Bloating

See also :

• dyspepsia
• gas
• Aerophagia
• indigestion
• Gastroparesis
• Hypochlorhydria

Causes

• Bacterial overgrowth. Believe it or not, you can actually have too much probiotic bacteria, also known as "good" bacteria, living in your small intestine. You can obviously also have too much bad bacteria living in your gut. In either case, bacterial overgrowth can cause inflammation in the abdomen, which can block the movement of food and cause digestive problems. "Whether [bacteria] overgrow in the small intestine, it is called 'Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)' -- which can cause gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation," explains the site EndFatigue.com about bacterial overgrowth. "SIBO may also contribute to food allergies and nutritional deficiencies." A good way to level out bacterial overgrowth is to cut refined sugars, processed flours, and grains from your diet. You can also consume more antibacterial foods and herbs such as garlic, Pau D'Arco, olive leaf extract, and colloidal silver.
• Low stomach acid. Another common cause of bloating is low stomach acid, the side effects of which are often mistakenly attributed to having too much stomach acid. As it turns out, heartburn is a side effect of low stomach acid, and taking over-the-counter antacid drugs to treat the problem only makes it worse. The end result is food moving too slowly through the digestive tract, leading to inflammation and other problems. The solution for many people is simply to supplement with hydrochloric acid, also HCl. If you get gassy, bloated, or observe undigested food in your stools, chances are you simply need to boost your stomach acid levels with HCl.
• Hormonal imbalance. A lack of stomach acid can also throw off your hormonal balance, which is duly important for proper digestion. And one of the side effects of hormone imbalance is bloating, as well as constipation, flatulence, and other digestive problems. This is why it is important to get your hormone levels checked and take the necessary steps to maintain a proper balance. At the same time, getting your digestion in order and keeping it that way is crucial for maintaining balanced hormones. The two work hand-in-hand to boost immune function and promote longevity, not to mention their role in ensuring that the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in food are fully assimilated by the body.
• Improper food combining. Eating foods in the wrong order or quantity can be another trigger of digestive distress, especially among people with already-sensitive systems. According to one popular health website, poor food combining is a common cause of abdominal bloat, which is why the site recommends that people adhere to the "Principle of 80/20" when eating. This principle maintains that 80 percent of a meal should be composed of non-starchy, low-carbohydrate vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, and fresh greens. The other 20 percent should be composed of protein-heavy foods like grass-fed meat, seeds, and starchy vegetables. Eating quickly-digesting vegetables before slowly-digesting meat is another helpful tip for avoiding bloat.
• Stress. In order for your body to effectively process and digest food, it needs to be in a state of calm and relaxation. When your body is stressed, stomach acid, enzymes, and other digestive "juices" are not produced and released at their normal rates, which can lead to poor digestion. The solution is to eliminate the things in your life that trigger the production of stress hormones, and instead focus on creating situations that put you at ease, particularly around mealtime. "Stress itself puts a great deal of pressure on your stomach and abdomen, and upsets hormone and neurotransmitter balance," explains CalmClinic.com. "That may create an environment where foods that could normally be digested easily end up being digested poorly, leading to the creation of gas and bloating."
• Enzyme deficiency. Whole foods in their natural form contain unique enzymes that aid in the breakdown and absorption of their components and nutrients. But heavily-cooked, processed, and other altered foods, which dominate the modern landscape, typically lack these important enzymes. As a result, food particles end up building up in the intestines and feeding bacterial colonies, which causes the problems mentioned earlier under the bacterial overgrowth heading. "Digestive enzymes are produced by the cells that line your stomach and small intestine and by your pancreas," explains TheFoodDoctor.com. "(But) [f]actors such as stress and intestinal inflammation caused by infection or food intolerances result in lower levels of digestive enzymes being produced," adds the site, noting that digestive enzyme supplements may be necessary to correct enzyme deficiency.
• Fructose rich foods : Some of your favorite foods contain high amounts of fructose, which causes gas and bloating. The commonest among these are bananas and apples. So, stick to low-fructose fruit such as berries, melons and grapes—they are easier to digest.
• artificial sweeteners: did you know that the innocuous looking chewing gum could cause you to bloat? And that sodas containing sweeteners such as xylitol, aspartame and sorbitol can make it difficult for you to zip up your jeans?
• salt attracts water, which leads to bloating. “Low/no/very low sodium” foods are the best options to pick.
• pasta and other processed foods: they are simple carbohydrates that are notorious for the big bad bloat. Switch to brown rice and whole wheat pasta.

