Stomach this: Health and beauty tips for that troublesome gut

That cheese- and sauce-laden pizza sitting in the office lunchroom looks splendid. Too bad you can't even look at it without getting heartburn. However tempting, you pass up the fried chicken, too. We've all struggled with the difficult choice between satisfying our taste buds and preventing a long night of digestive discomfort. The stomach and digestive system are hard to ignore. Whether there's bloating and pain because of something you ate or emotional distress because of width, your belly demands attention. "Having a fit and attractive core - waistline, tummy - helps us to feel confident and good about ourselves," said Rayna McInturf, co-owner of Hoopnotica Inc. in Marina del Rey, Calif., which offers Hoopdance classes. "Having a strong core helps us maintain good posture and helps prevent back pain and injury." Heather Villarreal, clinical dietitian at Saddleback Memorial Center in Laguna Hills, Calif., said that carrying weight around the abdomen increases the risk of developing diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

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