belly any more. And geez I am so much more confident about my body!!!Best of luck,
~Rebekah"
10/11/2009: Saffi from New York, NY replies: "Dear Rebekah,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed response. And also for your willingness to share the info. I have just started your diet, along with probiotics and digestive enzymes before each meal. I'm super excited to see if I get the same results as you are getting!
Thanks again for the info. I love this site for allowing us to connect and be able to help each other!"
12/19/2009: Rhonda from Providence, Ri replies: "Hello Saffi from New York -- Read your post from back in October, and I'd love to know how you're doing on the low-sugar program. I've cut out all sugar and grains too, for about 2 months now, but still suffer from bloating. I wonder if it's because of all the beans I love? Or maybe my portions need to be smaller. I stopped eating fruit also to eliminate that possibility.
Well, I hope you're having wonderful progress & I'd like to hear from you! ~~~Rhonda"
12/22/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Rhonda from Providence, RI,
If the bloating is from the beans you love, a simple cure for that is to put 1/4 tsp. ground ginger to the pound of dry beans you are cooking. Ginger is great for decreasing gas."
10/01/2011: Jen from Tacoma, Wa replies: "I'm confused... Brown rice doesn't contain gluten so why is it on your "no" list?"
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
GARLIC
Ratings:
|
[YEA] 04/29/2010: Faithinhealing from Forest Park, Ohio writes: "I wanted to say YEA for using garlic for bloating and fluid retention. I actually started garlic because I have gallstones and was trying to fight an infection that I knew I had, although lab results said my urine was clear. I took three cloves of garlic crushed up in some yogurt before bed. I have insomnia really bad and was up urinating most of the night.
I also suffer from extreme mood swings and I noticed that I felt lighter the next day in mood and in weight. I got on the scale and my weight was down from 206 the previous day to 199. I have lost 7 pounds of water weight over night!
In my quest to get rid of the infection that seems to be wreaking havoc on my body, I'm still taking three cloves of garlic at night. This is my second week and hopefully the garlic will kill the infection."
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
[YEA] 05/02/2009: Monet from Cincinnati, Ohio writes: "Hello, I use your site all of the time and want to thank you for such useful information!
Recently, my feet started swelling along with blood pressure spiking to very high levels. I do not have high blood pressure so I could not understand what was going on. By day three I figured out I had a tooth infection that was probably starting to seep into my blood causing the swelling, blood pressure spikes, tingling in head, legs, and feet. After speaking with a dentist who felt they were unrelated and would not give me any advice on whether I should go to the ER, I decided to use garlic infused with yogurt (yogurt helps it go down easier). I took about 1 T. of crushed garlic and 1 T. of yogurt. Within 5 minutes the swelling in my feet went away and I felt my blood pressure had gone down. I took my blood pressure and it had dropped over 50 points! Obviously, the blood pressure spikes were brought on by the tooth infection, unbeknownst to the young Dentist!!!
I cook with garlic all of the time, but RAW GARLIC is terrific for blood pressure and infections!!!
Thanks!"
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
[YEA] 12/07/2008: Adeline from Los Angeles, CA writes: "I ate 1 raw clove of garlic hoping to kill some bacteria (an unrelated cure I had read about here and was trying) An unexpected side effect: I woke up the next day feeling happier than I have in a long time. Energetic. I felt trimmer. I felt like I had been carrying around a dress size worth of water and it was gone. I'm starting to think garlic is a miracle food. I think it's cured my infection and happily I think it will be the cure to my chronic bloating. Thanks for the site!"
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDY CALLED LYCOPODIUM PILLULES
Ratings:
|
[YEA] 03/22/2008: Anne from Southampton, England writes: "I used to have awful trouble with bloatedness. Immediately after food hit my stomach I would swell up like a balloon. I called a homeopathic company and they advised me to take lycopodium pillules. After a week of taking the recommended dosage my bloating troubles were all gone - I could eat almost anything with no excessive gas as a result! I didn't even have to keep taking them, after about three weeks I slowed down on dosage and then stopped, and the bloating problem didn't come back at all."
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
MIMOSA
Ratings:
|
[YEA] 09/02/2008: Tan Koon Peng from Singapore writes: "A middle aged lady with bloated stomach and legs take mimosa on the advice of her friend who have learn about the healing properties of mimosa. Her condition is serious and she can`t afford medical treatment.After taking mimosa her condition improves and she is recovering fast."
EC: Read more about Mimosa here.
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
OLIVE OIL
Ratings:
|
[YEA] 04/15/2008: Doris from Santa Ana, California, USA writes: "Cramps under my ribs began a month ago after each dinner. I often felt nausea, overfull of food, irritable. When hubby had a kidney stone attack and this site had his (lemon + oliveoil + water) cure, we also bought ACV hoping to fix his allergies.
