Slow Down At Mealtime
Eating too fast is a common cause of abdominal bloating because it results in swallowed air. Once that air reaches the intestines, you may feel pain and be bloated. The stomach stretches as you eat and sends signals to the brain alerting you that you are full. However, it takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to alert the brain, so you could be overeating and swallowing lots of air before you feel uncomfortably full. Slow down, chew thoroughly, and enjoy your meals. Drink enough water and stay hydrated to help ensure healthy digestion.
Remedies And Treatments For Bloating
Once a cause of bloating is established, the symptom can be treated. Depending on your doctorâs findings, he or she may suggest one of the following remedies for bloating:
Eating Slowly
Eating too quickly causes you to swallow more air, which can lead to gas and bloating. Eating slowly can help reduce bloating. Additionally, slowing your eating can make you feel full, faster, helping you avoid overeating, which can lead to bloating.
Changing Your Diet
If you notice a trend in certain foods causing you to bloat, try reducing or eliminating those foods from your diet. Foods that commonly cause bloating are wheat, beans, lentils, garlic, onions, and asparagus. Milk and dairy foods can also cause bloating, as some people have a hard time digesting a sugar they contain called lactose.
Antacids
Antacids can reduce bloating by allowing gas to pass more easily through your digestive tract. Do note, however, that antacids are only effective for bloating caused by food.
Antidepressants
Researchers have found that certain antidepressants can affect the way your body reacts to gas, keeping it from overreacting to its presence.
Less Fiber
Eating too much fiber is one of the most common reasons for bloating. Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, but it can cause a lot of gas in your digestive system because your body cannot digest it. The key with fiber is to eat it in moderation. Foods high in fiber include beans, lentils, broccoli, whole wheat, apples, berries, and quinoa.
Coeliac Disease And Bloating
Coeliac disease is a common digestive condition where your intestine cannot absorb gluten found in wheat, barley and rye.
If you have Coeliac disease, eating foods containing gluten can also trigger diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fatigue.
See your GP if you suspect you may have Coeliac disease.
There is no cure for Coeliac disease but, once the condition has been diagnosed, switching to a gluten-free diet should help.
Find out more about Coeliac disease.
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Common Causes Of Bloating
If you’re feeling full at night, a number of different health conditions may be causing your bloating, from digestive disorders to certain diseases. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, belly bloat can result from constipation, which may be caused by certain medicines or vitamins, lack of fiber or liquids in the diet, lack of exercise or more serious conditions, such as thyroid disease.
Food intolerances, including lactose intolerance, can also cause that full feeling. Digestive disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome are also common causes of bloating.
Final Thoughts On Bloating And Abdominal Pain
The main cause of abdominal pain and bloating is thought to be gas, especially when you eat a meal or drink too quickly. The cause of bloated stomach abdominal pain is mostly related to digestion problems, which will include digestive disorders, food sensitivities or intolerances, bowel obstruction, and parasitic infection.
Other causes of abdominal bloating can include pregnancy and other hormonal changes, and cancers like ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, or non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Now that you know the potential causes of abdominal bloating, you can do something about your painful problem. The natural treatment of abdominal pain and bloating is very much related to a proper diet and lifestyle adjustments like getting exercise and reducing stress.
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Possible Reasons For Bloating And Distension Include:
- Too much gas in the intestine
- Abnormal levels of bacteria in the small intestine
- Imbalance of microorganisms that usually live in the bowel sometimes the result of taking antibiotics
- Food intolerance
- Increased perception and sensitivity to what is happening in the digestive tract
- Increased curvature of the lumbar region of the spine , which decreases the capacity of the abdomen to hold gas
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
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Are You A Fast Eater
If Yes, then you are in trouble. When you eat fast, the digestion process is a little interrupted. It can take 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain youre full, so you can eat enough to make yourself bloated and uncomfortable before your brain gets the message. So if you are finding causes of a hard and swollen stomach.
We have given 7 very common causes of a hard and swollen stomach, I hope that you will now be extra careful. Also, in case you need to see a doctor or order medicine online, you can always visit our website.
Food Sensitivities And Intolerances
Some people just have a hard time digesting certain foods, like gluten, dairy, or even raw vegetables. So, before diagnosing a more serious problem, Cohen will have patients start by eliminating common culprits like added sugars, gluten, and dairy to find out if food sensitivities may be the real issue. That kind of clears the muddy waters, Cohen says. Then, if youre still having issues after removing those foods, common sources of inflammation, your doctor may start testing for other causes, like SIBO or imbalances in the large intestine.
Your plan:
If you want to try an elimination diet, work with a doctor, health coach, or registered dietitian. They can guide you through a personalized program and help you identify the foods that may be exacerbating digestive issues. Theyll also be able to answer questions you have along the way and hold you accountable.
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How To Get Rid Of Bloated Stomach
Getting rid of a bloated stomach depends on what is causing the bloating.
- Bloating caused by GERD can be prevented by avoiding foods that cause acid reflux.
- Antacids may also help relieve pain as a result of bloating.
- Bloating caused by lactose intolerance can be prevented by avoiding the consumption of dairy products.
- Bloated stomach caused by IBS symptoms can be relieved by taking natural supplements that reduce bloating.
- Probiotics, enteric-coated peppermints, soluble fiber supplements and enzyme products can all help relieve bloating.
- If bloating occurs due to excessive sodium intake, reducing the intake of sodium can help relieve feelings of bloating. Ensure that the frozen foods you take have less than 500gm of sodium per serving. You can also go for foods that have labels that read “low sodium” or “sodium free”.
- Persistent bloating that lasts more than a month may be caused by ovarian cancer, and this requires immediate medical intervention.
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.
