5 Ways to Reduce Bloating

We’ve all been there when we’re feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Well, we’ve come up with five possible ways you can reduce your bloating issues.

Don’t swallow too much air or gas.

Drinking fizzy drinks, chewing gum, eating, or drinking too quickly or drinking through a straw can all be possible ways to swallow excess air or gas, which can be a common cause of bloating.

Don’t eat too much or too quickly.

Your stomach is a specific size, so if you eat a large amount in a short timespan, your stomach will stretch to accommodate the food, which can create feelings of bloating. Equally, eating too quickly will cause you to swallow more air in a short amount of time. Once the air reaches your intestine, you’ll begin to feel bloated. So it’s worth keeping an eye on those portion sizes and slowing down and enjoying the food.

Food allergies or intolerances.

It is common for people to have an allergy or an intolerance to something, the most common ones being lactose, gluten, wheat, fructose and eggs. Eating foods that you are allergic or intolerant to are likely to cause bloating, excess gas, stomach pains and other symptoms. You should consult a doctor if you believe you have an allergy or intolerance. 

Are you constipated?

Although it’s not the nicest topic, constipation often aggravates bloating, making it feel worse. If you think you have constipation try drinking more water, exercising and/or eating some fibre, all of which may help it pass. There are also over-the-counter drugs you can buy to help relieve symptoms. If it lasts more than a few days, it’s worth contacting your doctor.

Reduce your salt.

Although our bodies do require salt, most of us get a lot more than we need. Too much salt will make you retain water which can cause bloating. Retaining too much water can also cause serious health issues such as high blood pressure, so it’s worth watching your intake. Most salt comes from pre-packaged food; keeping an eye on food labels can help you reduce the amount you have.

If you suffer from bloating regularly, it’s worth speaking to your doctor as there could be an underlying health issue. It’s most likely nothing or something easily treated, but it never hurts to check.