Experts Weigh-In on How You Can Quickly Reduce Uncomfortable Bloating
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- Bloating is a common and natural condition caused mainly by gas buildup from swallowing air during eating or bacterial breakdown of undigested food, with other factors including constipation and hormonal changes.
- Experts suggest multiple strategies to reduce bloating, such as adding probiotics, staying hydrated, reducing salt intake, increasing potassium, eating fiber-rich fruit skins, avoiding carbonated drinks if sensitive, and engaging in light exercise.
- Dietary adjustments like eating smaller meals, limiting fried and processed foods, cooking vegetables, cutting back on lactose and artificial sweeteners, and considering a low-FODMAP diet can help manage bloating symptoms.
- Over-the-counter options like simethicone and natural remedies such as ginger, digestive enzymes, and herbal teas (mint or chamomile) may provide relief, while keeping a food log can help identify personal triggers.
- Medical advice should be sought if bloating is sudden, severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like blood in stool or abdominal distention, and food sensitivity tests are generally not recommended without professional guidance.
