Bloating may be caused by a wide variety of reasons, which can include eating certain kinds of food, stress, anxiety, PMS, gastrointestinal ailments, lactose intolerance and other medical conditions. There are many remedies available to help reduce bloating. Reduce the amount of fatty, greasy foods in your diet as well as certain gas-producing vegetables, like broccoli and baked beans. Exercise also may help reduce bloating,
What Causes Bloating
Bloating is the result of excess air that is trapped in the gastrointestinal system and as a product of food digestion. It's difficult for the stomach to digest certain greasy foods, such as pizza and burgers, because of their high amount of fat; they make you feel full and bloated. Healthy foods, such as cabbage, as well as sweet treats, like bubblegum and soda, can leave you feeling bloated. Too much stress, smoking and certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, may also make you feel bloated.
How to Treat Bloating
To reduce bloating, cut back on fast foods. Find out what other foods cause you to bloat and eat less quantities of those foods as well. Eat smaller meals more frequently and take your time when eating and drinking. Swallowing excessive air increases the risk of bloating. Drink water instead of sodas and beer as these beverages may also produce gas and bloating. Use over-the-counter medication that treats bloating and pressure. If you still experience gas and bloating, speak to your doctor to rule out any food allergies, gastrointestinal ailments or blockage.
Exercise and Bloating
Although you may not want to move, exercise does help reduce bloating. According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Alerts website, regular exercise helps keep foods and excess air and gas moving through your digestive tract, thus reducing bloating. Exercise also reduces your risk of serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Go to the gym, take up swimming or ride your bike. To help get rid of bloating right after a meal, go for a walk around the neighborhood.
Other Considerations
Certain lifestyle habits increase your risk of bloating as well. Smoking, for example, causes you to swallow excess air as you inhale. Chewing gum or eating hard candy, such as a lollipop, also cause you to swallow excess air. Even excess stress and anxiety may make you feel bloated. If after you've changed your diet, increased your physical activity levels and cut back on bad habits like smoking and you still experience bloating, talk to your doctor.
