Latest news with #bloating
Health Line
a day ago
- Health
- Health Line
12 Effective Ways to Relieve Bloating
Addressing the primary cause of bloating, engaging in light physical activity after eating, and identifying triggering foods may help reduce digestive symptoms like bloating and burping. Relieving bloating depends mainly on what caused it. If it results from a chronic condition or food intolerances, you may want to consult with a healthcare professional about management options. Before trying any remedies, it's a good idea to explore the cause of persistent bloating and accompanying symptoms. Here are 12 science-backed ways you can reduce or eliminate occasional bloating. 1. Identify the cause of bloating Gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and methane enter your gut when you swallow air and food. Food also ferments (causes chemical changes) in your large intestine, which often leads to flatulence (gas) and bloating. Possible causes of recurrent bloating may include: eating foods that contain compounds that ferment in your colon, such as fiber, sugar alcohols, and FODMAPs a food intolerance, such as a lactose or fructose intolerance swallowing excess air, for example, when chewing gum or eating with your mouth open fluid retention in the abdomen, for instance, due to heart disease or liver failure constipation imbalances in your gut microbiome, the ecosystem of bacteria living in your gut ileus, when the bowel stops moving food forward due to surgery, medication use, or other causes health conditions, such as IBD, IBS, or endometriosis a bowel obstruction, which may also involve vomiting and constipation psychological stress If you have frequent, severe, or persistent bloating, or if symptoms worsen and cause pain, it's important to seek medical advice. 2. Limit foods and activities that trigger bloating Some food and dietary habits may increase the risk of bloating. They include: certain fruits, vegetables, and grains some sweeteners carbonated drinks large meals Some foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can cause bloating but also provide essential nutrients. If you're introducing them into the diet, do so gradually to reduce the risk of symptoms. Waiting an hour before eating fruit or having a drink after a meal may also help. Drinking through a straw and chewing gum may also contribute to bloating. Keeping a food diary may help you identify which foods and habits cause your symptoms so that you can avoid them or manage your consumption. 3. Check for lactose intolerance Lactose is a sugar found in milk. Your body needs an enzyme called lactase to break down lactose. If you don't produce enough lactase to do this, you may have a lactose intolerance. With lactose intolerance, lactose passes through your gut, pulling in more water until it reaches your colon, where it's fermented by bacteria and releases gas. This may lead to bloating, stomach pain, increased flatulence, and belching. If you suspect you have lactose intolerance, reducing your dairy intake may help. However, it's best to speak with a doctor first, as dairy products also provide calcium, A and B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, protein, and other key nutrients. Alternatives with lower lactose levels or no lactose include: yogurt aged cheeses lactose-free dairy products non-dairy alternatives, such as almond milk, although they may not have the same nutritional profile as dairy 4. Support regular bowel habits to alleviate constipation Constipation can lead to bloating because it can slow the outlet of gas as well as feces. Also, the longer certain substances spend in the gut, such as lactose, the more fermentation by bacteria can take place, increasing the amounts of gas. Ways of managing constipation may include: eating high fiber foods drinking plenty of fluids exercising regularly checking if current medications are making constipation worse using over-the-counter remedies asking a doctor about prescription medications It's best to add extra fiber gradually; otherwise, bloating might become worse until your body adjusts. 5. Try a low FODMAP diet Bloating is a common symptom of IBS, along with abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation. Research has suggested that limiting certain carbs — fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) — may reduce bloating and other IBS symptoms. Foods high in FODMAPs include: Grains: wheat and rye Dairy: milk, yogurt, and cheese Fruit: apples, pears, mangoes, peaches, as well as natural fruit juices and dried fruits Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, asparagus, onions, leeks, zucchini and green beans Pulses: lentils and legumes Other: sugar-free gum and honey In a low FODMAP diet, certain foods are eliminated for several weeks, then gradually reintroduced, monitoring their effect. It is highly advised that you start a low FODMAP diet under medical supervision. 