How To Relieve Stomach Bloating Quickly

Make Changes To Your Diet

Making small changes to how and what you eat may help reduce bloating. For example, eating smaller meals at regular intervals can help stop that bloated feeling after a big meal, and it will help prevent indigestion too.

Try these top dietary tips too.

Which foods cause bloating?

Some foods are more likely to cause a build-up in gas in your tummy, including:

• broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage

• fructose
• sulfites

Common food triggers for people with IBS are known as FODMAP . These are sugars that can be harder to digest and cause more gas in your bowel. Theres a long list of these, so see a dietician for help on how to exclude these foods safely from your diet. Read more about the low FODMAP diet.

Try these foods and drinks to relieve and stop bloating

Some foods and drinks may help to bring down your bloated belly and stop it bloating again. Try these drinks:

• peppermint tea or peppermint oil these help reduce symptoms of IBS, including bloating, by helping your bowel wall relax. Theyre not safe for everyone for example, if you have serious constipation or liver disease, you shouldnt drink them so first talk to your pharmacist or doctor about whether you can take them safely
• replace fizzy drinks with water fizzy drinks contain gas that can build up in your tummy, and the artificial sweeteners and sugar in them may also cause bloating

High-fibre foods include:

Read more about how long probiotics take to work and natural ways to beat bloating.

Keep a food diary

Don’t Eat Two Hours Before Bed

Just like eating quickly can cause extra air to enter the stomach, eating too soon before bed can cause gut issues, since your body doesn’t have enough time to digest before sleep. By making sure you’re not giving your body extra work, it can focus on digesting the food that’s already in your stomach â and avoid bloating in the morning.

Mancella notes that while you might want to get rid of your bloat as fast as possible, it’s important to be wary of too-quick fixes. “If a fast-fix detox promises instantaneous results, expect it to be overpromising and under delivering,” she says. “Detox teas can also stimulate a diuretic effect and cause discomfort and simply add negative symptoms like gas to the mix.” The most important thing to do is “to be very in tune with our bodies to determine the main cause in order to prevent this from reoccurring,” she says. You know your body best treat it with kindness, and it’ll be kind right back.

This article was originally published on May 18, 2016

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.

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What Helps With Bloating

Most of us get bloating from time to time that uncomfortable feeling when your tummy feels very full, tight and sometimes, hard and very sore. You usually get a bloated tummy when gas or air builds up in your gut.

The causes of this build-up are usually easy to treat with simple lifestyle changes like eating less, avoiding certain foods and exercising regularly. And if those dont help, certain medicines may help to get rid of your bloating quickly.

But sometimes, even with self-care measures and medication, you may still have a very bloated tummy, bloating that wont go away and other worrying symptoms. This may mean you have a more serious condition, so youll need to see a doctor.

Discover how you can stop or relieve bloating with self-care, natural remedies and medicines and when its time to see a doctor.

Get More Active Every Day

Exercise helps your body move stool and gas out of the colon and may make bowel movements more regular. Exercise also releases extra sodium from the body through sweating, which can help to relieve water retention.

It is vital to drink plenty of water before and after exercising to stay hydrated, as dehydration can make constipation worse.

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Prevention And Relief From Abdominal Bloating

• Avoid consuming gas-producing foods like cabbage, beans, and carbonated drinks.
• Avoid swallowing air while eating or drinking.
• Do not smoke.
• Do not eat more than your stomach can take.
• Treat constipation as it is one of the main culprits behind stomach bloating.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Practise yoga mudras that can help ease digestion and gas problems such as Vayu mudra.

Most cases of abdominal bloating are not of much concern. But in some cases, stomach bloating can have severe side effects on your health and can even be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition.

Don’t Multitask When Eating

“I’m almost never just eating a mealI’m also on my computer or watching television or scrolling through my phone,” admits Lindsey Metrus, Byrdie’s senior editor. After a lifetime of bloat, she decided to try traditional Chinese medicine to ward off some of her discomfort. It turns out, the distraction was part of the problem. “Multitasking with some sort of digital distraction leads to overeating or scarfing down food hurriedly, which translates to poor digestion. It’s also one of the main reasons people face spleen qi deficiency,” according to Emma Suttie, D.Ac., AP.

