15 High-Tech Gadgets You Need in Your Living Room

Stephanie Chon
Apr 22, 2015

A couple weeks ago, we told you exactly what high-tech gadgets you need for your bedroom. And it seems like you really liked that, so now we’re making our way around the house and figuring out how you can trick out each and every room. The next stop on this tech pad tour is what might be the very heart and soul of your apartment or house — your living room.

1. Welcome: Moms and Dads, tell us if this sounds familiar: You always tell the kids to text you as soon as they get home from school…. then you panic like crazy when you don’t get their text by 3:30 sharp. Welcome is here to ease your nerves. It’s a home surveillance device that uses facial recognition technology and sends you a notification when familiar faces arrive home. Not only that — it also notifies you when an unfamiliar face appears… but let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

2. SPIN Remote ($92): The average household has at least three remotes that control three different devices. SPIN is about giving you the ability to control multiple devices with just a single remote. So kick those feet up on the coffee table; switching on the ceiling fan while flipping through TV channels is now possible.

3. DIY Thirsty Plant Kit ($32): This solar-powered device lets you know when your plants need H2O. If you’re having trouble putting it together, we got you. Here are some easy step-by-step instructions to follow.

4. Point ($79): If the Welcome facial recognition device wasn’t really your type of home security, perhaps Point is. Point looks like a smoke detector, but besides detecting smoke it can also detect shattering windows, unusually high noise levels and potential mold growth on your walls. So if someone is smoking in the bathroom or someone broke a window, Point will notify you via the mobile app.

5. Prizm ($119): Context is everything — especially when it comes to music. Prizm is like that cool friend who always knows just the right tunes to play at the right time. When you wake up, Prizm can play your chill Pandora station. When you get home from work, it’ll play your Rihanna Spotify. To further calibrate it, hit the heart button to tell it that you like a song so it can find other stations that you love. If you put one of these babies in your living room, the mood will always be set.

6. Organic LED Lights ($9,000): Alright, so unless you recently got a super generous tax return, you’re likely not going to spring for OLEDs. But Phillips is planning on getting the price down by 2017. Here’s why we’re willing to wait: These thin, flexible lights use half the energy that a standard fluorescent light fixture does. So in the long run, you’ll be saving lots on your PG&E bills and better yet, you’ll be helping the planet.

7. Relay ($300): Instantly turn your smart home into a genius home by adding this phablet-looking device to your living room’s light switch. Relay brings all your smart home gadgets together in a single hub where you can control everything.

8. RoomAlive ($1,000): Why sit down and in front of a TV screen when you can bring a game to life? Yup, it’s time to put away the controller and start running around yourself! Fight bad guys by slapping them on your walls or punching them off the living room couch. Microsoft’s RoomAlive is not yet available, but we’re hoping when it does make its debut that the price will go down.

9. Echo ($199): As your personal home assistant, Echo blows Siri out of the talking-tech waters. Created by Amazon, Echo can play all your favorite playlists, add groceries to a list on your tablet and even answer all the kids’ homework questions. To activate your Echo, simply say the wake word, “Alexa,” and ask or command away.

10. NEO + NEO PRO ($35-$40): Made by Ankuoo, NEO is the perfect smart outlet to have, not just in your living room, but everywhere in the house. Once you plug your devices into the NEO outlet, you have total control of those gadgets. So if you forgot to turn off a light downstairs but you’re already comfy in bed, you can turn it off via the NEO app (free on iOS and Android). As for the NEO PRO, you’ll get the calculations of how much electricity you’ve been using from a single outlet so that you can better conserve.

11. EcoSmart Fire (prices vary): A high-tech living room is not complete without a sleek fireplace, amirite? EcoSmart Fire has bioethanol fireplace inserts that are quick and easy to install and don’t require gas or electricity connections. You don’t need to do any clearance work because all the fireplaces will automatically fit in any existing fireplace cavity. The coolest part is that you won’t need a chimney, because bioethanol doesn’t produce any smoke.

12. Sling TV ($20): This might be the cheapest addition to your living room, and it might end up being the most used. Provided by Dish Network, Sling TV gives you access to live shows from 12 popular television channels for $20 per month. You’re not held to any contracts and you don’t need any extra devices or any extra remotes (not that remotes would be an issue with SPIN). You can even pause and rewind live shows on top of recording up to eight shows at once. Take. Our. Money. Dish.