I knew an apple slice before bed prevents heartburn, and helps gall bladder. I feared my years' lower back pains also pointed to gall bladder, liver.
I googled _gall bladder holistic_ and read here and at alive(dot)com the liver, gall bladder, small intestines, stomach issues and holistic fixes. I decided to try a light purge.
My breakfast was mostly fresh fruit and lots of water, with hot lemon tea (gall bladder cleanse beginning), by lunch while hubby drank his 2nd day's kidney stone cocktail, I also drank one (2 oz lemon juice blended with 2 oz olive oil chased with big glass water) - my gall cleanse at work. 5pm dinner my usual cramps above stomach in ribcage began. But this time with bloating. At 530pm I drank a mix of 1 oz ACV with 3 oz water. At 6pm still bloated, despite the full meal, I ate an apple. At 620pm instead of worse pain from eating more volume, my stomach felt MUCH better. Rib cage felt light yet low belly felt very heavy - gall purge building. When at 630pm I sat down as lower intestines really were _gathering momentum_, I wondered if I had some diarrhea bug and didn't know it. I hoped it was the lemon-olive oil, ACV and apple working. At 6:40pm I suddenly felt relief under my ribs and looked down, watching bloat go away before my eyes; it not only left, but my stomach was flattening too. My tshirt was loose! My stomach didn't hurt at all, NO bloating at all, I was visibly thinner! Lower intestines were churning. Decided to eat an half-inch apple slice just before 9pm bedtime. It canceled slight nausea from the churning. In a few minutes, a repeat of the slight bloat, lower instestine churning, then relief with disappearing bloat and visibly flattening stomach. I expected gas from the disappearing bloat. The gas bloat feeling didn't travel south, it disappeared! Amazing. I woke up about midnite with slight stomach upset, so I ate 1 more bite of apple. The repeat pattern never happened. It felt so good to not be bloated, and have a happy stomach for once. At the morning toilet I did flush a terrible lot of mucousy greenish light-brownish sludge then 15 minutes later a much lesser quantity of the same. Immediately I felt like energetic and upbeat, ready to take on the day. Miracle of natural healing! My body operates like I'm 18 since then - no heartburn, no coffee cravings, no bloat, more often smaller stools, lower intestines feel calm, sleeping deep and rested, far more energy, no nausea ever after meals, no heavy stomach feeling anymore. The scale shows slow and steady weight loss too HOORAY! Thank you, thank you, thank you."
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
REMEDIES NEEDED
Ratings:
|
09/16/2011: Judy from Denver, Co, Usa writes: "Had complete hysterectomy Sept 6 - de vinci/robotic type. They blow air inside you so they can look around so you can expect some bloating. I was released the afternoon of the 8th and had appt with kidney dr on 9th (woke up with increased bloat) and showed a 17 lb weight gain at dr's office.
This experience was much different than when I had my gallbladder surgery 35 years ago. Back then they made you sit up and cough so you wouldn't get pneumonia. This time I sat up and coughed and they had to rush me to get xray to check for pneumonia. My oxygen level was lower so they put me on oxygen. The dr decided I needed an MRI to rule out blood clots. Inhalation therapist woman flipped. Said it was normal for oxygen to be lower after surgery. I was told contrast die would be hard on the kidneys. I have decreased kidney function but got an IV to thin blood so it wouldn't be so harsh. I wanted to refuse it. Never thought I would be intimidated but I was. Told the dr I was more concerned about my kidney function than my lung function. Told her I thought it was a waste of money, no wonder M'Care is in trouble and they're killing the golden goose with unnessary tests. She said if I had blood clots in lungs and was sent home I could die before I could get to hospital, so I gave in. As soon as they injected the dye and I felt the "hot flash" my hearing went in my right ear. The next morning, more bloated than ever.
Didn't bother the kidney dr and surgeon doesn't seem to think that's unusual. I think it's reaction to contrast die. I'm still trying to get rid of some "bloat". Now I'm about where I was the day after surgery and my hearing has returned. Right now (at times) I'm taking colloidal silver with trace minerals, aloe, cranberry and other things and it's giving me some diahrea (day after I take it), but it feels like detoxifying not "sick" diahrrea.
According to kidney dr I shouldn't ramp up my antioxidants and other nutrients so soon after surgery because all that would be hard on the kidneys.
Has anyone experienced such bloating after surgery and what can be done to get rid of it?"
Replies09/16/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Judy, I was reading about clove oil yesterday and bloating.
