Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (111 page)

Eating too much salt and not drinking enough water.

Food intolerances. These can cause water retention. Wheat and dairy are common culprits.

Stress. This leads to poor digestive function, meaning food will sit in the gut for longer than it should. Fermentation, putrefaction, and gas are the result.

Not chewing your food really well. This results in an increase of bacteria and yeast, which produce gas.

Strenuous exercise right after a meal.

Action plan

The following plan should help aid digestion.

EAT/DRINK

Warm water. Drink a glass of room-temperature water before meals and only take little sips or no sips at all during meals to avoid bloating. Ice-cold water will give you gas. Drink half a gallon daily. You need to drink more, not less, if you have water retention and bloating to help your body dilute the salt in your tissues and allow you to excrete more salt and fluid.

Celery, which contains sodium and potassium needed for water balance.

Chicory, which contains prebiotics that feed the good bacteria in the gut.

Miso, which contains enzymes to aid proper digestion.

Raw sauerkraut, which contains enzymes and beneficial bacteria to aid digestion.

Brown rice and millet, which contain fiber to encourage good bacteria and improve bowel function generally.

Ground flax seeds, which contain a mucilaginous fiber that soothes and lubricates the intestines. Pop in a smoothie.