Metrus continues, “I made it a point to enjoy as many meals as I could peacefully and undistracted, focusing on chewing each piece of food since breaking down foods before they get to the spleen means the spleen has less work to do.” Not only will chewing slowly encourage healthier digestion and, in turn, less bloat, but it will also speed up your metabolism .

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Natural And Other Remedies For Gas

Two products on the market can help with food-related gas and bloating. Both products are packaged forms of the enzymes needed to break down the problematic carbohydrates. Lactase, found in products such as Dairy Ease and Lactaid, can be taken with dairy foods to help break down lactose and lessen gas. Beano helps digest the indigestible carbohydrate in beans and other gas-producing vegetables.

Natural remedies for gas include:

• Peppermint tea

Causes Of Stomach Bloating

It can be challenging to determine the cause of stomach bloating. Some known causes of stomach bloating include:

• Excess gas in the intestine
• Small intestinal bacteria overgrowth
• Irregular amounts of microorganisms in the bowel
• Sensitivity or intolerance to food
• Sensitivity of perception to digestive tract
• Spinal curvature of the lumbar spine resulting in lessened abdominal capacity for gas
• Gastroparesis, a motility disorder that delays the stomachs ability to empty itself
• Anxiety, depression, and other gut-brain connections

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Add Vitamins To Your Diet

Just because you eat lots of food, that doesnt mean its good for your system. At the end of the day, lots of foods include additives and fillers.

With vitamins, you get to actually deliver the type of compounds that your body is in dire need of.

Just consider eating vitamins often, as this will help you stay healthy and in the best possible shape!

Does Drinking Water Reduce Bloating

Water can help beat the bloat, yes. This is because water is an essential part of a healthy digestive system.

Have you ever been dehydrated and as a result, felt sluggish and just plain blah? This is because water helps to reduce the sodium level in your body, which is often a contributor to bloat.

Water is also crucial if you are planning to add fiber to your diet. Keeping the digestive system moving is reliant on good ole H2O.

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/9look Out For Food Allergies And Intolerance

Food allergies and intolerance can also cause discomfort and make you feel gassy. If you feel swollen after eating a particular food then it could be a symptom of food intolerance or allergies. Lactose, fructose, eggs and gluten are some common ingredients that may cause intolerance. Some people find it hard to digest these food items that lead to abdominal pain.

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.

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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 slowly.
• 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.
• Quit smoking.

Sip Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar also helps promote a healthy gut and digestive system by increasing stomach acid and aiding your bodys ability to absorb key nutrients. Because of its high acidity, apple cider vinegar can cause indigestion and damage the teeth and throat it is best when diluted and used in small amounts.

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/9avoid Swallowing Air Or Gases

Yes, you read it right. We do swallow a lot of air and gases when we drink carbonated drinks, chew gums or drink a beverage through a straw. Fizzy drinks contain carbon dioxide bubbles, which can be released from the liquid after it reaches the stomach. While when you chew gum or drink through a straw you swallow a lot of air which causes discomfort in the abdomen.

Only Drink Water Or Tea

When people are bloated, they tend to skimp on water because they think it will make their bloating worse. Since water retention is the body’s way of holding onto fluid so it doesn’t dehydrate, the opposite is true. Drinking lots of water signals the body that it no longer needs to hold onto every last drop to stay hydrated. “Fluids, specifically water, are absolutely key for optimal digestion,” says Isabel Smith, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian and founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition.

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How Do I Get Rid Of Bloating Fast

For quick results, grab a water bottle and hit the streets for a mini-workout. Walking helps get your stomach contents moving and water does, too.

Stay clear of carbonated water and drinks, though, as the bubbles sometimes add air to the stomachand you dont want that.

Remember that getting rid of bloat fast isnt always super simple and its not always a quick fix. But if you are feeling full and tight in the abdominal area, the best thing to do is to get moving!

It Medications Are Not Helpful

Medication and lifestyle changes are not always helpful. Thus, psychological therapies can work for some. Therapies include mindful awareness and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Of note, these methods benefit those with poor diet choices or do not exercise. A speech therapist may help those who swallow excessive air while eating.

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Eat At Regular Intervals

Many people experience bloating directly after a big meal. It is possible to avoid this by eating several smaller meals each day, which can help to keep the digestive system moving.