6. Try probiotic supplements Some research suggests probiotics may help reduce bloating and other digestive symptoms by boosting the number and types of healthy bacteria in your gut. In turn, this may reduce bloating and other symptoms common to IBS. They are available as supplements but also occur naturally in some foods, such as: yogurt sauerkraut kimchi kombucha miso pickles Still, most studies have focused on people with IBS, and the evidence is mixed. The results may depend on individual factors and the types of probiotic strains they consume. 7. Eat smaller portions and limit salt and fat Eating large meals and salty or fatty foods may contribute to bloating in the following ways: Large portions may stretch your stomach and lead to the pooling of gases and solids in the gut. High levels of carbs in the gut that are hard to digest will increase fermentation and, therefore, gas. A high salt intake can lead to water retention in the gut, producing feelings of bloating. Fats and refined carbs take longer to digest. The longer they spend in the gut, the greater the chance of gas and bloating. Reducing portion sizes and limiting your intake of foods high in salt and fat, such as fried foods, chips, and chocolate, may help manage bloating. 8. Try peppermint Peppermint as supplements or in other forms may help with digestion. In a 2016 study, for instance, 72 people with IBS took 180 mg of peppermint oil capsules three times daily for 4 weeks. They reported improvements in bloating and other symptoms. However, more studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of peppermint for bloating. 9. Avoid swallowing too much air Swallowing excessive amounts of air, known as aerophagia, can cause bloating. You may swallow air if you: eat too fast chew gum drink carbonated beverages 10. Physical activity Light physical activity, such as walking or cycling, may help reduce bloating after meals, according to some research from 2021 that focused on people with IBS. Additionally, regular exercise can help manage stress, a risk factor for bloating and other abdominal symptoms. Other benefits of exercise include weight management and a lower risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Current guidelines recommend doing at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking. 11. Manage rapid weight gain Rapid weight gain can occur for various reasons and may increase the chance of chronic bloating. Some research suggests that 25% of people who have recently gained weight experience increased bloating. This may be due to visceral changes linked to digestion through the gut-brain axis, which links digestive functions with those of the brain. If you are concerned about sudden weight gain, it may be a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. They can advise on underlying causes and provide weight management strategies. 12. Biofeedback Bloating often involves a physiological reaction in the digestive system. Typically, when you eat, your diaphragm rises and the front wall of your stomach contracts to create more space without pushing out your belly. When bloating happens, the diaphragm — a muscle just below the ribs — presses down on the stomach, causing it to protrude. It's unclear why this occurs, but one possible solution is biofeedback. This technique enables you to see how your muscles are reacting on a screen. By trying different movements, you can see what works well and what doesn't. Some research suggests it may help you retrain your muscles to prevent bloating. »MORE ON THIS: What to know about biofeedback Frequently asked questions What relieves bloating fast? Light physical activity, such as a walk, after eating may help reduce bloating in the short term. Light physical activity, such as a walk, after eating may help reduce bloating in the short term. Does drinking water help with bloating? Water can help reduce the risk of constipation, which can cause bloating. It is also beneficial for overall health. However, if you're prone to bloating, it's best to avoid drinking anything while you're eating, as this may increase the risk. Instead, wait for 1 hour after eating before having a drink of any kind. Water can help reduce the risk of constipation, which can cause bloating. It is also beneficial for overall health. However, if you're prone to bloating, it's best to avoid drinking anything while you're eating, as this may increase the risk. Instead, wait for 1 hour after eating before having a drink of any kind. What makes stomach bloat go away? Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, promoting good bowel habits, and getting regular exercise may help reduce bloating. If specific foods appear to trigger bloating, avoiding or eliminating these foods may help. If you have IBS, a low FODMAP diet — and potentially products like probiotics or peppermint oil — may be helpful. