Causes Of Stomach Distension
By paying a little closer attention to your eating habits, you can help prevent excessive bloating. Heres a quick list of sneaky foods and habits that could be to blame:
Gum chewing. Your favorite breath-freshening pastime may be the number one cause for a straining waistband. When you chew gum, you swallow air which gets trapped in the GI system and extends the stomach.
Eating too fast. When you eat a large amount of food in a short period of time, your GI system doesnt have enough time to digest and dispel. A backed up system means a buildup of gas and fluid, causing distension.
Drinking from straws. When you go to sip a drink from a straw, you first suck in a straw-length volume of air, which ends up trapped in your stomach.
Not enough fiberor too much. Fiber is notorious for moving things along. When youre backed up, excess gas in your GI track cant escape, causing you to bloat. Next time you need a snack, reach for fibrous-skinned produce like apples and strawberries. Make sure to go easy on insoluble fibers like beans and lentils. Eating too much of these produces excessive gas.
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
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.
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Prevent Bloating And Gas
Bloating and gas can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are some tips to help prevent it: Avoid eating too many fatty, fried or sugary foods
- Never miss to eat breakfast
- Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly
- Dont drink carbonated beverages with meals
- Go easy on beans,
- Dont eat right before going to bed
- Exercise regularly so your digestive system gets a chance to rest
If none of these tips work, visit a doctor to determine the cause. Some conditions may require further treatment.
Implement Changes In Your Diet And Eating Habits
You have to keep a personal record of the foods that trigger increased burping, flatulence, and bloating and then cut them out of your diet.
- As a general rule of thumb, people who are prone to excessive bloating and flatulence are advised to limit their intake of the following gas-producing foods:
- Foods that are rich in fat, carbs, sugar, and salt
- Carbonated beverages
- Vegetables such as beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and onions
- Legumes such as peas, peanuts, and soybean
- Lentils
- Bagels
- Whole-wheat or bran products
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Reducing The Need To Fart
Farting is the way the body releases swallowed air and other trapped gasses. The positions listed above may help relieve gas temporarily, but many people also look for ways to reduce the need to pass gas.
While it may be impossible to make farts disappear completely, there are some ways to reduce the number of times a person has to pass gas each day.
Many foods increase the amount of gas that results from the digestion of food. Beans are well-known culprits, but these pulses contain many nutrients so should still be included in a healthful diet.
Soaking beans before cooking them may help reduce flatulence in some people, while others may want to limit the quantity of beans they eat.
Cutting down on other foods that cause gas may help as well. This includes foods high in sulfur or certain fermentable carbs and fibers, such as:
- cauliflower
- beer
- carbonated drinks
Dairy foods, including cheese and ice cream, may also cause gas, especially for people who are sensitive to lactose.
Another important tip is to chew all food slowly and with a closed mouth. A lot of trapped gas is swallowed air, which is more likely to happen if a person eats quickly or with their mouth open.
Tips To Ban Bloat For Good
To help reduce bloating all day, keep these guidelines in mind, recommended by Grotto and Newgent:
- Keep your sodium intake to a minimum and opt for fresh food over processed. For example, fresh turkey breast will have less sodium than processed, packaged turkey.
- Limit your alcohol intake. When you drink too much, you can get dehydrated, which will result in your body pulling in fluid.
- For bloat as a result of constipation, focus on foods that hold water, such as wheat bran or all-bran cereal.
- Your lifestyle can affect bloating, so make sure you get enough sleep and get in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day to keep fluid moving in your body. If you travel often and sit on a plane regularly, or just sit at your desk all day, make sure to move your legs or take a lap around the office every hour.
- If your stomach struggles aren’t tamed by these foods that help with bloating and it’s becoming a chronic problem consult a physician.
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Causes Of Bloating And Gas
Gas and bloating arent just annoying side effects of eating too much. In some cases, they can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome , lactose intolerance, or inflammatory bowel disease .
There are many causes of bloating and gas. Some of these causes may be obvious to you, Obvious causes include
- Being overweight
- Eating too much food at one time
- Eating foods that are difficult to digest
- Swallowing too much air when eating or drinking,
- Drinking carbonated beverages and eating foods high in fiber.
- Less obvious causes include lactose intolerance , irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease .
Does Quitting Smoking Cause Bloating
Quitting smoking can leave you with a bloated stomach and constipation. Nicotine stimulates intestinal transit and aids bowel movements, and habitual smokers often develop nicotine dependency.
A distended abdomen can be a withdrawal symptom of quitting smoking, which can take a month or two to subside. In the meantime, increase your fluid intake and eat a fiber-rich diet to encourage better digestion.
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I Dont Have Anyone To Train With
What youre really saying with this fitness excuse is that you dont have anyone to talk with while you train. If youre training properly, you wont need to talk.
Dont get me wrong, having a training partner is great but heres what youve got to understand: most people first meet their training partners at the gym. The reason you probably dont have anyone to train with is because you dont have many friends who train. Like attracts like.
