Common Causes Of Bloating
There are myriad things that contribute to bloat, including busy schedules and the convenience of a quick takeout mealboth of which can make it difficult to stay on track. Then there are the other factors that may lead to bloating, like dehydration, constipation, and PMS, all of which can leave you stuck with an uncomfortable stomach despite your best efforts.
Among the most common causes of bloating are excess intestinal gas, usually caused by digestive issues or even just your monthly cycle.
The Role Of Gas Handling And Clearance
Rather than excessive gas production, it seems more likely that altered or dysfunctional gas handling and clearance are to blame. Intestinal transit is altered in patients who experience bloating their prokinetics and colonic transit times are slower than those of healthy individuals,22 and distension directly correlates with transit times. The positive effect of prokinetics on bloating is testament to this. Furthermore, the proximal clearance of gas appears to be impaired in these patients, resulting in increased residual gas following attempted evacuation. This is most likely the consequence of altered reflex modulation of gas clearance.23
How To Get Rid Of Gas Naturally
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and drink right before a meal. This can help to relieve digestive conditions including acid reflux and heartburn by boosting healthy bacteria and acid in the gut.
Try switchel, a fermented drink made from apple cider vinegar, fresh ginger, real maple syrup and water. You can use natural sparkling water to add some fizz to the drink that may help you belch some of the gas in your system. Fresh ginger is known for combatting nausea, promoting digestion and protecting against stomach ulcers.
2. Clove Oil
Add 25 drops of clove essential oil to eight ounces of water to reduce bloating and gas. It may also help other digestive problems like indigestion, motion sickness and hiccups.
3. Activated Charcoal
Take 2 to 4 tablets of activated charcoal just before eating and again one hour after a meal to relieve gas pains. Activated charcoal may help relieve symptoms including flatulence, bloating and distention of the abdomen by eliminating gas trapped in the colon.
4. Digestive Enzymes
Take a full-spectrum digestive enzyme supplement as recommended. Look for a high-quality supplement that contains lactase to breakdown lactose in dairy, lipase to breakdown fats, amylase to breakdown starches and protease to breakdown proteins. For further digestive support, look for one with ginger and peppermint that also support healthy gut function.
5. Probiotics
6. Fennel Essential Oils
7. Asafoeida
Read Also: Does Putting An Ice Pack On Your Stomach Burn Fat
Make Friends With Digestive Enzymes
In a pinch, digestive supplements containing ingredients like amylase, lipase, protease, or HCL might help get rid of bloating quickly. These key ingredients are meant to aid the digestive process and can reduce gas production. Incorporating a high-quality capsule of digestive enzymes before big meals can make a world of difference in reducing bloating.
Essentially, enzymes are meant to aid your body’s natural digestion to better break down the food you consume and to minimize indigestion and, in turn, excess bloating and gas. Snyder likes Solluna’s Feel Good Digestive Enzymes . Hum’s Flatter Me supplement, $26, with a blend of 18 enzymes, also promises bloat relief.
Can Bloating Be Prevented Or Avoided
There are many ways to prevent and avoid bloating:
- Avoid the foods that are known to cause gas. These include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, turnips, beans, and lentils.
- Avoid chewing gum.
- Avoid using straws for drinking.
- Reduce or avoid drinking carbonated drinks .
- Reduce or avoid eating and drinking foods that include fructose or sorbitol. These artificial sweeteners are often found in sugar-free foods.
- Eat more foods high in fiber to prevent constipation. If foods alone dont help, consider taking a fiber supplement.
- Avoid dairy products if you notice they cause gas and bloating.
Recommended Reading: What Medicine To Take For Stomach Cramps
How To Get Rid Of Bloating: 8 Steps
May 26, 2022
Stomach bloating is so common these days that its been called an epidemic. If you frequently deal with distention, digestive discomfort and a bloated stomach, you probably want to know: Why do I feel bloated all the time?
