Bloating is when your tummy is puffy, and feels stretched and uncomfortable due to temporary abdominal distension.
Common causes: overeating, eating too fast, swallowing food to quickly, talking while eating and swallowing air, certain foods which can cause gas such as beans, lentils, cabbage, and cauliflower, and drinking too many fizzy drinks. Certain medical conditions can also give rise to this symptom such as gastritis, food poisoning, candida, coeliac disease, IBS, diverticulitis, food intolerance, Crohn’s disease, PMS or menopause, and certain cancers such as ovarian and colon. If you have any chest pain, palpitations, fever, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, pain in the abdominal area, bloody or dark stools, are vomiting blood, your eyes and skin becomes yellow, or you have lost a lot of weight, then consult your GP first as he or she might prescribe an appropriate medication, tests, or refer you to a specialist to rule out something sinister.
Treatments: If a serious illness has been ruled out then some lifestyle changes might help, such as cutting out fast food and eating on the go. It is advisable to slow down and try to eat in a relaxing atmosphere without watching TV, reading a paper, or talking. It is also a good idea to try to identify the food which might be responsible for your bloating so that you can try to eliminate it. You should chew your food properly and try to eat three balanced meals a day, drink plenty of fluids for hydration, and avoid fizzy drinks.
Some complementary therapies can also be beneficial such as nutritional manipulation, mindfulness, and some supplements and herbs. Medical acupuncture has been very effective as is natural restoration of gut health if you are suffering from candida, leaky gut, or food intolerance such as wheat and lactose which can produce a reaction resulting in gas and trapped wind.
Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of the article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose, or cure any medical conditions. The contribution of all authors and researchers is acknowledged.
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