Bloating is a gassy, full feeling or abdominal discomfort. Gas is produced in the stomach and intestines as your body breaks down food. It is therefore normal to experience some bloating and gas. But for some people more gas is produced than normal, or normal symptoms can become intolerable, painful and embarrassing. If this is the case then many things can be done.
What Causes Bloating?
When gas doesn’t pass through belching or flatulence, it can build up in the stomach and intestines and lead to bloating and swelling of your tummy. Bloating is often accompanied by abdominal pain — either mild and dull or sharp and intense. Passing gas or having a bowel movement may relieve the pain.
Bloating may be related to;
• Eating fatty foods. Fat delays stomach emptying and can increase the sensation of fullness
• Stress or anxiety
• Smoking
• A gastrointestinal infection or blockage
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Coeliac disease
• Food Intolerances
• Constipation
• Certain nutritional supplements
• Premenstrual hormone changes
Certain Foods can commonly lead to Bloating;
• Baked beans
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Carbonated drinks
• Cauliflower
• Chewing gum
• Fruits such as apples, peaches and pears
• Hard candy
• Lettuce
In rare cases bloating can be caused by;
• Bowel obstruction
• Bowel Cancer
• Crohn’s Disease
If I have Bloating how can I treat it?
If a disease is the cause of the bloating then treating the disease will help minimise the bloating. If more serious diseases have been ruled out then normal bloating can be managed by changes to diet, exercise, relaxation techniques and biofeedback.