13. Notti Smart Light ($80): Does it always feel like your phone is on silent at all the wrong times? With the Notti Smart Light, not only can you decorate your living room with Kryptonite-looking lamps, but they will light up to notify you of incoming calls, texts, emails, Twitter updates, WhatsApp alerts and any other IFTTT activity. You’ll be able to distinguish between the notifications by setting different colored lights for each one. Now your friends will finally stop nagging you to answer your phone.

14. Muji Air Purifier ($310): Who says charcoal can only purify your water? This little air filter sucks up dust, pollen, dander and even mites. Then, it filters out the bad air through three layers of activated charcoal and shoots out the clean air through the top. The coolest feature is the jet air setting that recognizes you’re vacuuming around the house and then bumps the fan’s speed up to it max for 30 minutes to give you air that’s as clean as your carpets afterwards. (Photo via Design Milk)

15. Scout DIY Home Security ($29-$169): So you’ve got littleBits doing their thang around the house and Nest is keeping it all together, but do you feel like your smart house is missing something? How about a home alarm system that you customize? From motion sensors to door panels, Scout has a variety of sensors that are all monitored via the Scout hub and app. So not only can you monitor your front door and windows, but you can also keep track of cabinets and closet doors.

What do you want to add to your high tech living room? Which device would be most useful for you? Let’s talk tech in the comments!

The Ninja Creami Is The Most Iconic Kitchen Appliance I’ve Ever Had

I’ve been living in blissful ice cream heaven for the past month. And though I could easily scamper on over to my neighborhood gelato spot or stock up on summer’s best frozen treats, I’ve been lazily crafting my own inside – courtesy of the Ninja Creami.

If you’ve been literally anywhere on the internet recently, you know that the Creami Craze has truly taken over. Everyone from food-fluencers to gym girlies have been basking in its glory – sharing recipes left and right for ice creams, sorbets, and even frozen cocktails. I admittedly thought the appliance was way too good to be true, and resumed my scrolling in favor of FoodTok and ‘fit checks for a while.

I didn’t realize the sheer magic this thing was capable of until I was thoughtfully gifted one to simply try out. Turns out, the influencers *aren’t* lying about its greatness. From my experience, here’s 5 surefire reasons why you need the Ninja Creami in your kitchen.

Reason 1: It's faster than fast.

The Creami gave me that instant gratification I crave from all cooking projects, no matter what I was making. The paddle tears through frozen-solid liquids in a matter of seconds, resulting in a dangerously thick, velvety ice cream consistency. I’m still in awe (and honestly, a tad confused) about how this thing works – because a blender could definitely *not* do what the Creami does. Perhaps it’s the mystery that keeps me going back.

Reason 2: It's hilariously easy to use.

Because all you have to do to form a fantastically frozen treat is freeze it first and press a few buttons. No, really, a literal monkey could operate the Ninja Creami. There were several times since I got the Creami that my ice cream hankering got so strong, I felt a borderline *astral* draw towards my nearest Sonic – but thankfully didn’t need to lift a finger. I remembered the dismally forgotten Creami bowl in the back of my freezer. From there, all it took was a few minutes to achieve better-than-Sonic-level ice cream. Boom.

Reason 3: It saved me a significant amount on my ice cream bill.

This means the demented dessert demon that arises within me every night once Sweet Treat O’ Clock hits was suppressed from spending money anywhere ice cream is sold. I was able to use ingredients I already had at home to batch out my Creami creations – averaging around 3 servings per bowl. A bang for your buck *and* delicious as can be? You simply cannot deny the deal.

Related: Best Ice Cream Maker

Here are the recipes I’ve made so far, with prices for each ingredient included. I’ve also noted the cost per serving, accounting for the average of 3 servings a bowl. A *steal* rather than a deal, methinks!

Reason 4: Healthy dessert has *never* been easier.

Social media has given us an endless stream of easy, high-protein, low-calorie Ninja Creami recipes to try out, so there’s no excuse to *not* make yummy desserts that are actually good for your health. If you’re paradoxical in nature like me (love to eat healthy, but have a serious sweet tooth), it’s time to hop on the Creami bandwagon. The first and foremost reason being this Cosmic Brownie Protein Ice Cream that has 42 grams of protein for only 297 calories. Mind = blown.

Reason 5: It's so customizable.

