Let’s start with the basics and know about bloating. How often have you heard someone complain about the bloating in their body? This term is used mostly by people who feel that bloating happens due to overeating. Below are some tips and common causes of bloating.
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What Is Bloating?
We have often heard a member of our family say that the stomach feels tight, and probably the reason behind it is gas. It occurs in the stomach when the gastrointestinal tract fills with gas.
People often mistake a stomach ache for bloating, but there can be other reasons for stomach ache too. One can have irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or even ulcers. Other reasons for stomach pain would be pancreatitis and diverticulitis. These can be the reason for bloating, but stomach pain can either be temporary or permanent depending on what your doctor suggests after a test.
What Are The Common Causes Of Bloating
Bloating happens for many reasons, one of which is the gastrointestinal tract when it fills with gas or air. This can be due to the smallest reasons and the simplest food. Some foods can cause more gas than other food. It can also be due to lactose intolerance for some people. Other reasons can be when one swallows air. This happens with people who chew gum, smoke, or even eat too fast. Other reasons can be
- Constipation
- Overeating
- Weight gain
- Reflux
- Menstruation( in some women)
There are other medical issues too that will cause bloating too. These would be
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Pelvic inflammatory diseases
- Liver disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Blockage in the bowel or bladder
- Cancer
- Mental health factors which can include anxiety or depression
- Medicines
Reasons Why You Are Bloated
No one likes being bloated, and every now and then, someone in our family or ourselves has been there. Now, there can be a lot of reasons, but you can track them down by these:
Overeating
Overeating is one of the most common reasons for being bloated. This is why people often eat in portions instead of having it all at the same time. When you think of bloating, you can track back to when you had your Thanksgiving dinner.
Food Intolerance
You might have heard people having food allergies or being intolerant to specific food items, especially wheat. People feel bloated after drinking water or eating food because of their sensitivity towards that particular food or drink. Eating it and drinking too much is not the only reason behind it. If any intolerance is undiagnosed, then it is sure to cause bloating.
High Starch Or High Sodium Diet
If the diet is high in sodium, it causes water retention, and if it is high in starch, that increases the amount of gaseous bloating. One also needs to remember that everyone is different, and the reason for bloating in one person does not necessarily have to be the reason for another person’s bloating.
Eating Too Late
You might have heard many people complain that they took their food late and are now bloating. Not eating on time or eating too late is one of the second most common reasons for bloating.
Eating Packaged Foods
Easy to go and convenient packaged foods are also a reason behind bloating. Packaged meals are high in sodium, which can cause the chemical known as monosodium glutamate to be high. The MSG can make you feel as if you have eaten for the whole day. One can easily fall into the habit of eating this for a long time.
What Are The Symptoms To Look Out For?
Bloating can be serious and causes a lot of discomfort. The common symptoms can be stomach pain, gas, and discomfort. You can also have regular burps and belches, and you can also feel gurgling or rumbling. One can be sure if they have bloating if they have the following symptoms.
Severe bloating can also come along with their symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blood in the stool
- Vaginal bleeding (between periods and postmenopausal.
- Fever
- Heartburn
- Fever
If you have any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor first.
Can You Avoid Bloating Or Prevent It?
Bloating can be temporary, or it can be serious too, but one can always avoid bloating. You can always prevent it in some ways:
- One should always avoid food items that cause gas. These will include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnips, beans, and lentils.
- Avoid chewing gum
- Know if you are lactose intolerant, get a check-up done if you are sensitive to some food items.
- Do not use straws when you drink; sometimes, this will add air to the mouth.
- Reduce the intake of carbonated drinks
- Take time and eat your food.
- Quit smoking
- Reduce or stop the intake of food that has artificial sweeteners.
The Bottom Line
Bloating can be common, but one needs to know if it is regular or severe. Regular check-ups and certain knowledge about the reason behind bloating and what medications you should take will always help you out through these situations. Do not take things in your hand if it gets out of control, and be sure to see a doctor.