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, promoting good bowel habits, and getting regular exercise may help reduce bloating. If specific foods appear to trigger bloating, avoiding or eliminating these foods may help. If you have IBS, a low FODMAP diet — and potentially products like probiotics or peppermint oil — may be helpful. Am I bloated or fat? Bloating usually subsides as your body digests food, while additional body fat gain persists over time. When the bloating goes down, you will not notice that your weight may lower. If you lose body fat, your weight may fall. However, bloating often occurs with recent weight gain, and it's common in people with obesity, so they may happen together. Bloating usually subsides as your body digests food, while additional body fat gain persists over time. When the bloating goes down, you will not notice that your weight may lower. If you lose body fat, your weight may fall. However, bloating often occurs with recent weight gain, and it's common in people with obesity, so they may happen together.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
I swear by my ‘hot girl holiday hack' – it's 44p & you'll be able to eat everything without feeling bloated in a bikini
A BEAUTY enthusiast has revealed 'the best hot girl holiday hack' that will ensure you never feel floated in a bikini again. So if you're lucky enough to be jetting aboard any time soon and want to feel confident in your swimwear this summer, you've come to the right place and will need to take notes. 4 4 4 And don't worry if your purse is feeling tighter than ever and you've already splashed the cash on a new beach bag and a posh pair of sandals, as this trick is incredibly purse-friendly. In fact, it will work out at just 44p a time - yes, you heard that correctly. Posting on social media, Julia, who is on a mission to 'glow up' her life, revealed the key to staying slender whilst abroad. The trainee nutritionist said: 'Let me give you the best holiday bloating hot girl tip - I used to be that girl who'd go on holiday and be scared to eat all the food that I want, enjoy my time, because I'd constantly feel bloated. 'I just wouldn't want to be in my bikini - the bloating would get so bad and uncomfortable because I was eating foods my body wasn't used to. 'And I discovered the best hot girl holiday hack ever that means I can go away, feel comfortable in my bikini, not bloat, enjoy all the food and just have a great time." Julia explained that in order to put bloating at bay, she swears by the Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes - supplements containing enzymes involved in the digestion of protein, carbohydrate, fat, fibre, and lactose. Julia's favourite Digestive Enzymes contain a high-strength, broad-spectrum mixture of vegetarian digestive enzymes that facilitate the normal breakdown of proteins and tripeptides. According to the product description, these supplements contain alpha-galactosidase that promotes the breakdown of certain complex carbohydrates, such as raffinose and stachyose, found in some legumes, vegetables, and grains. In turn, this helps "to relieve occasional bloating or gas." I'm a size 16 and I've found the perfect summer dress from F&F - it's so comfy and great for bloated days on holiday A pack of 30 capsules will cost you £13.49, working out at just 44p per tablet. Clearly a huge fan of the supplements, the content creator continued: 'I cannot tell you how much I love Digestive Enzymes - magic pill, take them 15 minutes before you eat any meal and these help you break down food your body's not used to eating. 'I can have a pizza and not bloat when I take Digestive Enzymes - trust me, this is worth your investment.' The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ juliaglowguide, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as in just three days, it has quickly racked up 235,700 views. Bloating: Foods to eat and avoid Eating the right foods can prevent bloating as well as reduce when it occurs. But it depends entirely on what your symptoms are. If you are bloated and constipated, eat: Fruits and vegetables Bran flakes Oats Skin-on potatoes Dried fruits such as apricots and raisins If you have trapped wind, avoid: Cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale Beans (baked, kidney, butter) Lentils These foods, including pulses like beans and lentils, are good to add into the diet slowly as they are high in fibre. While they are not advisable to help in the moment, they do help in the long-run by boosting gut health. Try adding them slowly into your diet. If you are bloated with diarrhoea, you may have a stomach bug and should eat: Plain foods: bananas, white rice, bread or toast Boiled potatoes Oatmeal Small and frequent meals Other tips for preventing bloating are: Exercise regularly Chew with your mouth shut Eat smaller more frequent meals than large meals Avoid fizzy drinks, alcohol or caffeine Limit processed, sugary, spicy or fatty foods One person said: 'I've never heard of these! Thank you.' Another added: 'Omg been looking for a solution for this for years.' Meanwhile, one woman beamed: 'They're amazing, only thing that's worked for me.'