Image generated via StableDiffusion

Whether your cravings fluctuate from chocolatey to fruity, there’s a Creami recipe out there for you. I found each batch to lend itself to customization with the easy-peasy Mix-In button on the appliance. I added Oreos and cookie dough to my creations, but have plans to experiment with my go-to candies, M&M’s and Reese’s.

What are your most favorite Ninja Creami recipes? Let us know @BritandCo!

Header image via Ninja

Kitchen GadgetsKitchen ToolsNinja Creamicreamifood trendsfrozen dessertfrozen treatsgadgetsgelatohomemade ice creamice creamkitchen applianceninja creamitoolskitchen appliances

Mandy Teefey’s Go-To Hack Will Make Social Media Suck Less

We all have big feelings. And thanks to social media and rising levels of anxiety, those feelings, well, feel bigger than ever. That’s exactly where resources like Wondermind come in. The self-proclaimed “mental health ecosystem” is all about exploring, discussing, and navigating our emotions together. This Mental Health Awareness Month, Wondermind wants you to live your mental health journey in community because Mandy Teefey, who co-founded the company with daughter Selena Gomez, knows what it’s like to walk that journey alone.

Image via Wondermind

“As I went through a very long journey of finding I did have a mental health diagnosis — and then I was misdiagnosed and then I had to go through that — I was blessed to have the resources to do that,” Teefey, who received an ADHD and trauma diagnosis after a 20-year bipolar misdiagnosis, says. “Whenever I started my journey of discovering what mental condition I had…I didn't have anybody to lean into or explain the way I was feeling.”

While these personal experiences helped Teefey better understand mental health, it wasn’t until she produced Netflix’s 2017 series 13 Reasons Whythat she saw just how far the mental health conversation goes. The hit show went viral almost as soon as it aired because of its realistic depiction of mental health and all the aftershocks of trauma.

“After we did 13 Reasons Why and saw the reaction and the need for that support, me and Selena were trying to really figure out what could be next,” Teefey says. “Everybody was releasing things [at] different times. It's like you have to have 12 apps to have a program, and then remember to use them all. So that's when we decided to create a mental fitness ecosystem. So it's all-encompassing, but there's something for everyone.”

“We're not a medicinal company [but] we do have an advisory committee that oversees everything that we do,” Teefey continues. “We're technically not doctors, but we are for everyone when it comes to feelings. Everybody has feelings and they can go to our content hub and just kind of explore that for a while.”

Image via Brit + Co

Admittedly, that exploration bit is pretty fun. The articles are inspiring, and the worksheets (which are each created by an expert) are incredibly helpful. Seeing every program, article, and podcast episode feels like an opportunity to start fresh, but once you have all the ideas in front of you, what do you actually do? Teefey recommends journaling, even if it’s just a sentence every day. (She also loves watching journaling videos from Planning Annie: “Anytime I'm feeling sad or like a little unmotivated, I put her on.”)

Journaling every day, even if your entries are short, allows you to track your mood over an extended period of time. If you notice a consistent sadness, for example, it could be a sign it’s time to check in with your doctor. Plus, journaling can help prepare you for the conversations mental health appointments bring up.

“Sometimes if you go into a therapy session and you're not really settled or concrete in who you are and what may be going on, you might go through what I went through, which is being misdiagnosed,” Teefey says. “It's more important for you to know who you are and what you need prior to going in. So you can give that to them instead of them guessing and working around that process with you.”

Image via Brit + Co

Establishing a consistent routine can help decrease your stress, whether you’re eating the same breakfast every day, or you stick to a tried and true skincare regimen like Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie does on Euphoria. I immediately thought of this teen drama when Mandy Teefey mentioned how important her 4 a.m. routine is. But while Cassie spends time doing her skincare and makeup, Teefey spends time nurturing her soul.

“If I don't have [that routine], I'm usually really off kilter,” she says. “So I get up at 4 when everyone's still asleep, and I found that time could be about me, and I'm not taking it away from anybody. And so that's really what helped me be more grounded throughout the day.”

I can attest that my own quiet time in the morning is vital for a successful day — as is knowing what my boundaries need to be. Because honestly, boundaries can change daily! Teefey and I both acknowledge we have to stay away from sad music to protect our mental health, and she also recommends staying off social media when you feel your mental health struggling.

“I can go three days without looking at social media and then when I go on there, I start having anxiety because I'm like, ‘Oh my gosh, I haven't liked this person. I haven't even liked our own pictures [for] Wondermind.’ And then I start feeling guilty,” she says. “There's just some kind of [expectation] to do social media and you really don't. Not everybody needs to know everything, you know? There's beauty in privacy.”

