BREATHE IN BEATHE OUT, GAS OUT?

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

So this is my first try at a health post, hope I did good 😊

(PLEASE READ TILL THE END, AND LEARN SOMETHING NEW 💓💓)

Lets talk about health today. How often do you take deep breaths? Deep breaths are in fact important. The Benefits. The many benefits of deep breathing include a reduction in stress and blood pressure, strengthening of abdominal and intestinal muscles and relief of general body aches and pains.

Deep abdominal breathing encourages full oxygen exchange — that is, the beneficial trade of incoming oxygen for outgoing carbon dioxide.
So basically, it helps clean or take out bad air from within and around you, interesting!

Deep breathing also promotes better blood flow, releases toxins from the body and aids in healthy sleep. 
These have to be my best benefits for deep breathing, here are my reasons:
1) Better blood flow: Fam, you're alive and reading this because you have blood flowing through you (your veins), and you're well because the blood is flowing properly, distributing needed materials to the parts of the body. If blood flow through you is disturbed in any way, let's just say there would be some issues. Honey, if taking deep breaths helps improve blood flow, breathe it!

2) Releasing toxins: This is one I've heard one too many times, thanks to my mum (Mam bam) lol. Toxins: A harmful waste substance. We naturally produce internal toxins simply by functioning. However, our bodies also have automatic processes in place to rid our bodies of these natural toxins and prevent build up. Also our bodies are constantly burning energy in order to rebuild tissue and replace worn out, dying cells, because of this overwhelming task, our bodies are also creating a fair amount of waste, or internal toxins, which we must break down, recycle and eliminate. Where toxins become dangerous is when this waste accumulates.
Because our bodies are always producing toxins, they never get a break to address the toxins that have built up. That is why we need to detoxify.

She (my mum) always says that children of my generation have their bodies filled with a lot of chemicals from preserved foods, junk food and of course the carbonated drinks. ''You need to detoxify your body from all the nonsense you eat'' she cries. Then she tries to coerce me into taking those 'mixtures of hers' ranging from carrot and cucumber juice to lime water (a post coming on this soon). The struggle is deep trust me. Those mixtures are not what you call enjoyable, but I know she just wants our wellbeing. You can imagine my joy when I learnt that deep breaths can help with detoxifying! Ok maybe not as extensive as these food supplements would, but atleast it definitely helps along with healthy eating and detoxifying.

3) Finally, good sleep: Now this has to be my favourite. Good sleep! There's nothing better bruv.
Especially after a good workout session, a nice bath, some good food or a very stressful day. A nice deep breath can open the door to that wonderful sweet sleep you desire.

Deep breaths are good, got that.

Here's another interesting fact about air intake. Did you know that there was such a thing as swallowing air?
Well there is! And its one of the causes of trapped gas in the tummy (this only happens while eating or dinking, it doesn't affect taking deep breaths)
How did I even know about this? My roommate's friend came into the room one night, tightly holding her tummy. I was really concerned until my roommate announced that her friend could be very dramatic (true) but I sill  wanted to know what was up with her. She said she felt like gas was stuck in her chest down to her tummy and she needed to burp it out. I, always wanting to help, felt helpless because I didn't know what to do, so I did a quick research and found this out.

 You can actually have gas trapped in your chest or tummy, gas feels like pressure in your lower stomach. Fear not, its not a moving baby-a baby moving feels like... well a baby moving.
Interesting fact--The average adult passes gas between 13 and 21 times a day (what?) Gas is a normal part of the digestion process. But if gas builds up in your intestines and you’re unable to expel it, you may start to feel pain and discomfort.

Gas pain & bloating can be exacerbated (worsened or aggravated) by anything that causes diarrhoea or constipation. Gas can also be caused by:
overeating
swallowing air while you eat or drink
gum chewing (oh nooooo, whyyy?)
smoking cigarettes
eating certain foods

GETTING RID OF GAS: How to get rid of gas
Often, your gas is caused by what you eat.For many people, changing dietary habits is enough to alleviate gas and its accompanying symptoms. One way to determine which foods are giving you gas is by keeping a food diary.  Common culprits include:
high-fibre food
foods with high fat content
fried or spicy food
carbonated beverages
artificial ingredients commonly found in low-carbohydrate and sugar-free products, such as sugar alcohol, sorbitol, and maltitol
beans and lentils
foods containing lactose, such as milk, cheese, and other dairy products

Although everyone experiences gas, some people are troubled by it more than others. At times, excessive gas can become uncomfortable or even painful. But some simple changes to your diet can provide gas relief and also aid digestion. You can also apply heat to your Belly. Besides being very soothing psychologically, heat helps to relax the muscles in your gut and inhibits pain sensations. You can use a heating pad, a hot water bottle or, if you are at home, you can try a hot bath.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGJkzuUe2zw

Preventions
Sit down during each meal and eat slowly.
Try not to take in too much air while you eat and talk.
Stop chewing gum.
Avoid soda and other carbonated beverages.
Avoid smoking.
Find ways to work exercise into your routine, such as taking a walk after a meal.
Eliminate foods known to cause gas.
Avoid drinking through straws.


Make an appointment with your doctor if your gas symptoms: cause you distress, change suddenly, are accompanied with constipation, diarrhoea, or weight loss. Your doctor can determine the underlying cause.

I am not a qualified doctor or dietitian, so for any medical remedies consult your doctor or dietitian. Wrong intake can cause further issues. Be smart dear, live healthy and live well!

References: google search, https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/get-rid-of-gas-pains-and-bloating#prevention, https://www.livestrong.com/article/92264-benefits-deep-breathing/, last but not the least 'my head .com' lol.

MUMS CAN BE VERY EMOTIONAL SOMETIMES. DO YOU HAVE SIMILAR EXPERIENCES WITH YOUR MUM? SHARE IN THE COMMENT SECTION!