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I'm plagued by ‘no-burp syndrome' – I get so bloated I look five months pregnant and live in agony
A WOMAN who's never been able to burp revealed how extreme bloating leaves her looking "five months pregnant". Kaliesha Rae believes she suffers from a rare condition that prevents her from belching. 4 Simply sipping on a fizzy drink will leave her stomach bubbling and bloated. This might sound like no biggie, but Kaleisha revealed her inability to burp often leaves her in agony and suffering from extreme bloating. The mum thought she was the only person with this strange quirk, but she stumbled across a condition online which she believes explains her symptoms - Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (RCPD), also known as 'no-burp syndrome.' Kaliesha, from St. George, Utah, said: "I get so bloated to the point where I look like I'm five months pregnant. "I don't know how to burp. I've never been able to burp or belch and you may think that that's not a huge problem, but it actually really has been an issue for me." Kaliesha explained that the condition even affected her pregnancies, as the constant build-up of gas caused severe discomfort that she was unable to relieve. After years of unexplained symptoms, including intense bloating, nausea, and even what she describes as "air vomiting", Kaliesha believes she has found the answer to explain them all. RCPD is a rare condition in which people are unable to burp or belch. It occurs when the cricopharyngeus muscle, a sphincter muscle that sits at the top of the oesophagus, is unable to relax and, as a result, does not open to allow air out of the oesophagus. As burping helps the body eject air in the stomach and throat, people who simply can't do so can suffering from uncomfortable symptoms due to a buildup of gas. How much burping is normal and what belching reveals about your health This includes loud gurgling noises from the neck and chest, bloating and discomfort in the neck, chest, and stomach, as well as farting. After researching RCPD, Kaliesha discovered there's a treatment available and wasted no time signing up. The procedure, often referred to as "burp surgery" involves a small injection of Botox into the throat to relax the muscles that are too tight to allow gas to pass. Kaliesha said she'd found comfort in connecting with others online who share the same condition. 4 4 She said: "If you've ever had really bad gas pains, they can be really, really bad, and that is me on a pretty regular basis. "I do not drink carbonated drinks at all anymore. "I diagnosed myself, if you will. I found out that I have RSPD. "I've always thought maybe I need to cut out gluten, maybe I need to cut out dairy. "My throat is too tight, so the burps don't come out, "The surgery would be life changing to be able to drink a soda again, or just eat normal food and not end up in a ball on the floor for the rest of the night." What is retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction? Retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction - also known as no burp syndrome - is a rare condition in which people are unable to burp or belch. It occurs when the cricopharyngeus muscle, a sphincter muscle that sits at the top of the oesophagus, can't relax. As a result, it doesn't open to allow air to exit the oesophagus. Belching is a normal biological process that allows the body to ejects air from the oesophagus and stomach into the throat, pushing it out from the mouth or nose. Because people with RCPD can't burp, they get a buildup of air in their stomach and oesophagus. This causes loud gurgling noises from the neck and chest, bloating and discomfort in the neck, chest, and abdomen, and excessive flatulence. People suffering these symptoms may experience social anxiety as a result. For many, this is a lifelong condition. The main treatment for RCPD is a Botox injection into the cricopharyngeus muscle. Most patients are able to burp and experience significant symptom relief within a week after a single injection. In some cases, however, doctors may recommend an additional Botox injection given several months later to patients whose symptoms continue. After getting a Botox injection into the cricopharyngeus muscle, people may experience one or more of the following side effects: A feeling that food 'hangs' or gets stuck in the throat A feeling of a lump in the throat Acid reflux These side effects typically resolve on their own after a few days or weeks.
Vogue
20-05-2025
- Health
- Vogue
Does the Arrae Bloat Supplement Really Work?