Digestive Aid: Like many culinary spices, clove may help relax the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract. A few drops of the oil in water will stop vomiting, and clove tea will relieve diarrhea, gas, bloating, intestinal spasms and nausea.Note: it is a blood thinner so be careful if you are on blooding thinning medications.
http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/anti1.php"
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
04/12/2011: Marisol from Virginia Beach, Virginia, Usa writes: "hi I drank a glass of water with a whole lemon in the morning on a empty stomach for 2 days, but I stop cause my stomach got bloated and hard I also got nausaus and a little bit constipated. I dont know if it was the side effect of it or not, also it seems now everytime I eat my stomach gets hard. Thank you"
Replies04/13/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Marisol, you should look into the GAPS diet. You can research this online and on youtube. The Dr. behind the diet says that often bloating is caused by fungus/ bad bacteria in the gut. Along with the diet she prescribes probiotics, digestive enzymes and fermented foods to heal the gut naturally."
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
[QUESTION] 03/31/2010: Mary from Lacey, Wa, Us writes: "Extreme Bloating
For the last year, I have dealt with constant hard bloating. I am fine first thing in the morning (after I have taken laxitives and physillium husk to be able to go to the restroom), but as soon as I eat something, and it doesn't matter how small it is, I start bloating and stay that way for the remainder of the day. When it first started, I had medical and decided to go to my doctor and after 2 CT scans, they still weren't able to help me with an idea why I have this problem. Next step was to see a gastroenterologist. Yep, you guessed it, got laid off from the state and wasn't able to have the tests done. I don't know what is going on, my boyfriend wants me to go see a doctor knowing that I don't have insurance, that and my dislike of doctors doesn't help.
I'm to the point that I don't want to eat, I don't want to go out in public, really dislike being asked if I'm pregnant, I would rather sleep than leave the house. I think that I have bought everything that I can think of to try and help but I also worry about taking so much that it makes what might be useful, null and void.
Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you"
03/31/2010: Angela from Springfield, Mo replies: "my husband has the same problem, gets bloated after eating. a friend of his recommended him to take digestive enzymes before eating and he started doing this. it has helped him so much. I'll let you know the brand name he is taking, even though I do not know if they will post it. rgarden maximizer, its all vegetarian, no animal products in it. I bought mine from iherb. it has 17 different plant based things in it to digest your food."
04/03/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines replies: "Hi Mary...I was bloated everyday for years. But this was just one of the symptoms of my candida problem. I had candida for over 7 years and didn't know it. Apart from bloating, my other symptoms were: eczma, psoriasis, hard painful stools, infrequent BM, constipation, bad athletes foot and jock itch. Virtually all of these ailments are fungal in nature and were caused by the candida in my body -- symptoms if you like. There are over twenty symptoms for candida, which can vary widely from person to person with the same candida.
The way I got rid of my candida was really based on two main remedies or protocols:
* Taking Ted's alkalizing lemon/lime or ACV with Baking Soda remedies 3 times a day. I also took Ted's simple BS with water remedy on its own occasionally to up my bicarbonate levels. See this link:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/alkalizing_formulas.html
* Taking at least two tablespoons of Virgin Coconut Oil every day. I usually took this in my coffee, throughout the day - one teaspoon of VCO in a cup of coffee, six times a day(= two tablespoons).See this link:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/coconut_oil2.html#CANDIDA
I also took blackstrap molasses for minerals and took my own blend of herbs just to support my liver and kidneys against the candida die-off effects throughout this period.
It took over a year to cure my candida and when I started this protocol, I felt much worse before it got better -- because of the Herx or candida die-off effects. But I stuck with it and it was well worth it. When the candida was gone, most of my "symptoms" -- including the bloating -- just disappeared altogether."
04/03/2010: Anis from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia replies: "Dear Bill, can we use regular, cheap baking soda from the store?"
04/04/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines replies: "Hi Anis...Here in the Philippines, I use ordinary store-bought baking soda -- Arm & Hammer brand -- which does not contain any other additives(I've checked on their website). It's never caused me any problems at all.
Store bought BS should be OK -- but just check the contents list on the BS first, just in case."
10/10/2010: Marnyfarn from Bedford, Tx replies: "I have suffered with chronic extreme bloating for years and years and had just about every diagnostic test known, but nothing explained my problem. I was unable to pass gas and it was very uncomfortable. I recently started soluble fiber and probiotics, and it has been like magic. I can pass gas and my stool is much more normal looking now than has been in a looooong time. I am pretty sure the probiotics did the trick. I got them over the counter at my local grocery store. Such a simple and cheap solution. I wish I had tried it much sooner. Good luck!"
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
[QUESTION] 10/12/2009: Shaunie from Saginaw, Michigan writes: "I am a 40 year old woman, My stomache started to become overly extended 4 months after the birth of my second child in August of 2002, My weight and my stomache size increased to the size of a 9 month pregnant female much of the weight started disappearing without effort in the summer of 2008 I lost 30 pounds without trying, I wasn't doing anything different. I had complained to my Doctors all my life about different problems i was having with my stomache. The Doctors had done many test over the past 4 years and just noticed this year that i had many enlarged lymphnodes and an enlarged spleen . What can i take or do to decrease the size of my stomache ? I still look like I may be at least 6 months pregnant now."