Even Selena Gomez admitted at the 2024 Time100 Summit that taking time off Instagram "was the most rewarding gift I gave myself."

Image via Brit + Co

The idea of staying off social media is way easier said than done (speaking from first hand experience here). If you feel like you’re drowning in engagement announcements, anxiety-inducing news, and FOMO, Teefey recommends keeping tabs on your reactions to gauge when it’s time to take a serious break.

“If it invokes any emotion that is a negative emotion, I [know] it's not worth being angry about, it's not worth losing sleep about,” she says. “It just feels like there's an unintentional taunting on social media and, ‘Wait a minute, is that about me?’ You don't know this person and then you start running with all this stuff in your mind.”

Like every area of life, social media is all about balance, and if you’re looking to unplug while still staying informed, Mandy Teefey recommends bringing a journal with you when doing your morning news scroll — that way, you can process emotions while keeping tabs on what’s happening. “If anything evokes emotion, I'm meditating during the quiet time,” she says.

Studies have found journaling can help decrease your anxiety, and that it can help you break obsessive thought cycles. And while you’re the only one who can process your thoughts and emotions, it’s important not to isolate yourself from your community — especially when you’re struggling. “You gotta build trust and you gotta build the boundary of who you volunteer [your] help to,” she says.

When it comes to her own daughters, Mandy Teefey knows it’s a process. “You have to work with them and meet them where they're at, and then see the help they need and don't assume [they’re going through] what you went through,” she says. “You've got to really understand them to be able to give that advice.”

Image via Natalie Rhea

In her own life, Mandy Teefey got to experience building that trust first-hand with Selena Gomez! “One time it was very, very cold in California and me and Selena were on the opposite sides of the pool,” she says. “We were in sweats and she says, ‘Do you trust me?’ And I went, ‘Yeah.’ And she goes ‘Okay, if you trust me, on three, we're gonna jump in this ice cold pool.’”

While Teefey wasn’t convinced, she trusted Gomez, and they both ended up in the freezing cold water! Which is both a funny story and a fond memory: “We couldn't get out of the pool because [our clothes were] so heavy. It was madness!”

“There's a lot of things I know my daughters don't tell me and that's their right,” she continues. “It's so sensitive between teenagers — especially teenagers — and their parents. They're going through that phase and they don't want to be around them and they don't wanna tell them things. It's definitely not easy but maybe put some feelers out there and just make sure that they know you're there and make it okay to have these conversations.”

Thanks to all this actionable advice, we know that Mental Health Awareness month isn’t limited to TikTok videos or Instagram posts we can reshare. There are real tips we can use to take care of ourselves — and a place to go when we need a boost.

Watch Our Full Interview With Mandy Teefey Here!

youtu.be

Wondermind Co-Founder Mandy Teefey Helps Us Navigate Big Feelings For Mental Health Awareness Month

If you're struggling with your mental health, check in with your doctor or check out the mental health resources Wondermind offers. You can also use Psychology Today to find a therapist near you.

Lead image via Getty

interviewtechsocial mediamental health

3 Types Of Lighting For The Perfect Ambiance

All over TikTok, people are adding small lamps in places they need a little extra light like the kitchen counter, bathroom vanity, and bedrooms. Overhead lighting is out and small lamps are back.

“We never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever turn on the big light.”

It’s a popular audio on TikTok, and a rule for life. The big light is, of course, the blinding, singular source of overhead light in any given room. Some are attached to a fan, others aren’t. They’re bright, far-reaching, and usually overkill.

Design Makers + Breakers: Lights

Image via B+C

Many designers will say that harsh overhead lighting is a common faux pas. It creates unnecessary shadows and can feel sterile and aggressive.

This TikTok audio is usually accompanied by stunning shots of romantically-lit homes, low-light lamps, decorative lights, and dreamy interiors. The trend points to an important lesson in interior design: lighting matters.

All over TikTok, people are adding small lamps in places they need a little extra light like the kitchen counter, bathroom vanity, and bedrooms. So is overhead lighting out and small lamps back?

First, let’s discuss the different types of lighting each room needs and why they’re important.

​Types of Lighting Each Room Needs

Image via Francesca Tosolini/Unsplash

There are three main types of lighting that each room needs: ambient, accent, and task.

