BLOATING: WHAT IT IS & HOW TO CARE FOR IT?

Are your clothes feeling a bit tighter around your tummy? Well, you are not alone! Did you know that around 10%-20% of adults experience stomach bloating regularly?

Bloating can truly be a pain in the gut, and literally. It is characterised by a feeling of tightness, fullness, discomfort, and even pain in the abdomen.

There can be several reasons for bloating. Whether it is caused by a digestive issue, overeating, a hormone problem, or even stress, it can make you extremely uncomfortable and even self-conscious.

If you're constantly struggling with bloating, there is no reason to worry. In this guide, we’ll discuss what is bloating, why it happens, and most importantly, bloated stomach remedies that can provide effective relief.

You can now bid farewell to bloating and welcome a healthier and happier tummy.

What is bloating?

Stomach bloating is often described as a feeling of fullness, tightness, and pressure in the abdomen. The stomach may also seem hard, swollen, or distended. Stomach bloating is quite common in adults as well as children.

Bloating arises when gas or air fills the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is often accompanied by many other symptoms, including belching or burping, flatulence (excessive gas), rumbling or gurgling in the stomach, and pain.

These symptoms not only cause discomfort but can be quite embarrassing for people experiencing them.

Usually, stomach bloating disappears after a while, but for some people, this may be a frequent issue. Cyclical bloating can be caused due to hormonal variations and digestive problems.

Stomach bloating causes

In this section, we have discussed some of the common causes of stomach bloating. These include

• A build-up of gas in the GI tract due to various reasons.

• Constipation

• Stomach infection due to Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, or viruses like rotavirus or norovirus.

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) caused due to the disturbed balance of bacteria in the gut.

• Chronic illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease.

• Fluid retention due to hormone fluctuations, especially in women.

• Food intolerances, such as gluten allergy, celiac disease, or lactose intolerance.

• Stomach cancer or ulcer.

• Gastroparesis, i.e., a condition that hinders the stomach's ability to empty its contents properly causing the slow passage of food through the digestive tract.

• Gynaecological problems, such as menopause, monthly period, endometriosis, and ovarian cancer.

• Other causes, such as gallbladder disease, gallstones, and liver disease.

Bloated stomach remedies and treatments

Usually, stomach bloating can be treated safely at home using home remedies, lifestyle changes, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Home remedies

Some effective home remedies that can help to treat bloating include

• Drinking apple cider vinegar

• Eating peppermint

• Drinking water with some baking soda

• Using a heating pad on the stomach

• Having food supplements to breakdown sugars or protein

• Abdominal massage to get the bowel moving

• Essential oil containing curcumin and fennel

• Taking a warm bath or soaking in the bathtub with warm water

Lifestyle changes

Stomach bloating can be prevented by making a few lifestyle changes, such as

• Drinking more water

• Eliminating bloating-causing foods from your diet

• Increasing fibre in your diet

• Eating at regular intervals

• Including more probiotics in your diet

• Following a low-FODMAP diet (a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols)

• Reducing sodium in your diet

• Chewing food slowly

• Avoiding chewing gum

• Exercising regularly such as walking, yoga, etc.

If the problem of stomach bloating is persistent or very frequent, there could be a serious underlying medical problem. It is recommended that you consult your doctor to determine the cause and seek treatment for a bloated stomach.

Summary

Bloating can cause discomfort and pain, but you can take steps to alleviate it. By making lifestyle changes, taking medications to aid digestion, and following some home remedies, you can relieve bloating.

Take charge of your digestion by visiting the Wellness Forever store for a range of medications and aids that can help relieve bloating. Don’t let bloating impact your life; make it a thing of the past!