Excessive Bloating
How to Deflate: The Complete Guide to Bloating And Excessive Bloating
Uncomfortable and embarrassing, excessive bloating is a common miserable feeling shared by millions of people around the world. It can be caused by many different things from swallowing too much air to eating gaseous foods. No matter what the cause is, the end result is the same, clothes don’t fit right and the body emits awkward noises that can be the cause of social discomfort. Knowing how to deflate a bloated stomach is information everyone will be able to use at some point in their life.
Lactose intolerance is a common cause of bloating. In lactose intolerance the body is unable to properly digest certain sugars, primarily lactose, fructose and sorbitol. Avoiding lactose intolerance and the bloating involved with it is a matter of avoiding lactose containing foods and take over-the-counter medications that help with lactose intolerance. Enzymes can be prescribed which help to break lactose down and allow the body to digest milk products.
Bloating can also be caused by eating starchy foods such as beans and cabbage. The body doesn’t digest the starches and the result is that the body forms gas in the stomach which causes bloating. The flatulence that is emitted by the body is caused from the bacteria that form in the stomach from the undigested foods. There are commercial products on the market that can be taken before eating gaseous foods to help prevent bloating from starchy foods.
Bloating can be the result of irritable bowel syndrome. Typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, in addition to bloating, include constipation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If IBS is suspected, a doctor should be consulted to discuss possible medication and diet changes. Some over-the-counter treatments can provide some relief. These options include peppermint teas and peppermint oil capsules. Gas-X and other digestion medications containing simethicone have also been shown to be beneficial.
Women are particularly vulnerable to bloating, especially during the week prior to the onset of their menstrual cycle. This bloating is the result of fluid retention. In addition to stomach bloating they may notice their eyes, ankles and hands swelling as well. Over –the-counter diuretics can help relieve the bloating but should be used with caution due to the possibility of dehydration and possible faintness when the body is low on electrolytes. Women should avoid excessive sodium intake during their menstrual cycle to prevent added fluid retention.
Women are also prone to excessive bloating due to stress. Men can be plagued with this condition but it is much more common in women. Doctors have known for a long time that the body, particularly the digestive system, is directly affected by stress and other emotions. Staying calm and learning to handle stress can help prevent bloating. Practicing yoga and meditation can also keep stress levels low and help control excessive bloating.
Not all causes of bloating are medically related, some are simply a matter of swallowing too much air when eating too quickly or ingesting air while chewing gum. Carbonated drinks can also lead to excessive bloating. On the other hand, if the bloating does not subside in a short time or becomes consistent a medical doctor should be consulted.