Bloating is a common problem that affects people of all ages. A bloated stomach causes discomfort, pain, and embarrassment. If you have an uncomfortable bloated stomach, you may want to read this article.
What is a bloated stomach?
Stomach bloating is a common condition in which the stomach is swollen. The stomach can be filled with air, fluid, or food. Stomach bloating may occur at any time, but it is most common after meals and when you are lying down.
A bloated stomach is usually a sign of overeating. It is also sometimes a symptom of an underlying health condition.
But if your stomach bloats for no reason, you likely have some sort of a digestive problem.
What causes a bloated stomach?
Many things can cause a bloated stomach. First and foremost, overeating anything, whether it be sugar, fats, carbohydrates, or proteins, can cause bloat. But what about when you eat the right amount of something and still have a bloated stomach? In this case, it’s called water retention. Water retention is simply caused by having too much water in the body and is usually caused by a decrease in sodium levels.
Other causes of a Bloated Stomach Include:
Gas
Gasses in your intestines are produced mainly by gut bacteria digesting carbohydrates in a process called fermentation. However, if there’s too much fermentation going on, it’s because too many carbohydrates weren’t naturally absorbed earlier in the digestive process before reaching those gut bacteria.
Common culprits are lactose, fructose, and carbs in wheat and beans. You may have a food intolerance, or it could be a general problem that causes your body to struggle more with tough foods. A dietitian or GI specialist can help you isolate your dietary sensitivities.
Hormones
Maybe you’ve noticed that your stomach bloating follows a different cycle. It’s not so much a cycle of your digestive cycle but rather of your menstrual cycle. And if so, you’re not alone. The majority of women experience abdominal bloating before and during their menstrual cycles.
Bloating is a common symptom of menopause. Many factors can contribute to bloating, including fluid retention and increased digestive upset. Women should be careful to treat these symptoms early, as they can make life quite uncomfortable during menopausal.
Hormones also interact with your digestive system. Estrogen and progesterone can each cause intestinal gas by either slowing or speeding your motility. Estrogen receptors in your GI tract also affect your visceral sensitivity, making you feel bloated.
Other Causes
Bloating that comes and goes isn’t always easy to pin down but is most commonly caused by the stomach being overly acidic. This can be due to various reasons, including stress, food intolerances, and undiagnosed food allergies. While bloating in the short term may not be serious, the longer it lasts, the more problematic it can be. For this reason, it’s important to address any potential causes that could be contributing to bloat and take steps to ensure this doesn’t continue.
But if your bloated stomach doesn’t go away or gets worse, or if you have other symptoms of serious illness, such as fever or vomiting, you should seek medical attention to rule out other medical causes.
Ascites are the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity or abdomen. It can be caused by liver disease, heart failure, and kidney disease.
Pancreatic insufficiency is a disease in which your pancreas can’t make enough digestive enzymes. It can cause ulcers in the stomach and/or intestines, which causes inflammation.
Bacterial infections can cause an increase in stomach acid, which can damage the esophageal and gastric tissues. This can be painful and lead to bleeding and severe health problems.
5 Simple Ways To Reduce Digestive Swelling
There are many reasons people experience bloating, but fortunately, there are also many ways to reduce it. Here are five simple tips:
1. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can often lead to bloating, so make sure you drink enough fluids throughout the day.
2. Avoid carbonated drinks. Carbonation can cause gas and bloat, so try to avoid sodas and other bubbly drinks.
3. Avoid eating high-fat foods. Fatty foods can be difficult to digest and can lead to uncomfortable bloating.
4. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. This will help your stomach digest food more easily and prevent bloating.
5. Get regular exercise. Exercise can help to improve digestion and reduce bloating.
Following these tips should help you reduce stomach bloating and feel more comfortable. Experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for you.
How long does a bloated stomach last?
Your bloated stomach may last a day or two, but it could also persist for a week or more. The duration of your bloated stomach will depend on the cause of the bloating. If you’re bloated because you overate, the stomachache and discomfort should disappear within a couple of days. However, if you’re bloated because of a medical condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the symptoms may be more long-lasting. In any case, it’s important to consult with a doctor to determine the underlying cause of your bloating and to receive appropriate treatment.
Care and Treatment
There are a few things you can do to help relieve the discomfort of a bloated stomach. Try drinking plenty of fluids, eating light and bland foods, and avoiding carbonated drinks and caffeine. If you’re bloated because of IBS, your doctor may prescribe medication or other treatments to help ease the symptoms.
Ultimately, the best way to treat a bloated stomach is to identify and address the underlying cause. If you’re not sure what’s causing your bloating, consult a doctor or naturopathic doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
When to call a doctor?
If your bloated stomach doesn’t go away after a few days, or if you experience other symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, then you should call a doctor. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires medical attention.