With most peoples poor diets, high levels of stress, need for daily medications and exposure to various pollutants, its no wonder they suffer some sort of bloating more days than not.
While a bloated stomach is certainly uncomfortable even embarrassing when it comes along with gas or the need to run to the bathroom it might be an even bigger deal than you think. Below well look closer at reasons you may deal with an inflated belly, plus discuss bloated stomach remedies, such as foods to focus on and those to avoid.
Drink Some Peppermint Tea
Similar to ginger, peppermint is another natural herb that can be a godsend for any of your indigestion and gas-related issues.
Studies have proven that peppermint tea and peppermint oil capsules, which can be purchased as supplements, are effective in treating short-term symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including bloating. Peppermint relaxes the muscles in your intestines and keeps gas moving along at a healthy pace.
A 2007 study published in the journal Digestive and Liver Disease found that patients with IBS who took the peppermint oil supplements saw a significant reduction of their symptoms compared to those who received the placebo.
Recommended Reading: Does Sleeping On Your Stomach Cause Breast Cancer
When To See A Doctor For Bloating
If you have an occasional bout of bloating, its probably nothing to worry about, especially if youre pretty sure you know the cause. For example, if you know that your diet is often the culprit, you could start by eliminating gas-producing foods like beans. You could also cut back on the carbonated drinks.
But if youve tried eliminating the factors that tend to cause bloating for you without experiencing any relief, that may be a sign that its time to consult your doctor. If you have a red flag, dont sit on it, says Dr. Farhadi.
More serious causes of bloating may include:
- Uterine fibroids
- Irritable bowel syndrome
These medical conditions may require other more intensive treatments. So, if you experience bloating along with persistent or severe pain, severe diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss, those are reasons that justify a call to your doctor, says Dr. Farhadi. Thats especially true if you have a close relative with a history of gastrointestinal disease or colon cancer.
Women may also want to keep a lookout for symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge, says Dr. Dweck. Pain during sex and urinary tract infections also should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
The Role Of Altered Abdominal And Diaphragmatic Muscle Function
CT and abdominal muscle electromyographic testing indicate that the reflex control of abdominal and diaphragmatic muscles is altered in patients who experience bloating38,39 In response to an infusion of gas, healthy subjects exhibit diaphragmatic relaxation, costal expansion, and compensatory contraction of the upper rectus and external oblique abdominal muscles without changes in the lower abdominal muscle tone. In contrast, patients with bloating show a paradoxical contraction of the diaphragm and relaxation of the upper abdominal wall.38,40,41 The mechanism behind such disordered reflex function has not been fully elucidated. However, it has been postulated that abnormal behavioral responses occur as the result of subjective visceral hypersensitivity to gas distension.
You May Like: Can You Get Cellulite On Your Stomach
What Is Stomach Bloating
What is stomach bloating a sign of? Can it point to an underlying health condition?
Luckily, in many cases, it isnt anything to be alarmed about. It can usually be cleared up by making some simple changes to your diet and routine, although not always.
For many people, the cause of excessive gas in the intestines boils down to:
- Inadequate protein digestion
- Inability to break down sugar and carbohydrates fully
- Imbalances in gut bacteria
Stomach bloating can however sometimes signify serious health problems lurking below the surface. For example, its one of the most common candida symptoms and also tends to develop when from other conditions, including allergies, hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, gut troubles and inflammatory bowel disease.
Other potential causes of bloating can include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome, especially if youre constipated
- Digestive disorders like Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis
- Fluid retention
- Hormonal changes
- Certain types of cancer
Many different things can affect gut health, the ability to metabolize food properly and the bodys way of naturally eliminating waste. Because so many different factors can contribute to stomach bloating including some that seem totally unrelated, like sleep or stress its possible to become bloated any time of the day or month.
Eating More Calories Than Usual
Lets face it. When youre off your schedule, sometimes the most interesting thing you can do is bake. But consuming excess calories especially those found in cookies, cakes and bread can pack on the pounds and cause your belly to bloat.