Ambient

Ambient is usually overhead, like that annoying one on your fan, but could also be recessed lighting, chandeliers, or sconces. While these kinds of lights are needed for general purpose, the trick is to make them dimmable. Having control over just how bright your ambience lights are, and having the ability to adjust based on the time of day makes all the difference.

Accent

Accent lighting is also important for creating cozy spaces within a room, for example, defining the living room from the dining room. Think little, table lamps, and picture, track, and up lights. They are used to highlight a specific piece of art or accompany a sitting area.

Task

Lastly, task lighting is just what it sounds like: lights you use when doing something specific. For example, the lights above your bathroom sink, pendants over the kitchen island, or a standing lamp next to your favorite reading chair. These are usually necessary aside from your design skills.

The key is to have a mixture of these three light sources. They each have their own role and add to the ambiance of a space. Most homes inherently have ambient lighting. When you move in, they’re there. And most people add task lighting for essential light where you need it. But accent lighting is often overlooked.

The Trendy Little Lamp

Which brings us back to the trendy “little lamp.” Those small, vintage-style lamps on kitchen counters, bedside tables, or playrooms are the accent lighting addition all of our homes have been craving. It rounds out the room and completes the dynamic design. No wonder we love them.

And perhaps after three years of living in our homes non-stop, we’ve learned the power of romanticizing one’s life. Turning in for the night and “closing the kitchen” by the light of a small lamp is infinitely more appealing than the horror of full light on the situation. The low lighting calls for more intimacy and a slower pace.

​Why You Need One

Image via Urban Outfitters

Creating rituals in your home is what will make you feel centered and connected to it. The simple act of going around to turn lights on or off can signal something more than just the need for light: the starting or ending of a work day, a beloved nighttime tradition, or the peace of knowing sleep is coming soon. Like making yourself a special drink to unwind or playing your favorite comfort TV show, keeping just the little lamps on can be a similar treat after a long day.

Plus, these lamps are so affordable. The small size and basic structure makes them unremarkable and easy to find. I’ve thrifted a few for under $15 and found some favorites on Amazon for under $50. If you’re looking for a classic pleated lampshade, this one is a gem.

Look around your home and ask yourself, what type of lighting do I have in here? Odds are, you’re missing one.

What's your favorite type of lighting? Let us know in the comments and check out our email newsletter for more home hacks.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

decorlampdecor trendstiktokkitchenliving roombedroomurban outfittersamazonhome

Ryan Gosling Is The Ultimate Girl Dad

After The Gray Man and a year full of Barbie and Ken, The Fall Guy (plus the upcoming Ocean's 11 prequelwith Margot Robbie) continues to prove Ryan Gosling is THE definition of a star. And between his friendship with Emma Stone and his relationship with Eva Mendes,Ryan seems like the kind of guy we'd all want to be best friends with — and not just because of his endless #Kenergy.

Not only is Ryan the sweetest partner, he's also the ultimate girl dad to daughters Esmeralda and Amada. Their "interest in Barbie and disinterest in Ken," as Ryan tells People, get him to Barbieland in the first place, but he also just revealed they "asked specifically" he avoid one The Fall Guy stunt. “My kids didn't want me to be set on fire,” he says. “Even though I said, ‘Well, it's actually, technically the safer thing to do because there's a lot of protective stuff involved, [they] were like, ‘No. No fire.’ So I didn't do it.”

It's clear that Ryan Gosling's children are spitfires and I love to see it! Here's everything you need to know about Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids.

How many children do Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have?

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have two children, Esmerelda Amada and Amada Lee. Amada was named after Eva's grandmother — both my sister and I have family names and I love seeing the way different families carry on that tradition!

How old are Ryan Gosling's kids?

Image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

Esmerelda was born in September 2014, meaning she'll turn 10 this fall. Amada just turned 8 at the end of April!

How does Ryan Gosling prioritize his kids?

Image via Lionsgate

In his recent profile with WSJ, Ryan Gosling revealed he only picks roles that will benefit his whole family. "I don't really take roles that are going to put me in some kind of dark place," Ryan says. "The decisions I make, I make them with Eva and we make them with our family in mind first."

"I think La La Landwas the first," he continues. "It was sort of like, 'Oh this will be fun for them too, because even though they're not coming to set, we're practicing piano every day or we're dancing or we're singing.'"

Every couple needs to figure out what prioritizing their kids looks like for them, and considering how much I love all Ryan's recent roles, I'd say this is a shift that benefits everyone ;).