Replies10/13/2009: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, USA replies: "Hi Shaunie, I had my fifth child at 42 and had never had this experience until then. I had been a ballet dancer all my life and was very fit so I took it for granted when my body would just return to its fit state after my births. This time it was different- I completely lost my waistline, had a stomach that felt distended and no matter how much exercise, it would not go down. My husband would say to be patient, after all, it took 9 months to make the baby it was my fifth and she was the biggest baby I'd had- almost 10 lbs and I am small, 5'2". A year passed, then two, then three... I finally resigned myself to the fact that many women have this even after their first and I had been lucky... Then, after 4 years, I went to an acupuncturist of which I had not done in years. I went for totally unrelated reasons to this. I was actually going for my hips and how much mobility I'd lost after this birth. After the third session I was dressing and caught my reflection in the mirror- at first I thought I was imagining things and I went closer. My stomach had gone flat AND I had a waistline to boot! It is 5 years later and I have retained my waistline but I will periodically return to the acupuncturist when my stomach begins to feel that bloated feeling. My acupuncturist is really great and he has explained that it is the stomach that can cause so many seemingly unrelated problems. I just went 4 days ago after about 5 months of not going for this very reason. Anyway, I hope this info helps and that there is hope. Ask around and check the acupuncturist sites to find a well-qualified acupuncturist. Good luck."
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
[QUESTION] 10/04/2009: Redgypsey1 from Phoenix, Az, USA writes: "Bloating, fungus in throat
I was wondering if someone could please help me. In dec of 08 I had started gaining 3-5 lbs a week until I had gained 35-40 lbs. I can not seem to loose this weight. I went to see a Doctor and she did blood work said my thyroid was a little low. I am now on meds for that and I have HBP due to the weight gain.I feel this is not just a weight issue because I gained it to fast. I get so bloated. I noticed its worse when for instance I eat a piece of wh bread. No matter how hard I try I have not been able to loose even a lb. I stopped smoking 3 months ago with the help of chantix. But about a month ago my voice got very hoarse. I went to the doc the other day and he said I've got a fungus in my throat. I also have a problem with heartburn and sour stomach. Somehow I feel this is all related. After reading Earth clinic the majority of the day I feel possibly I have candida? The doctors just want to prescribe and perscribe. I did do ACV a couple of months ago but it bothered my stomach to much so I quit. I felt great but it didn't help with the bloating. Can you please help me try and figure out what could be wrong. Thanks Darlene"
Replies10/04/2009: Carolyn from Christchurch, New Zealand replies: "Lose Wheat...lose weight. Grains are fed to cattle to put weight on them. Grains are hard for humans to digest. Also, try taking 1 oz of colloidal silver 10ppm (parts per million) twice a day. Amazing for all sorts of difficulties. Also organic virgin coconut oil is another wonderful health treatment. You can look up both items on the web to find out the benefits."
10/04/2009: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, usa replies: "Without a doubt, you are dealing with some serious candida. Cut out all breads and sugar from your diet right away. That would be one way to begin. Go to the health food store and ask about some very good probiotics. Look at the ways people have gone about it on this site. You can go through some difficult times as you get rid of it but in the long run, your health will improve immensely. I'm a great believer that there are many people with problems due to candida but they don't realize that is the stem of the many problems it manifests. They can be extremely serious problems to including such things as ADD, mental problems, continual illnesses on a regular basis, etc. You can also google a lot of information. There are excellent sites on this subject. Hope this helps. And good luck."
10/04/2009: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, usa replies: "Hi again, your post was the first one up and I responded immediately since I have helped others rid themselves of this dreadful experience. But upon, scrolling down and reading there is a post about bloating from Rebekah in response to Saffi. She gives some very sound advice on this subject and I think you will feel relieved that she too had some of your problem. The other thing I would really try to do is get yourself off meds- that alone can help this condition fester. The medical community doesn't give much thought to this terrible condition. I had to help my own 23 year old daughter out of this dilemma when a doctor kept giving her antibiotics for a throat condition that you describe. I knew what it was but the dr. used such scare tactics on her she kept listening to his idiotic advice. Finally, she was so distraught since she was seeing no change that she gave into my advice. She insisted she stay with the antibiotics so I made her promise that she, simultaneously follow what I would recommend to see a change. It worked and now she understands the deep connection between what you eat and how you feel healthwise. She no longer eats dairy or sugar- something she craved desperately before and for many years in spite of my advice. Sometimes the worst experience is what it finally takes to make a change. Especially when the advice is coming from mom..."
EC: Rebekah's post to Saffi is here: http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/fluid_retention.html#DCE_32997
| Reply to this Thread | Email | Print | Back to Top |
1 |  |