If cooking is your jam while sheltering in place, reserve high-calorie recipes for special occasions, or cut it back to one meal a week.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Severe Gas Pain In Stomach
Avoid Rapid Weight Gain
Rapid weight gain is linked to bloating for several reasons.
First, a buildup of fat in your stomach area may constrain your bowels, increasing tension and contributing to bloating. Additionally, fat may have inflammatory effects, contributing to hypersensitivity in your gut .
Finally, unwanted weight gain may cause you to focus attention on your stomach area, which may increase your perception of bloating .
If you have overweight or obesity and are experiencing bloating, trying some healthy strategies for weight loss such as exercise and limiting portion sizes may be beneficial.
Summary
Rapid weight gain may contribute to bloating by increasing bowel tension, inflammation, and mental focus on your stomach area. Conversely, weight loss may help reduce these effects.
Try To Release Some Stress From Your Life
When you’re overwhelmed by everything you have going on in your life, the last thing you’re probably worried about is the amount of gas in your body. But, stress can make your gas and bloating situation even worse.
Angela Lemond, a dietitian, and nutritionist based in Texas told the website Everyday Health that nerves travel up and down a person’s gastrointestinal tract. “People who have a tendency to be nervous can develop gas, diarrhea, or constipation,” she told the site.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Really Bad Stomach Pain
What Is Abdominal Bloating
Abdominal bloating is a condition where the tissues inside your stomach become bloated or enlarged. In fact, it almost feels like you have swallowed a balloon! Abdominal swelling can either be restricted to a small area inside your stomach or occur in a larger area. Nevertheless, in most cases, stomach bloating lasts only for a short period, depending on its cause.
A bloated stomach or abdomen can be triggered by many factors. It could also be a symptom of an underlying disease or disorder. Lets look at the main causes of this condition.
How Is Bloating Diagnosed
Your doctor can generally diagnose the cause of your bloating through a physical exam in the office. They will ask you questions about your symptoms. They will want to know if your bloating is occasional or if it occurs all the time.
Temporary bloating is usually not serious. If it happens all the time, your doctor may order other tests. These could include an imaging test to look inside your abdomen. This could be an X-ray or CT scan.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Good Stomach Bacteria
Remedies And Treatments For Bloated Stomachs
While stomach bloating will often resolve on its own, the following measures may help reduce bloating or address its underlying causes:
Exercise and Posture
Physical exercise can help reduce bloating and clear gas from the body. Posture adjustment can also help. The body retains more gas when you are lying on your back, so try to stay active throughout the day.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Both simethicone and activated charcoal are marketed as gas-reducers. The two have proven ineffective and/or inconsistent when used on their own in clinical trials. However, there is some evidence to suggest that they may work when combined or when used with magnesium oxide or loperamide .
Probiotics
The use of probiotics to help with digestive issues is common but little studied. Still, there is some evidence that using probiotics can help reduce stomach bloating. The formula in VSL#3 proved to reduce bloating in both adults and children in clinical studies.
Digestive Enzymes
One common cause of stomach bloating is the inability to digest certain foods. Most digestive enzyme supplements are effective only for people who cannot produce enzymes for medical reasons. However, over-the-counter enzymes have proven to help with the digestion of two commonly problematic foods: dairy and legumes .
If you have a hard time digesting the sugars in these foods, you might benefit from lactase supplements for dairy or alpha-galactosidase supplements for legumes.
Herbal Remedies
Diet
Pumpkin To Treat Stomach Bloating Fast
Eating pumpkin is an effective way to prevent flatulence as well as bloating. Pumpkin contains a high amount of potassium, vitamin A and fiber that helps in digestion.
Steps to Use Pumpkin to Get Rid of Stomach Bloating and Gas:
- Add 1 cup of pumpkin to your meals. It will help to create a smooth digestive flow and reduce gas and bloating.
- You can bake, steam or include it as an ingredient in your meals.