When did Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have their daughters?

Image via Andrew Toth/Getty Images for New York & Company

Eva Mendes gave birth to Esmerelda on September 12, 2014 and later had Amada on April 29, 2016.

Are Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes still together?

Image via Sonia Recchia/Getty Images

Yes, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are still going strong, and thank goodness. Eva just revealed that Ryan provides a ton of support for her. "When I was 40, it was a big deal for people when I was pregnant, and it wasn't for me," she tells People. "And then I was 42 and I was pregnant with my second one and people were like, 'Oh my God, you're going to be so tired. That's why people have kids in their 20s.' I was like, that's the most sorry, asinine thing I've ever heard."

"[Ryan supports me] in all the ways I need to be supported," she continues. "He's got me in all the ways."

How has fatherhood affected Ryan Gosling?

Image via Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Considering Ryan Gosling's daughters are such a huge part of his life now, it's hard to believe that earlier in life, he wasn't sure he wanted kids. "After I met Eva, I realized that I just didn’t want to have kids without her," he tells GQ. "And there were moments on The Place Beyond the Pines where we were pretending to be a family, and I didn’t really want it to be pretend anymore." Now, I'm going to need you to pause and reread that quote because I can't believe that's a real sentence. I'm obsessed!

A source also told People in 2023 that "Ryan is such a fun dad. He is goofy and his girls love it."

Via WSJ, we also know that since Ryan Gosling's kids have started learning Spanish, they now call him Papi. "It kills me every time," he says. "There's just nothing, nothing better than that."

What has Eva Mendes said about their daughters?

Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram

Eva Mendes is just as obsessed with her and Ryan Gosling's children as he is, and she's talked about how they make life so much better. "Oh April…I have such a complicated relationship with you," she says on Instagram. "[April 2] would have been my brother’s birthday…..in a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him…but then, the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more."

Check out our email newsletter for the latest celebrity news and trending content, and check back here for the latest news on Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids!

Lead image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

familypop culturerelationshipryan goslingcelebrity

Dealing With Stubborn Bloating? An Expert Shares How To Banish It

Bloating is a common digestive issue that can make you feel sluggish, uncomfortable, and self-conscious. While bloating is often caused by overeating, there are other factors that can contribute to this uncomfortable sensation, such as consuming gas-producing foods or experiencing hormonal changes.

The thing is that bloating happens to the best of us so it doesn't mean you're weird if you haven't figured out what's causing your tummy issues. Between weight fluctuations and hormonal changes post-birth, I still haven't cracked the 'happy digestive system' code. But, that lack of knowledge is no match for the expertise of Dr. Brynna Connor, MD — a Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWest Pharmacy.

Based in Austin, Texas where she has her own private practice, Dr. Connor is a member of the Texas Academy of Family Practice, the American Academy of Family Practice, and the Texas Medical Association. In other words, she has nearly two decades worth of medical experience that makes her the right person to answer all our "How to get rid of bloating" questions.

Whether you're dealing with the occasional bloat or chronic digestive issues, Dr. Connor has expert tips to help you find relief and get back to enjoying healthy meals that your body loves.

How can I tell if I'm bloated?

Image via Polina Zimmerman/Pexels

Before I became a mom, it was easy for me to recognize the immediate signs of bloating. I only experienced it during PMS and the week of my cycle, but it always went away for a few weeks. Not only that, I used to be able to pinpoint which foods were the culprit of horrific period cramps and the inevitable gassiness that seemed to make my cycles 10x worse. Now, things are up in the air and I'm joining the ranks of other curious women who want to know what's considered bloating.

Dr. Connor says, "There are various symptoms a woman may experience if she’s bloated. Bloating may make you feel like your stomach is tight or full and can cause abdominal pain, swollen/distended stomach, flatulence, belching, and/or stomach cramps. It’s not uncommon to experience multiple symptoms of bloating at once."

I don't think I need to mention just how uncomfortable things can feel when experiencing multiple bloating symptoms.

What triggers bloating symptoms?

Image via cottonbro studio/Pexels

I mentioned my daily cycle as one of the reasons I knew I used to experience bloating, but there are more things that can trigger it. "Bloating occurs when your gastrointestinal or digestive system(s) are filled with gas or liquid and there are six common potential causes," says Dr. Connor.