With these ingredients in mind, experts say this is best suited to treat gas or bloating related to food intolerance, overeating, PMS, water retention, or stress-related indigestion. The real beauty of the Arrae supplement, though, is that it provides relief fast. 'The combination of digestive enzymes and herbal antispasmodics means it can work within 30 to 60 minutes in many cases,' Shapiro says. It's certainly the quickest-acting bloat supplement on the market; so it makes sense why all the gals turn to it when in a pinch. 'That kind of immediate impact makes people want to share it—with their friends, on social media, and beyond,' Haider says. The formula has racked up hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and even more TikTok approvals. It's even hand-picked by Hailey Bieber in her exclusive Vogue beauty edit, as one of the few wellness products she swears by. I've had friends and colleagues sing its praises for years now. Creative producer Gabrielle Reich, who is constantly jetting across the globe to film Vogue's YouTube content, considers it a must-have—keeping the brand's Carry-On capsule case full at all times. 'I hydrate a ton on flights to prevent myself from getting sick but then always end up landing and feeling bloated from retaining water,' she tells me. 'I take the bloat pills and feel better within a couple of hours.' Associate producer Lea Donenberg loves it, too, to address puffiness. 'I just learned a ton about the female cycle patterns, and how the body changes during each phase; now I cannot survive my luteal phase without Arrae Bloat,' she adds. 'The ingredients inside combat all of this, leaving me with a perfectly synched digestion cycle.' For me, I found it significantly improved my bloating symptoms after overindulging. Following too much pasta or one too many sweet treats, my stomach gets quite sensitive—resulting in a feeling of tightness, and a distended, rumbling tummy. Nearing the hour mark after taking it, my symptoms subside almost completely and my body feels calmer. An impressive result, considering that without Bloat, I'd feel discomfort through the next morning. However, it's important to note that this is not meant to be a daily, long-term solution, but rather used on occasion. 'Think of supplements as your bloat first responders—great for in-the-moment relief, but not a replacement for long-term gut healing,' Berjis echoes. 'I often recommend this product when my clients are traveling, or in order to prepare for bigger meals, dinner parties (where they have less control over what they eat), [or] when eating meals out,' says Shapiro. 'For my clients who experience persistent or painful bloating we will take a different approach and I may recommend seeing a doctor or specialist.' As Haider puts it, there's no supplement that can take you from unwell to well. 'That kind of transformation requires a holistic lifestyle shift, she says. 'A supplement is just that: a supplement. It should be one tool in a broader wellness toolkit. If someone is dealing with ongoing digestive issues, they need to evaluate their diet, stress levels, and habits. Bloat can absolutely help—and often does—but it's not the only step.' Meet The Experts
Medical News Today
15-05-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Who does water make people bloated?
Bloating is a feeling of fullness or swelling in a person's stomach. It is usually due to gas but it can also occur when a person eats or drinks too much, including drinking a large volume of water. People may experience bloating if they swallow air when they are drinking water. Drinking fizzy water may be more likely to make a person feel bloated, as the bubbles can contribute to gas buildup in a person's stomach. If someone eats foods that are common triggers of bloating, such as cabbage, lentils, or beans, bloating may actually be due to these foods rather than any water the person drinks with them. A 2019 study suggests that people who consume diets high in sodium may experience water retention and changes in digestive efficiency, which could cause feelings of bloating after drinking water. Underlying health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or celiac disease, can contribute to bloating. However, no scientific studies list water as a common trigger for digestive disorders that may cause bloating. In fact, the United Kingdom's National Health Service lists drinking plenty of water as a method to relieve feelings of bloating. Additional home remedies and lifestyle changes to manage bloating include: eat smaller meals drink smaller amounts of water more frequently chew with the mouth closed limit or avoid fizzy drinks exercise regularly eat plenty of fiber massage the stomach from right to left practice good posture when eating or drinking It may also be helpful for people to keep a food and symptom diary to help them identify whether water or another trigger is causing their bloating. If people make the above changes and bloating persists after drinking water, they may benefit from speaking with a healthcare professional, who can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend treatments. Other signs that a person should contact a doctor include: Treatment for bloating will typically involve lifestyle changes. However, a person's treatment plan may depend on their specific symptoms and any underlying conditions.