Recommended Reading: How To Lose Stomach Fat In 21 Days
Drink Water With Lemon
Lemon water may help as a bloating remedy because lemon juice contains potassium. Also, drinking more water, in general, improves digestion, according to research on IBS patients that was published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology: If adding lemon to water encourages you to drink more, that will help ease the tension in your abdomen. Next, get a look at some more simple daily habits that can help reduce belly bloat.
- Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics: “Systematic review: probiotics in the management of lower gastrointestinal symptoms in clinical practice an evidence-based international guide.”
Does Constipation Cause Gas
Yes, Veloso says. Anything that slows down the digestive process, such as a low-fiber diet, use of opioid medications or an anticholinergic drug can put the brakes on timely bowel function.
Veloso says eating a diet rich in fiber, staying hydrated and exercising is a good long-term approach for beating bouts of gas and cramping. If these measures dont improve constipation and gas, a polyethylene glycol laxative can help, she notes.
You May Like: What Is Stage 4 Stomach Cancer
Try It Steps To Avoid Gas Pain
Since constipation causes gas and cramping, you should try to exercise regularly, stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet with plenty of fiber, Veloso says.Here are some other tips:
- Dont drink with a straw.
- Choose noncarbonated beverages.
- If your symptoms persist, see your doctor to rule out food sensitivities, and other conditions.
Can Bloating Be Prevented
To keep your digestive system working well, follow a healthy diet and eat at least 30g of fibre every day. Cut down on processed and fatty foods, and drink less alcohol. Drink plenty of water and take any medicines as directed by your doctor.
Dont overeat, and try to eat more slowly. Eating regularly will help to prevent digestive problems.
Regular exercise is also important for your gut because it strengthens the muscles in your tummy and stimulates the digestive system to push food through. It also helps with stress, which affects the nerves in the digestive system and can slow down digestion.
Smoking is very bad for your digestion. If you smoke, try to quit now.
Don’t Miss: How To Make Your Stomach Not Bloated
Ways To Get Rid Of Bloating According To Dietitians
Stocksy / Design by Dion Mills
Bloating happens to everyone. And while it’s not something you need to get rid of, if it’s causing you discomfort there are ways to find relief. In a perfect world, we’d all subscribe to a balanced diet filled with organic veggies, gluten-free grains like quinoa, and easily digestible proteins like chicken and fish. We’d trade in happy hour cocktails for water and manage to avoid any trace of fatty, salty foods. While a bit idealistic, this is what Charles Passler, DC, founder of Pure Change and nutritionist to celebrities like Bella Hadid and Adriana Lima, recommends for avoiding the common feeling of belly bloat altogether.
Fortunately, there are ways to combat belly bloat for quick relief from even the worst symptoms of this pesky digestive problem. We spoke to Passler and other health experts on how to get rid of bloating fast, so you can get back to your routine and feel your best.
Below, discover some common causes of bloatingplus 20 things to do the minute you feel bloated.
Bloating Belching And Intestinal Gas: How To Avoid Them
Bloating, belching, gas and gas pains can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Here’s what causes these signs and symptoms and how you can prevent them.
Making lifestyle changes may help reduce or relieve excess gas and gas pain:
- Try smaller portions. Many of the foods that can cause gas are part of a healthy diet. So, try eating smaller portions of problem foods to see if your body can handle a smaller portion without creating excess gas.
- Eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly and don’t gulp. If you have a hard time slowing down, put down your fork between each bite.
- Avoid chewing gum, sucking on hard candies and drinking through a straw. These activities can cause you to swallow more air.
- Check your dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can cause you to swallow excess air when you eat and drink.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking can increase the amount of air you swallow.
- Exercise. Physical activity may help move gas through the digestive tract.
The Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies provides answers you need to take care of common health problems on your own. This reference covers 120 of todays common health problems in an easy-to-follow, A-to-Z format. Learn what you can do for yourself and when to seek medical attention.
Recommended Reading: What To Do For Anxiety Stomach Aches