Bloating

Discover tips and advice on managing and reducing bloating.

Bloating is the feeling of an enlarged abdomen, even if there is no visible or measurable increase in size unless the abdominal volume rises by about one quart. This sensation is often caused by intestinal gas. Bloating is more common in women than men.  It is a very normal occurrence and can have many causes. Bloating typically occurs with air that is trapped in the colon or small bowel.  

 

Many women bloat around their periods, so if you are premenopausal this might be a prominent symptom for you around the time of your period. If your bloating doesn't go away, you should see your doctor, as they can check for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

 

A self-assessment of habits and changes in eating behaviour's, natural supplements or other various over- the-counter products can help remedy the situation. However, you should seek medical attention if there is an increase in frequency or severity of the symptoms, or if they are accompanied by a large amount of unplanned weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting or heartburn.

 

Here are some hints to help you to decrease bloating:

 

  • Eat slowly, and consume smaller, more frequent meals
  • Chew your foods well
  • Drink beverages at room temperature
  • Increase physical activity during the day
  • Sit down for meals and take your time
  • Sit up straight after eating
  • Take a stroll after eating
  • Cut out carbonation
  • Sleep, Eat and exercise
  • Pay attention to food labels and cut out any foods that make you bloat
  • Prepare for trips and changes in routine by ensuring that you eat and drink adequately

 

It is important not to completely omit foods from the diet that may cause gas. As a high-fiber diet is important for bowel regularity and colon health, so try to have some patience and slowly build up tolerance to these types of carbohydrates. Start by adding the offending high-fiber food in very small quantities, such as a half cup or less. Be sure that your fluid intake and activity levels are adequate, as this will help you with naturally moving foods through your digestive tract.

 

There are also products on the market which can help with food-related bloating. These products are packaged forms of the enzymes needed to break down the problematic carbohydrates.  Some of these products include:

 

  • Lactase, found in products such as Dairy Ease and Lactaid, can be taken with dairy foods to help break down lactose and lessen gas.

 

  • Beano helps digest the indigestible carbohydrate in beans and other gas-producing vegetables.

 

Natural remedies for gas include:

 

Other relief can be found by using supplements specifically designed to assist with the symptoms of your female bloating.  These are all designed to assist with combatting bloating naturally. 

Join our Mailing List for Bloating Tips: