Stomach Bloating

Each of us at one time or another have experienced the feeling of being bloated; that uncomfortable feeling where the stomach or intestines pushed against the skin and made the stomach distended and hard. This normally takes place in the abdomen and is caused by an excessive build up of intestinal gas – or wind.

Bloating and gas can be caused by a great many things or a culmination of things, which when on their own would cause no ill effects but when combined can lead to this feeling, which many people find not only uncomfortable – but also embarrassing given that one of the effects of bloating can be flatulence.

These are some of the things that can cause bloating and gas:

• Talking while chewing your food
• Eating too fast
• Not digesting food properly
• Aerophagy (taking in large amounts of air)
• Lactose Intolerance
• Improper or poor functioning liver

Again these are only a few of the things that can cause this problem and there are also a large number of conditions that can cause it to occur. A common cause of bloating and gas is Irritable Bowel Syndrome along with Crohn’s Disease and Oedema (Fluid Retention).

If the Problem Persists

If you are having persistent problems with bloating and gas it is wise to consult your GP who will be able to advise you on what course of action to take. Sometimes the problem can be nothing more than a normal bodily function that reacts against perhaps a food or liquid that the body is not familiar with. Indeed sometimes it’s completely normal and will occur of its own accord and likewise not occur.

But for those of us who suffer from it with any regularity then consulting the doctor is the best way forward. He will be able to diagnose the problem and may suggest changes in diet, lifestyle, etc. Also stress is a contributing factor and people who are stressed and who smoke will suffer from this problem greatly if the number of cigarettes they smoke increases due to increased stress levels.

How to Beat the Bloat

For most people the problem is a minor one, which will – from time to time – reoccur, but for some it can be a persistent problem that can cause havoc during their everyday lives. In order to try and rectify this problem you can look at your daily intake of dairy products such as milk, cheese, cream etc and also the amount of foodstuffs that contain starch such as bread and potatoes. Overloading your digestive system with high volumes of the aforementioned can cause bloating and gas and all the effects that go with them such as pain in the abdomen, problems passing stools and a hardness in the stomach and abdomen areas.

Also it is worth noting that this is a problem that can occur if your diet contains a high amount of carbohydrates – starchy or sugary foods taken in large amounts – so if your doctor suggests a revision of your diet it is wise to consider this as a viable option.

Several of the simplest and most effective things you can do to alleviate this problem include sitting down to eat and not eating whilst on the move, eating whilst sitting in the correct posture i.e. upright and not slumped or in cramped conditions, reducing the amount of carbonated drinks you consumed, reduce the chewing of gum and indeed, as perhaps silly as it sounds, chewing with your mouth closed so that you are not taking on excess air.

In addition it is worth taking the time to sit down and enjoy a meal properly if it has been prepared for you; sit at the dining table and savour your meal rather than try and eat quickly or on the go. You will find that not only will the problem of bloating and gas be reduced – if not cut out altogether – but you will most certainly enjoy your food.