Belly bloat happens to nearly everyone -- and when it strikes, it can make you look three months pregnant (cue the awkward questions), even if the number on the scale doesn't change, says Dr. Roshini Raj, MD, co-founder of Tula probiotic skin care line and board-certified gastroenterologist and internist.

Despite the steadfast scale digits, you can certainly feel like you've gained weight -- and have trouble slipping into your skinny jeans. "We all have air in our intestines," Raj explains. "But when you produce more air than usual, this causes the abdomen to distend, resulting in bloating."

If you're lucky (note the sarcasm), that extra gas can be accompanied by water retention, which will cause the scale to tip. How long you suffer from a bloated belly really depends on the person (and, of course, whether you follow these tips). "In some cases, the symptoms of bloating can disappear within a few hours. In other cases, bloating can last a few days," explains Raj. Here, how to get rid of bloating -- and look 10 pounds thinner, stat.

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The tip: Avoid cruciferous vegetables at all costs.

Why it works: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables can make you balloon, thanks to raffinose -- a sugar that is hard for the body to break down. In trying to do so, your body produces gas as a byproduct, which will make you bloat, says Raj.

It may be time to have a funeral for your kale (surprise: it's cruciferous!), which can be making you bloated, says Franci Cohen, NYC certified fitness trainer, nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Probably not what you had in mind when you chose that kale salad for lunch.

The tip: Go gaga for probiotics.

Why it works: Foods with probiotics, like yogurt, can help with bloating, says Raj. Why? According to Raj, probiotics restore the healthy balance of bacteria in your gut and help your body digest food more efficiently. One word of caution, though: If you're sensitive to dairy, yogurt could set off even more bloating. Instead, get your probiotics in pill or Kombucha form.

The tip: Work it out.

Why it works: When you're bloated, going to spin class or CrossFit is probably the last thing you want to do. Well, throw on a float-y, sweat-wicking top to cover your bloated belly and get your butt to the gym anyway. Exercise stimulates the digestive system and the bowels, explains Raj. This is a good thing, trust us.

Working out makes food and drink move through your system faster, getting rid of any bloat-causing gas in the process. A vigorous workout that activates the sweat glands also helps release any fluid you might be retaining. In fact, some doctors believe our sedentary lifestyle is a major culprit in chronic belly bloat. So put on your walking shoes and hit the pavement -- daily.

The tip: Calm your nerves.

Why it works: In a cruel twist of fate, stress can actually increase bloating. (So, stay calm if you're bloated and only have three days to fit into your bridesmaid dress).

Stress and anxiety release adrenaline into your system, which alters the way your body processes food. The result: stomach pain, indigestion and bloating. Raj recommends deep breathing, meditation or yoga to calm your mind -- and deflate your stomach.