Stomach bloating is a problem that many people experience at some point in their lives. According to MedlinePlus, this condition, which is also called abdominal distension, is usually caused by overeating, but can also be related to other factors, such as swallowing air, intestinal gas, or more serious conditions.
According to Medline Plus, other common causes of this condition include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, fluid retention in the abdomen, hormonal factors such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or uterine fibroids, partial intestinal occlusions, or weight gain.
For those looking for answers on how to reduce stomach bloat, it’s important to know that this depends on the underlying cause for each person. For mild cases, such as overeating or gas, some simple changes in behavior and diet can help, Medline Plus notes.
Recommendations given by the health portal include eating smaller portions if the bloating is related to a heavy meal. Another recommendation is to avoid carbonated drinks since these types of liquids can increase the amount of gas in the intestine, which contributes to bloating.
Reducing excess fiber intake is also important. Medline Plus notes that while fiber is healthy, excessive consumption of it, such as some fruits and vegetables, can cause bloating in some people.
Other recommendations to avoid this condition given by health portals are:
- Avoid swallowing air: Chewing gum, sucking on candy, or drinking through a straw helps reduce the amount of air that enters the stomach.
- Be careful with lactose: Sometimes, some bodies experience poor absorption of liquid.
- Managing IBS: Emotional stress can be a trigger for IBS, so reducing stress may help.
How to reduce stomach inflammation with home remedies
Dr. Zawn Villines of Medical News Today recommends several home remedies to relieve bloating. These include:
- Apply heat to the area: Use a heating pad on the abdomen.
- Drink water: Staying hydrated aids digestion and reduces the feeling of inflammation.
- Consume mint: This helps relax the stomach.
- Laxatives: In case of constipation, mild laxatives may help.
- Over-the-counter medications: Antacids or products like Pepto-Bismol can help reduce swelling, says the specialist.
- Keep a food diary: An additional tip is to keep a food diary to identify whether certain foods make bloating worse. This will allow you to make dietary adjustments and prevent recurring problems.
In the event of any complication, specialists recommend that people seek out a doctor who is preferably an expert on the subject.