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Have you ever experienced that uncomfortable feeling of fullness and swelling in your abdomen? As the Beatles say, you’re not the only one! The most prevalent problem that many people experience, causing discomfort and occasionally even pain, is abdominal bloating. Approximately 18% of the general population experiences bloating at least once a week. But what exactly is this condition, and how can you find bloating relief?
Synopsis
What is Abdominal Bloating?
Bloating in the abdomen is the result of too much gas or air in the digestive tract, which makes your stomach feel swollen and constricted. This could cause pressure or discomfort in the abdomen, as well as a noticeable enlargement of it.
What’s making you feel bloated?
Bloating can result from a number of things, such as:
Gas: Many people believe gas to be the most common cause of bloating. The formation of gases in the digestive system causes bloating. It can happen after swallowing air while consuming or drinking carbonated drinks, or consuming foods that produce gas, such as beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, onions, and some fruits.
Digestive Diseases: Various digestive conditions can lead to bloating, such as irritable bowel syndrome, which causes abdominal discomfort, celiac disease, an autoimmune reaction to gluten, and lactose intolerance, the difficulty in digesting lactose seen in dairy products. Inflammatory bowel disease, the inflammation in the gut, can also lead to feeling bloated. These issues can also lead to symptoms like gas, abdominal discomfort, and changes in bowel habits.
Constipation: Bloating may result from irregular bowel movements or trouble passing stools. Waste accumulation in the colon can cause abdominal distension and discomfort.
Overeating: Consuming large meals or eating too quickly can burden the digestive system, leading to bloating.
Food Intolerances: Some people may experience bloating due to food intolerances or sensitivities. Common triggers include lactose (found in dairy products), gluten (found in wheat and other grains), and certain artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and mannitol.
Hormonal Changes: In some people, hormonal fluctuations can affect digestion and cause bloating. Examples of these fluctuations include those that happen during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
Finding Relief: The Top 3 Natural Remedies
Dealing with bloating can be a real pain, but there are some natural tricks that might give you gas and bloating relief and make your stomach feel better. The top three natural remedies to consider for bloated stomach relief are:
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Herbal Teas: Like peppermint, ginger, green, and chamomile teas, herbal teas can also be a cure for bloating. The antioxidants in green tea help soothe the digestive tract, while chamomile is calming and reduces inflammation. Peppermint tea calms the gut muscles, and ginger tea fights inflammation.
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Probiotics: These are the good bacteria that can alleviate bloating. You can take probiotics such as curd, buttermilk, paneer, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi which are a few remedies for gas and bloating.
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Exercise: Frequent exercise facilitates regular bowel movements and improves blood flow to the digestive system, which helps with digestion. Certain yoga poses, such as twists and forward bends, can help massage the abdominal organs, improve digestion, and alleviate bloating.
Book an appointment with our gastroenterologist in Bhubaneswar if you need a diagnosis and treatment for bloating.
Bloating Treatment: When to Seek Medical Help
While occasional bloating may be relieved by natural remedies, persistent or severe bloating may be a sign of an underlying digestive problem that needs to be addressed by a physician.
If you experience frequent bloating along with other symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or blood in your stool, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
Consult our Gastro Hospital in Bhubaneswar if you need a cure for bloating.
Conclusion
Anyone can experience abdominal bloating, which is a common and frequently uncomfortable condition. You can get relief and maintain the best possible health of your digestive system by learning the causes of bloating and implementing natural remedies into your routine. In case you experience persistent bloating or other troubling symptoms, please do not hesitate to contact our Manipal Hospitals Gastro Sciences: Medical and Surgical Gastroenterology department for a professional assessment and customised care. Our top concerns are your comfort and well-being.
FAQ's
Abdominal bloating is not a serious problem, but it may be a concern in the following cases:
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If bloating does not get better with time
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Severe or persistent abdominal pain
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If you notice blood in the stool
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Stool colour, consistency, and frequency changes
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Unexplained weight loss
If you notice any of these issues, consult your doctor.
You can prevent gas and bloating by following these tips:
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Consume a minimum of 3 litres of water every day
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Consume foods rich in fibre and chew your food thoroughly
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Avoid processed foods and carbonated drinks
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Engage in regular physical activity
Foods that commonly cause bloating include:
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Beans, lentils, and legumes
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Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower)
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Onions and garlic
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Dairy products if you're lactose intolerant
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Foods containing artificial sweeteners
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Carbonated drinks and alcohol
Some over-the-counter medications, such as simethicone, can relieve gas and bloating. Probiotics are also beneficial in some cases. Make sure to talk to your doctor before starting any medications.
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