De-bloat with yoga

It’s easy to overindulge when presented with delicious food and, while Rennie can help to relieve the symptoms of heartburn or indigestion after a heavy meal, that bloated feeling or even painful bloating can be harder to shift.

Thankfully, there are some very basic things you can do to help – with yoga being one of the best ways to combat any irritation.

Here are a few simple postures that will aid digestion and boost your energy so that you can combat bloating with confidence…

SUPINE TWIST (SUPTA MATSYENDRASANA)

Lying on your back, draw the right knee into the chest, extend the right arm out onto the floor and bring the left hand on the knee and guide it gently across your body, keeping both shoulder blades onto the floor.

Stay in this position for five to 10 breaths than complete it on the opposite side. This is a deeply detoxifying twist that gently massages the digestive system.

HERO POSE (VIRASANA)

As well as being great for stretching your quadriceps (the muscle group on the front of your thighs), shins and ankles, sitting upright like this with a long spine and torso provides the ideal stance for digestion and combating a bloated stomach. This move can also be performed on a specialist yoga block or a rolled up blanket to make it easier on any aching knees.

CAT/COW POSE

This posture involves standing on all fours. On the inhale, lift your tailbone up; arch your spine so the belly releases towards the floor as you squeeze the shoulder blades together. On the exhale, press the floor away as you reverse the movement and round your back towards the ceiling. Repeat for a few rounds of breath this wavelike movement. The Cat/Cow pose reduces belly bloat as it contracts the abdominal region.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

Good technique and proper breathing is vital to ensuring you get the full benefits of the workout and also helps you avoid injuries.

Take things slowly to begin with and do not overexert yourself, make sure you are comfortable with the basics before moving on to the more advanced moves.

If you don’t feel entirely comfortable in your abilities, then consult with a professional who will be able to offer you expert advice tailored to your unique needs.