Few escape occasional episodes of the waistband suddenly feeling way too tight but, for some, bloating is a problem that blights their lives as well as determining their wardrobe!
Following a gastronomic ‘blow out’ none would be surprised to find their tummy feels fit to burst, bloated and uncomfortable. You may be aware of certain foods that have this effect and perhaps also create excessive flatulence, with beans, brussel sprouts, onions, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower being major culprits. Talking while eating – thus swallowing air – can produce similar effects. Sometimes, however, there may be underlying problems causing bloating and you may need to turn detective to pin those down!
1. Self Help
Bloating can be triggered by an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Using antibiotics can disturb the balance, as can a gastrointestinal upset, and these effects can linger. Using probiotics can help restore the balance and the simplest thing to try is live (probiotic) yogurt. Allow 3 weeks eating yogurt, a minimum of 3 servings a week, should be a good length of time to see whether symptoms improve. If you find yogurt increases bloating then this could be a symptom of lactose intolerance, where lack of an enzyme in the body makes it difficult to digest the sugars in milk and dairy. Taking lactase supplements could help.
2. Over The Counter
One of the oldest and most effective self-help remedies is peppermint oil, which may work for some people. It relaxes muscles that trap painful digestive gas. In some trails it has proved more effective than prescribed antispasmodics. Take enteric-coated capsules to ensure it isn’t broken down in the stomach but reaches the intestines. Do not take if you have hiatus hernia or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) where stomach acids travel back up the oesophagus. It can overly relax the sphincter separating the oesophagus from the stomach and could make heartburn worse.
3. See Your Doctor
If you observe your bloating is persistent rather than coming and going, do make an appointment to see your doctor as it could be the sign of an underlying medical problem, which would require further investigation. It is important that you also seek swift help if your bloating is accompanied by rectal bleeding, or if you notice you have had a sudden change in bowl habits and that change has lasted longer than 3 weeks. Of course, your GP can also help to pinpoint any less serious causes, which may result in bloating. He or she will be able to suggest ways to help you manage your discomfort.
Thank you for reading, Wendy x
Source: Gill Cox (Better Health Magazine)