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Working With A Doctor
It is important to speak openly and honestly with your physician to express a clear picture of your experiences and symptoms. FGIDs present special challenges when communicating, specifically because of their vague symptoms and sensitive subject matter.
There isnt a diagnostic test for bloating or distension however your doctor may run some tests to rule out underlying problems or associated disorders.
For more information about GI tests and how to prepare for them, see our website www.aboutGIMotility.org or see IFFGD publications #111 or #510.
Replace Sodas With Water
Fizzy, carbonated drinks contain gas that can build up in the stomach. The carbon dioxide that makes soda and similar beverages fizzy can also cause bubbling and bloating in the stomach.
Sugars or artificial sweeteners in the diet can also cause gas and bloating. Drinking water eliminates these issues and helps to treat constipation as well.
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What Causes Bloating And How Can I Reduce It
What are the best remedies for a bloated stomach, how can lifestyle changes help, and what causes bloating in the first place? Our nutritionist explains.
Were all familiar with that uncomfortable, bloated feeling and some of us are well aware of the cause overdoing it over the festive season or after a full on blowout at the weekend. For others, bloating is a more than an occasional annoyance. Research suggests that 10-25% of healthy people experience frequent, uncomfortable and, in some cases, painful bloating and its more common in women than men.
Pin-pointing your exact triggers and knowing how to resolve the problem can prove complex. First, be clear about your symptoms if you are experiencing bloating youll be feeling pressure in the abdomen with or without any sizeable change in your tummy or waistline. Some sufferers experience symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, indigestion or even premenstrual syndrome. Be clear what your symptoms are and be aware of how frequently you experience them keeping a symptom diary can be invaluable.
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.
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When Should I Be Worried About Abdominal Bloating
See your healthcare provider if your bloated stomach:
- Gets progressively worse.
- Persists for more than a week.
- Is persistently painful.
- Comes with symptoms of illness, such as fever, vomiting or bleeding.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
A bloated stomach is not a pleasant feeling. While its a common experience and usually temporary, you may become weary of the cycle. Spending a little focused attention on the problem to identify the cause can be well worthwhile. Try recording your symptoms and possible triggers in a journal. Note diet, hormonal and stress factors. When in doubt bring your notes to a specialist for professional guidance. The different factors that contribute to bloating can be complex and difficult to parse, but medical testing can help. As always, seek medical attention if your symptoms are persistent or severe.
Regular Foods And Bloating
Regular consumption of foods that are prone to irritating your gut can cause bloating. The digestive tract is very sensitive and not the same for everyone. It is to be kept in mind that what is good for you can not be good enough for others. Your tolerance level, allergies may not be the same as others.
But in general certain foods are considered to inflame bloating. Like
- Milk
- Foul-smelling breath etc.
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Having An Undiagnosed Condition
There are a few conditions that can cause bloating. Heart and liver disease and venous insufficiency can cause excess fluid in the abdomen or limbs. These conditions come with more prominent and tell-tale symptoms, and your health care provider can help you identify them and other illnesses that can cause bloating.
Chronic conditions can cause swelling and bloating in certain areas, Hoffman said. If you have a history or concern of these conditions, then its best to talk with your primary care provider.
Other gastrointestinal conditions can also cause bloating and stomach ailments. Conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease and irritable bowel syndrome can all cause bloating. Acid reflux, and the medications to treat it, can cause bloating and a feeling of increased gas in the abdomen, leading to belching.
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.
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Gastric Issues Make Your Stomach Hard And Swollen
Yes, maybe you are suffering from acidity. This causes the formation of gas in the body. This most probably can be related to a health condition. The causes of a hard and swollen stomach, in this case, include irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and hemorrhoids. Book doctors appointment if you think you have gas often.
Ease Into A Yoga Pose
Once the dessert is cleared, find some space to give your body a nice stretch. Gentle yoga poses like Childs pose or Cat/Cow can help relieve abdominal discomfort associated with bloating, Doyle says. Hold each pose for five deep breaths , and continue repeating until you feel some relief, she says. Allow your belly to expand fully with each inhale, Doyle says. This helps to activate your bodys parasympathetic nervous system, or rest and digest mode, which is calming and will allow you to better digest your food.
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How To Reduce Bloating
The best bloated stomach remedies depend on whats causing your bloating. Common causes include trapped wind, indigestion, food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome , constipation and hormonal changes like the menopause. Read more about the causes of a bloated stomach.
Find below the many self-care measures you can try at home to relieve bloating.
Things To Tell Your Doctor:
- Is the symptom located in the upper or lower abdomen?Is it in a concentrated area?
- Is your bloating or distension associated with burping?
- Do you experience nausea or vomiting?
- Is the symptom associated with pain in your abdomen?Upper or lower?
- Does the bloating or distension relate to passing gas or a change in your bowel habits ?
- Are your symptoms related to food? Which ones?
- Do they occur right after eating?
- Do your symptoms increase during the day or improve during night hours?
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Habit Of Healthy Eating
Eating habit is an essential factor in our day to day life. Oily, greasy, spicy foods will disturb the usual mobility of the gastrointestinal tract. Bloating, nausea and vomiting are some mere symptoms but the underlying cause may be something even more alarming. Consumption of foods that will clear these substances may be helpful.
The sensation of bloating may make your stomach feel full even if you didn’t eat anything. This can happen in taking excess water or having foods that can trigger your digestive issues.
For example, if you have ulceration problems, bloating is pretty common. Hypersensitivity to certain food can also instigate your bloating as they are too spicy or acidic for you. As a result, your gastrointestinal tract can grow intolerances and result in bloating, food poisoning, loose motion, etc.
Sometimes when you feel bloated, it is common not to feel like eating anything. But at times when you are bloated for a long time and you are also hungry, some anti-bloating food will help you to reduce your bloating. Maximum of these are high on potassium content. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Avocado
- Pineapple