Home remedies

• Bromelain is a popular natural digestive aid due to it's ability to digest proteins. It's used for bloating, gas and other digestive symptoms and for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
• Thyme tea is often recommended by herbal healers to promote good digestion and relieve gas and bloating.
• Ginger tea
• Peppermint tea
• Cloves oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Boiled water with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (sweetened with honey, if desired)
• Probiotics: Acidophilus and Bifidus
• Detox Bath: The daily routine of the Detox Bath activates bowel movement, easing blockages due to waste accumulation in the intestines. These accumulations are represent a breeding ground for bacteria causing gas and bloating etc. A 10-minute Detox Bath can instantly relieve bloating by naturally encouraging the release of gas from the abdomen.
• Exercise To Relieve Bloating : Lie flat on your back and bring your left knee to your chest while keeping your right leg as close to the floor as possible. Hug your left knee to the count of 20. Release and repeat with your right knee. Alternate knees for 5 times or more, depending on the severity of symptoms.
• Don't skip meals
• Drink plenty of water (non-carbonated)
• Chew your food thoroughly
• Enzymatic Therapy
• Don't talk and chew at the same time. This causes you to swallow air, which causes more gas
• Avoid carbonated beverages, chewing gum, highly spiced foods, and too many sweets
• Avoid dairy products, a majority of people are lactose intolerant
• Eat only peeled, cooked seedless fruits and vegetables. Strain the seeds out of tomatoes
• Avoid beans, corn (including popcorn), and nuts. Vegetables in the cabbage and onion families, including broccoli and garlic.
• Papaya: Some research out there suggests that an enzyme in papaya could aid in your digestion. It promotes digestive health and intestinal cleansing, fights inflammation, and supports the immune system.
• Kang Ning Wan is a Chinese Herbal Formulas treating a large list of digestion problems.
• Oatmeal: Not only is oatmeal a wonderful breakfast food, in it's original state, it is a wonderfully healthy food that won't add to your bloatedness. Furthermore, says Harlan, in a recent meta-analysis of several studies related to digestion, researchers found that oat bran is particularly helpful.
• Yogurt: Not a fan of yogurt? Well, as the saying goes, "Try it - you just might like it." But for sure, you'll like the anti-bloating benefits of choosing a yogurt with "active cultures," which increase the number of "good" bacteria in your gut, thereby aiding your digestion by making it more efficient, thereby reducing belly blow-up. Harlan says you should look for organic plain yogurt (most likely to contain the active cultures you need) and avoid anything with "fruit on the bottom." Want a touch of sweetness? Stir in some strawberry or other jam.
• Asparagus: "Asparagus is also one of the only vegetables to contain inulin, which feeds friendly bacteria that live in the large intestine. This makes it a great food for preventing yeast overgrowth, and it generally keeps the digestive system and belly well," writes Sheryl Walters for NaturalNews. Also, says Harlan, this veggie could also ease the build-up of gas and, due to its diuretic qualities, serves to help flush excess fluid from your body.

Warnings

Persistent bloating can sometimes signal intestinal blockage. There are many possible causes for these blockages, including scar tissue from prior surgeries, certain medications, abdominal infections, accumulation of waste matter in the intestines, and hernias. Chronic bloating could also be caused by a mass such as an ovarian cyst or uterine fibroid, or signal a more serious underlying liver or pancreas disease.Women over 50 should be especially cautious and consult a doctor about any chronic bloating.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.