She lists having gas as one of the first reasons. "It’s normal to experience symptoms of excess gas, especially after eating and/or drinking as you may have also swallowed small amounts of air. Certain factors may increase the likelihood that you experience bloating after eating, such as chewing gum, drinking carbonated beverages, and/or eating or drinking too fast."

Hearing this reminds me of the moments I was told to slow down when eating my food as a little girl.

Image via Maksim Goncharenok/Pexels

There's also the chance that you have a food intolerance. I only speak for myself when I say that I'm only able to consume dairy in small increments and tomato sauce? Well, I can just forget that because lately my stomach skips bloating and heads right to nausea. What gives, you ask?

Dr. Connor says, "You can experience bloating if your digestive system has trouble breaking down certain foods. Common food intolerances that can lead to bloating include lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and/or fructose intolerance." Feeling mind-blown about possibly having a fructose intolerance? Same here, but Dr. Connor explains what happens when our body breaks down certain foods.

"There are also chemicals found in particular foods that can increase the chances of bloating after they’re ingested, including histamine (found in wine and cheese), caffeine, alcohol, sulfites (found in beer and wine), and monosodium glutamate (MSG – found in ripe fruit and cured meat)," she says.

If you're hearing someone play the world's smallest violin, it's me mourning the fact that my two greatest loves — wine and cheese — may not be the best things to consume together.

Image via Miriam Alonso/Pexels

I can say it's been a while since I've been constipated, but only because my doctor all but demanded that I start taking probiotics and eating more probiotic-rich foods. Still, it always sucks when constipation happens which explains the bloating that tends to follow.

"When your large intestine absorbs too much water from your stool, it becomes harder and more difficult to pass. The resulting buildup of stool in your colon can lead to bloating, swelling, and stomach/abdominal pain, and you’re particularly susceptible to constipation if you’re not getting enough fiber, water, or exercise. Changes to your daily routine or an increased level of stress can also contribute to constipation and bloating," says Dr. Connor.

Somehow this is oddly comforting to know that stress can also be a culprit.

Image via Karolina Grabowska/Pexels

Like I mentioned before, starting your period is one of the reasons you can experience bloat. What Dr. Connor says next will occupy a space in your mind if you're never considered what happens during that special time of the month.

"Certain hormones, like estrogen, can cause your body to hold onto water, which can cause swelling in the abdomen. Estrogen can also interact with progesterone in your digestive system, leading to increased gas in your intestines. Bloating prior to your period may also be caused by the increase in volume in your uterus just before your period starts," she says.

Image via Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

I've been prescribed different medications after two of my surgeries and found that I experienced unusual bloating that led to horrific cycles. Dr. Connor says there's a reason why certain medications or supplements can cause this to happen.

"...fiber supplements can cause bloating or constipation when the supplement isn’t taken with enough water. Other medications that can lead to bloating and/or constipation include opioids like hydrocodone or oxycodone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, iron supplements, and antihistamines like Benadryl," she offers.

Although I no longer take Benadryl, I can confirm I experienced a ton of bloating when trying to combat my allergies.

Image via cottonbro studio/Pexels


Lastly, Dr. Connor says there could be underlying medical reason you're experiencing bloating. "People living with gastrointestinal diseases like Celiac Disease, an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to experience bloating, excess gas, and constipation."

She also says, "Underlying liver disease or cancers can also cause bloating in the abdomen, which is why you should talk to your doctor if you are experiencing prolonged symptoms associated with bloating, or if you’re having any additional symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, or pelvic pain, blood in your stool, difficulty swallowing, or any excess fatigue or unexplained weight loss."

What are some ways to reduce bloating in general and during PMS/menstrual cycles?

Image via KoolShooters/Pexels

Dr. Connor says managing bloating can depend on what's triggering your symptoms. It's always best to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you concerned about your digestive health, but there are things you can do at home to provide some relief.

"At-home solutions include over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Gas-X or antacids that can be taken together or separately. Probiotics can also help reduce gas and restore the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. Herbal remedies like peppermint, chamomile tea, or turmeric, can aid digestion, and peppermint oil can help relax muscles in the stomach that aid in the passing of gas."

She also suggests that you increase your fiber intake, incorporate exercise in your routine, and stay hydrated.

By taking steps to reduce bloating, you can improve your overall health and feel more comfortable in your daily life.

Want more health tips? Sign up for our email newsletter!

This post has been updated.

Header photo by Anete Lusina/ PEXELS

healthy livinghealth issueshealth advicehealth tipsbloatinghealth