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.
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When Should You See A Healthcare Provider For Bloating
Bloating is rarely a sign of a serious medical problem. However, bloating that is long-term and doesn’t respond to changes in eating habits or OTC treatments can sometimes be associated with certain diseases and conditions such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Kidney or heart failure
If you notice you’re frequently bloated or that you become bloated after eating certain foods, you may want to make an appointment to see your healthcare provider. Try to note what triggers your bloating and bring these notes to your appointment.
Best Foods That Help With Bloating And Gas
- Last medically reviewed on
Foods that help with bloating and gas are some of the most common, but least well-known, foods.
Bloating is a frequent side effect of eating too much, or eating the wrong things. And the problem is especially common with food that is rich in carbohydrates.
Trouble passing gas & bloating Gas is produced in the small intestine when food is digested.The small intestine produces gases that contain hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane.
It occurs when these gases cause your stomach to expand, giving you a bloated look. While most of us experience gas from time to time, it may become an issue if it becomes excessive or causes discomfort.
If this is the case for you, consider these tips for preventing gas and bloating . Avoiding trigger foods While most people dont know what foods cause gas for them, it is helpful to learn more about your specific triggers.
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A More Serious Condition Such As Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common condition that causes abdominal pain with bloating, diarrhea or constipation. The cause of IBS is unknown, but it may be brought on by certain triggers, including:
- Bacterial infections
- Food sensitivity
- Stressful events
If you think you may have IBS, reach out to your doctor for an evaluation. Many times, lifestyle modifications and medicines can help ease symptoms. You may also try some at-home techniques to relieve your bloating.
What Are Some Other Ways To Avoid Bloat
Eating the right foods is a great way to keep bloat at bay, but its not the only thing that can help.
Eat slowly
For starters, how you eat is just as important as what you eat. When you eat quickly, you swallow more air, which contributes to bloating, explains Cassetty. To combat this, make an effort to eat slowly and chew foods more thoroughly. Remember, its a marathon, not a race.
Limit FODMAPS
Its also important to limit your intake of carbohydrates known as FODMAPS, which arent well digested and get fermented, thereby producing excess gas and bloating. Examples of high-FODMAP foods are dried fruit, cauliflower, kale, and milk. People with IBS are especially vulnerable to bloating when they consume these foods, but some of these carbohydrates can cause bloating even in people who dont have IBS, Cassetty says. Sugar alcohols, for example, which are found in sugar-free candies and gum, are hard for most people to digest.
Limit processed foods
Try to keep your consumption of processed foods to a minimum, and instead focus on whole and minimally processed foods. Its important to eat a range of plant foods, including a half plate of fruits or veggies at all of your meals, Cassetty advises. This strategy helps you reduce your sodium intake and boost your potassium intake, which can help minimize bloating from water retention.” Its also a good strategy for increasing your fiber intake.
Keep the fizzy stuff to a minimum
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What’s Special About Functional Foods That Reduce Bloating
So now that we know what to avoid, what should we add to our menus to help prevent or reduce bloating?
“Seek out foods high in potassium and water,” says Rachel Fine, RD, a registered dietitian, and owner of the nutrition counseling firm To The Pointe Nutrition in New York City. When you don’t eat enough potassium, your body will hold onto extra sodium and water, which can cause a distended belly.
“To make potentially bloat-causing foods easier to digest, try cooked veggies instead of raw, and sprouted grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes rather than regular.”
Carom Seeds Reduce Gas
Ajwain water is a great natural remedy to curb gas. The seeds contain essential oils that stimulate the salivary glands, which helps in the better digestion of food and prevents the formation of excess gas.
How to use:
Add 1 teaspoon of carrom seeds to a cup of water and allow it to soak overnight. Strain the tea and consume it in the morning.
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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.
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Excess Gas Can Build Up
Gas is a normal part of digestion, but if it builds up in your intestines, it may cause bloating and pain. Gas happens when food that is not digested is broken down in your colon. This process produces methane and hydrogen, which you pass naturally as gas.
If you do experience bloating due to gas, modifying your food intake may help. Here are some common drinks and foods that can cause bloating:
- Foods high in fiber or fat
- Fried and spicy dishes
- Carbonated drinks, such as soda or beer
- Lactose found in milk, cheese and yogurts
Over-the-counter supplements can even trigger bloating.
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Rule Out Medical Conditions
In some cases, bloating may result from a medical condition. To get rid of this bloating, a person may need help from a doctor to diagnose and manage their condition.
Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, may cause people to experience bloating. Irritable bowel syndrome , can also cause this symptom.
Gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts, can also cause pain, swelling, and feelings of bloating in the abdominal area.
People with these symptoms should discuss them with a doctor, who will also want to know about any relevant family medical history and other medical conditions. The doctor may order diagnostic tests to look for any problems. These may include an X-ray, ultrasound, colonoscopy, or blood tests.