Swallowing food quickly can introduce air into the digestive tract. Drinking from a straw can also lead to people swallowing more air, which in turn leads to gas and bloating. People who have bloating should avoid using straws if possible and try eating slowly to avoid swallowing air during meals.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

• Do I need a test to diagnose lactose intolerance?
• Why do certain foods cause my bloating when they never used to?
• What can I do if I have diabetesand my medicine or artificial sweeteners cause bloating?
• Could my bloating be a sign of something more serious?
• What kind of tests will I need?
• What kind of over-the-counter medicine can I try?

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Avoid Swallowing Air And Gases

There are two sources of gas in the digestive system.

One is gas produced by the bacteria in the gut. The other is air or gas that is swallowed when you eat or drink. The biggest offender here is carbonated beverages like soda or fizzy drinks.

They contain bubbles with carbon dioxide, a gas that can be released from the liquid after it reaches your stomach.

Chewing gum, drinking through a straw and eating while talking or while in a hurry can also lead to increased amounts of swallowed air.

Summary

Swallowed air can contribute to bloating. A major cause is drinking carbonated beverages, which contain gases that are dissolved in the liquid.

Be Careful With Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols are commonly found in sugar-free foods and chewing gums.

These sweeteners are generally considered to be safe alternatives to sugar.

However, they may cause digestive problems in high amounts. The bacteria in your large intestine digest them and produce gas .

Sugar alcohols are actually FODMAPs as well, so they are excluded on a low-FODMAP diet.

Try avoiding sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol and mannitol. The sugar alcohol erythritol may be better tolerated than the others, but it can also cause digestive issues in large doses.

Summary

Sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues such as bloating, especially when consumed in large doses. Try avoiding sugar-free chewing gums and other sources of sugar alcohols.

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/9tips To Reduce Bloating

Swollen belly, belching, flatulence and pain, we all are familiar with these common signs of bloating. From time to time we experience these common digestive issues, which makes it difficult for us to carry on with our daily activities. It causes even more discomfort when you have to go out and cannot fit into your tight-fitted pair of jeans or dress due to a bloated belly. The situation can be frustrating, but you must know that it is just temporary. Here are some scientifically proven ways to reduce bloating quickly.

Causes From Other Medical Conditions

Other medical conditions that cause bloating are, for instance:

• Diverticulitis- infection of the large intestine
• Also, short bowel syndrome may stem from a complication of bowel surgery.
• Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine may occur because of abdomen surgery. It also occurs from the history of diabetes or diverticulitis. Typically, a course of metronidazole may help.
• Scleroderma or thickening of the internal organs and stomach lining. These leads to bloating, constipation and diarrhea.
• To add, ovarian cancer can lead to abdominal pains, bloating and loss of appetite, too.
• Giardiasis- a diarrheal disease from parasites.We also know this condition as giardia. A classic symptom of this infection is belching up foul-smelling gas.

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Eat Slowly So You Don’t Gulp Air

When you finally get home after a long day, you’re totally famishedwe get it. But that doesn’t mean you should scarf down your dinner in a hurry. Eating too quickly causes you to swallow excess air, which can lead to uncomfortable gas and bloating. Slowing down the chewing with your mouth closed, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect. Fight off the urge to engorge your entire meal by snacking on something like a small piece of fruit or an ounce of nuts before dinner is ready.

How To Prevent Bloating

While there are many ways to alleviate bloating, it is best to prevent bloating in the first place. Some of the best ways to prevent bloating include:

Find out which foods you may be sensitive to and aim to eliminate these foods from your diet. You may have an allergic reaction to a particular food that could be causing your bloating. The best way to determine what foods you may be sensitive to is to try an elimination diet.

Many of us tend to eat food too fast without taking the time to properly chew and break down our food. This can put an extra strain on the stomach and may lead to indigestion, bloating and digestive discomfort. This can be avoided by simply chewing your food well.

Eating too much food is a common cause of bloating. It creates sluggishness in the stomach and easily leads to digestive discomfort. If you want to prevent bloating, be moderate in your diet and avoid overeating.

Drinking too much water with meals can lead to indigestion and bloating. Limit your water intake before, during, and after your meal. Try drinking small amounts of hot herbal tea with meals to aid in digestion.

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