Experts Weigh-In on How You Can Quickly Reduce Uncomfortable Bloating
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- Bloating is a common and natural condition caused by gas buildup from swallowing air, digestion, constipation, or hormonal fluctuations, and can affect the abdomen as well as hands, feet, and face.
- Causes of bloating include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eating habits such as large meals or sudden increases in fiber, and constipation, with diet and stress management being key factors.
- Experts recommend various strategies to reduce bloating, including adding probiotics and potassium-rich foods, staying hydrated, limiting salt and processed foods, exercising, cooking vegetables, and considering over-the-counter remedies like simethicone.
- Some foods and habits may worsen bloating, such as carbonated beverages, fried foods, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, and eating late; keeping a food log and trying a low-FODMAP diet under professional guidance can help identify triggers.
- Medical advice should be sought if bloating is severe, persistent, accompanied by symptoms like blood in stool or abdominal distention, or if lifestyle changes do not improve the condition, as it may indicate a more serious health issue.
