What to do in case of bloating?
Uncomfortable and sometimes painful, abdominal bloating can occur at any time in a person. Their causes are very varied and appropriate solutions and treatments are considered depending on the type of discomfort felt.
We present in this section, a complete file on the phenomenon of belly bloating.
What is abdominal bloating?
The term “belly bloating or abdominal bloating”(1) usually refers to a digestive disorder generally attributed to a buildup of gas or flatulence in the digestive tract. In most cases, this buildup causestension in the small intestine, digestive discomfort and swelling of the abdomen. This explains why bloated people admit to having an uncomfortable feeling of “swollen belly”.
Therefore, they often make “farts” to get the air out and clear their stomach. Bloating can sometimes be chronic or more or less acute and recurrent.
What are the symptoms of bloating?
People suffering from bloating have several symptoms: this is manifested by abdominal pain more or less strong, accompanied by gurgling, spasms or twisting in the digestive tract.
The subject translates his condition by a feeling of distension of his stomach. There is air in his intestinal loops and he emits frequent belching in order to relieve himself. It is possible to feel an acceleration or slowing of intestinal transit. In other words, an episode of diarrhea or constipation.
In most cases, loss of appetite occurs at the onset of symptoms. These disorders are usually found in all bloated people. But if the bloating is accompanied by other signs (abnormally intense pain, fevers, vomiting …), and the attacks last longer than usual, it may be a digestive pathology of viral or even bacterial origin. A visit to the doctor will make it possible to establish a real diagnosis on the origin of the disorders and provide adequate treatment.
What causes bloating?
If the causes of bloating are generally multiple, they often have a direct link with the hygiene of lifetag. Haspoor dietmade up of dishes that are too spicy, too sweet, too fatty, carbonated drinks, alcohol or coffee, irritates the digestive system. WhenNormal digestive functionis thus thwarted, it results in changes in the chemical reactions that accompany the digestive process. The balance of the intestinal flora is then modified and creates an increase in the quantities of gas produced.
Poor digestion of certain foods rich in carbohydrates (starch, potatoes, etc.) leads to organic fermentation of these in the intestine, i.e. degradation of sugar in the absence of oxygen, leading to also flatulence.
When you eat too quicklywithout taking the time to chew food well, or when you talk a lot while eating, you may swallow air which ends up causing digestive discomfort. This phenomenon also occurs when you work on an empty stomach (frequent consumption of chewing gum) or when you drink with a straw.
In addition, Tobaccowith its high concentration of nicotine increases the acidity of the intestinal walls and can be a source of irritation and gas. Anxiety andstressare aggravating factors for bloating. Because they cause an incessant contraction and friction of the intestinal walls, capable of producing intestinal disorders.
Abdominal bloating, on the other hand, can be caused by serious illnessestag. These can be acute intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome, bacterial infection of the small intestine, gallbladder disease or bowel cancer.
Solutions for bloating
When it comes to prevention, we can avoid the symptoms of bloating by adopting a healthy lifestyle (2). For example, it is advisable to avoid meals that are too fatty and hearty, starchy foods, vegetables such as leeks, Brussels sprouts, turnips, onions, beans, etc.
Eliminate from your diet carbonated drinks that contain a lot of carbon dioxide, and limit your alcohol consumption .
At the table, take the time to savor your food by eating calmly and chewingfood properly. Prefer the dietary fibers contained in cereals, seasonal fruits, dried fruits and legumes which have a regulating effect on intestinal transit.Also drink plenty of water, as keeping the body hydrated promotes easy bowel movement. Do yoga, relaxation or meditation to de-stress and induce good digestion of meals.
During a painful crisis of bloating, it is advisable to lie down for a while, folding your legs slightly. Taking vegetable charcoal or green clay would relieve pain a little by absorbing gases. Massaging the abdomen with an essential oil is also a solution to relieve bloating. For example, you can try sweet almond oil which is reputed to be very soothing. Mix a drop of essential oil with 4 drops of vegetable oil and massage your belly.
Drinking hot beveragesLikeTeaor chamomile tea (antispasmodic) will help warm up your digestive system, kick start your metabolism, and lighten your stomach. The consumption ofdrainers such as fennel or mint will limit flatus while draining the body as a whole.
Unless the symptoms are very serious and frequent, it is rather rare to consult a doctor for bloating problems, because they are temporary. However, if the symptoms persist and become very disturbing, a visit to your doctor is highly recommended.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.