Bloating After Eating – What Causes it and How to Find Relief

Bloating after eating can quickly ruin any meal. It starts out as a tight, uncomfortable feeling and may lead to a visibly distended stomach. Bloating seems harmless, but can become a nuisance, especially if it prevents you from enjoying your meals.

Causes

Bloating can be caused by a number of different things. Foods that contain high amounts of fiber, such as beans, cabbage and broccoli, can lead to bloating after eating. Consuming too much fruit or fruit juice can also lead to excess gas and a “too full” feeling due to the high amounts of sugar they contain.

Swallowing excessive amounts of air during eating can also cause bloating. This usually happens when individuals are highly stressed during meals or eating too quickly.

Lactose intolerance may also be a culprit. People occasionally suffer from the condition without realizing it because they don’t experience commonly associated symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Food intolerance or allergies may also cause bloating and excess gas. Food intolerance occurs when the body is unable to digest a certain type of food, leading to unpleasant symptoms. A food allergy develops when the immune system begins to identify a specific food as a threat and attempts to protect the body from it.

Finding Relief

While bloating may not seem like a big deal, it can become a real problem, especially if it occurs on a daily basis. Abdominal distention that accompanies bloating may make clothing uncomfortable and be visible enough to draw attention. There are several ways to ease the discomfort and reduce bloating.

The first step is to pay attention to what you are eating. Keep a food journal for at least one week and write down each type of food and drink that you consume. Note whether or not you became bloated, and if so, how extreme it was.

Once you have an idea of the types of foods that lead to bloating, try avoiding them for the following week while continuing to keep your food journal. This not only helps you determine what may be causing the problem, but also gives your doctor something to work with if you decide to make an appointment.

Take your time when eating. If you have problems relaxing during mealtime, consider picking up a book or magazine. Also avoid excessive talking during meals. Allow yourself plenty of time to eat and make sure to chew each bite of food thoroughly before swallowing.

Avoid carbonated drinks, as the bubbles that make them enjoyable also lead to gas and bloating. Stick to water, which helps keep your digestive system functioning well and reduces gas build up.

Going for a walk or jog may also alleviate bloating. Physical activity helps to move gas through your digestive system more quickly, taking the uncomfortable bloated feeling with it.

When to See a Doctor

Persistent bloating after eating may be a symptom of a serious medical condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, colon cancer or even an intestinal blockage. If bloating occurs each time you eat or isn’t alleviated by any of the above suggestions, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor.

Your physician will perform a routine exam and ask for detailed information about your symptoms. Be sure to bring your food journal to the appointment so you can share with your doctor information about foods that make bloating after eating worse.

Once a routine exam is performed, further tests may be needed to determine exactly what is causing your symptoms. These may include blood work, an ultrasound, or an x-ray of the gastrointestinal tract. This x-ray is known as an upper or lower GI, depending upon which part of the intestines are examined.

The results of these tests will determine the best method of treatment. Dietary changes, medication or specific treatment for a diagnosed condition will be ordered.

Bloating after eating affects almost everyone at one time or another. An occasional bout of gas or distended abdomen is nothing to be concerned about, but bloating that is severe enough to interfere with daily life requires a visit to your doctor. Seeking treatment will not only give you peace of mind, but can make it possible to enjoy your meals again.

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Stomach Bloating Remedies

Helpful Tips to Relieve Stomach Bloating

Almost everyone will experience bloating at some point. A person is said to be bloated when there is some type of swelling and tightness in the abdomen. If you are looking for some stomach bloating remedies, here are some ways to help relieve this uncomfortable condition.

Examine Your Diet

Bloating is most commonly caused by what a person eats and drinks. Often, a simple change in diet can alleviate bloating and help prevent it from reoccurring too often. Carbonated beverages, such as soda, can be a great contributor when it comes to bloating. There are also certain vegetables, such as cabbage and beans, that are known to create excess gas. Eating foods that are high in potassium can help benefit digestion. Foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt, can also help to prevent bloating by aiding in digestion and keeping the body regular. Hydration plays a vital role in normal food digestion, so make sure to always drink plenty of water.

Exercise

If looking for some simple stomach bloating remedies, exercise can be the answer. When a person exercises, the activity stimulates the digestive tract. Thus, gas is more likely to pass through the body. Even walking for ten to fifteen minutes after a meal can be enough to prevent bloating discomfort.

Swallowing Excess Air

Bloating can be caused by the intake of excess air, which can then settle into the digestive tract. Chewing gum and smoking should be avoided if you have a bloating issue, since these activities cause extra air to be swallowed. Also, it is important to chew food properly by sitting up straight and keeping your mouth closed. This will prevent extra air from entering the mouth while eating.

Herbal Remedies

Ginger and peppermint are used to relieve bloating if you are looking for some herbal stomach bloating remedies. Ginger helps create the fluids that aid in digestive and can even get rid of some common symptoms of bloating, namely flatulence and nausea. Peppermint oil or peppermint tea can also be used to cause the spasms in the stomach resulting from bloating.

While bloating can affect everyone, it can also be easily treated most of the time. The next time you are feeling uncomfortable, give one of these tips a try.  If you feel the condition may be serious, you should consider a visit to your doctor.


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