We’ve all experienced it at one point or another: bloated stomach that “too-full feeling” you get in your belly. But, it’s not always from eating too much.
Bloating – when your lower tummy feels full and swollen – is very common.
Typically, it is caused by something you have eaten and will go away naturally. However, if you regularly feel bloated, there may be an underlying medical cause.
What is Bloating?
Bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal tract is filled with gas or air. Most people describe stomach bloating as feeling tight, swollen, or full in the abdomen. Your stomach may also be hard, painful, and swollen (distended).
Stomach bloating is often accompanied by excessive gas, belching or frequent burping, gurgles or abdominal rumbling, or pain. Bloating is not similar to water retention, but the two terms are often used inter-changeably.
Simply put, bloating involves excessive amounts of gas, liquids, or solids in the digestive system.
Bloated Stomach Causes
Stomach bloating is not unusual; many people experience the same type of bloating over and over again.
Usually, bloating that follows a predictable pattern is nothing to worry about; however, when the pattern changes or when stomach bloating worsens, it may be because of one of the following conditions:
- Gas
Gas build-up in the stomach and intestines is one of the most common causes of stomach bloating. Symptoms of gas build-up include nausea, excessive belching, excessive flatulence, or feeling an intense impulse to have a bowel movement. Some people describe feeling as if there’s something trapped inside their stomach.
Gas build-up can be caused by certain foods (i.e. cruciferous vegetables), a stomach infection, indigestion, chronic illness (i.e. Crohn’s disease), or other conditions.
Stomach bloating caused by gas build-up can cause mild discomfort to intense pain. However, in most cases, gas goes away on its own after a few hours. - Indigestion
Indigestion is discomfort or pain in the stomach. Everyone experiences brief episodes of indigestion from time to time. Indigestion is often caused by eating too much, excessive alcohol consumption, medications that irritate the stomach, or a minor stomach infection.
Frequent indigestion that doesn’t appear to be associated with food or other causes could be a sign of something more serious.
Possible causes include a stomach ulcer, liver failure, or cancer. - Fluid Retention
Having intolerances, eating salty foods, and changes in hormone levels can all cause a person’s body to retain more fluid than it normally does. Some women also find that they are bloated early in their pregnancy or immediately before getting their periods.
Chronic stomach bloating due to fluid retention may also have a more serious cause, such as diabetes or kidney failure.
If the bloating doesn’t go away, please consult a doctor as soon as possible. - Food Intolerances
People with food intolerances, such as those who are lactose intolerant or have a gluten allergy, can experience stomach bloating after eating certain foods. Normally, the stomach bloating goes away on its own, but may be linked to stomach pain or diarrhea. - Chronic Gut Disorders
Chronic gut disorders, such as Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome can cause frequent stomach bloating. Both of these diseases can cause diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and unintentional weight loss. - Constipation ( Note: Pat pls link this to the webpage of Constipation )
Oftentimes, constipation causes stomach bloating. Causes of constipation may include dehydration, food intolerance, pregnancy, certain bowel disorders, low fiber intake, certain medicines, and nutrient deficiencies. In most people, constipation episodes are short-lived. - Other Causes
Though less common, stomach bloating may also be caused by serious health conditions. For instance, people with gallbladder disease or gallstones may experience intense abdominal pain that mimics stomach bloating. Heart failure, kidney problems, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and some types of cancer can also cause bloating.
People whose stomach bloating occurs with other symptoms such as vomiting, fever, weight loss, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, changes in appetite or difficulty eating, or bright red blood in the stool should seek medical advice.
How to Get Rid of Bloated Stomach: Treatment and Prevention Strategies
The best way to treat bloating is to determine its cause – be it caused by poor diet, digestive issues, food intolerances, or a medical condition. By knowing its cause, you can determine the best treatment option to take.
Many treatments and home remedies can be used to manage the discomfort and pain of stomach bloating. The following tips may help people get rid of a bloated stomach.
- Physical activity. Engaging in physical activity can get the bowels moving more regularly, this in turn, can help to release excess gas. Getting the bowels to move is particularly important if a person is feeling constipated. Going for a walk can provide fast relief from bloating.
- Yoga. Certain yoga poses can position the abdominal muscles in such a way that encourages the release of excess gas from the gastrointestinal tract. This can help reduce stomach bloating.
- Take a warm, relaxing bath. Taking a warm, relaxing bath can provide relief for a sore abdomen. Furthermore, relaxation can reduce stress, which may allow the gastrointestinal tract to function more effectively and help reduce stomach bloating.
- Increase fiber intake slowly. Eating more fiber-rich foods can help prevent constipation and bloating. However, it’s important to keep in mind that increasing fiber intake too quickly or eating too much fiber can cause even more gas and bloating. So, make sure to increase your fiber intake slowly to allow your body to adjust.
- Avoid fizzy drinks. Carbonated, fizzy drinks contain gas that can build up in the stomach. The carbon dioxide that makes soda and similar drinks fizzy can also cause stomach bloating. Moreover, artificial sweeteners and sugars in the diet can also cause gas and bloating. So, make sure to avoid fizzy drinks and stick to water instead!
- Eat at regular intervals. Many people experience stomach bloating directly after eating big meals. To avoid this, eat smaller meals throughout the day. This can help keep your digestive system moving. Also, note that swallowing food quickly can introduce air into the digestive tract. Drinking from a straw can also cause you to swallow more air, which can lead to gas and bloating. To avoid stomach bloating, avoid using straws and eat more slowly.
- Try a colon dietary supplement. If you are looking for ways to treat and prevent stomach bloating – and to improve your overall colon health – try TOCOMA! Tocoma is an all-natural, colon management dietary supplement that contains vegetable fiber and mixed fruits.
Moreover, it contains probiotics that help eliminate harmful toxins and flush congested waste from your digestive tract.
If you are looking to rid your body of toxins, avoid stomach bloating, and rejuvenate your digestive system, TOCOMA is the perfect supplement for you!
Conclusion
Ultimately, home remedy for a bloated stomach depends on the underlying cause. Most of the time, stomach bloating is due to minor issues that OTC treatments or lifestyle changes can resolve.
However, if bloating is ongoing or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately.
Determining the underlying cause of stomach bloating and other digestive issues is the first step to getting the right treatment and feeling better.
If you want to try a bloated stomach home remedy, you can try Tocoma juice drink – it is an all-natural, colon management dietary supplement that contains vegetable fiber and mixed fruits.
