Bloating is a sensation that makes the abdomen feel larger than normal. The abdomen doesn't get physically bigger until its volume increases by one quart, so the bloated feeling may occur, but the abdomen is not distended. Intestinal gas may cause the feeling of bloating.
The best way to tackle bloating is to determine its cause. Common triggers for bloating include:
- Digestive issues. Constipation, food allergies, and intolerances can lead to bloating. When stool becomes backed up in the large bowel, it can cause bloating and a feeling of discomfort. Excess gas may also build up behind the stool, making the bloating worse.
- Diet. Fizzy drinks, too much salt or sugar, and not enough fiber in the diet can all cause bloating.
- Hormonal changes. Many people experience bloating before and during their periods due to hormonal changes and water retention.
Many home remedies can help to manage the pain and discomfort of bloating. The following quick tips may help people to get rid of a bloated belly quickly:
1. Don’t Eat Too Much at a Time
Being stuffed can feel like being bloated, but the problem is that you simply ate too much. If you’re eating big meals and tend to feel uncomfortable afterward, then try smaller portions. Add another daily meal if necessary.
2. Go for a walk
Physical activity can get the bowels moving more regularly, which can help to release excess gas and stool. Getting the bowels to move is especially important if a person is feeling constipated. A walk around the block can provide fast relief from gas pressure.
3. Eat Probiotics
Making probiotics a regular part of your diet can help keep the bacteria in your gut happy, which in turn regulates your digestive system and reduces bloat.
4. Try yoga poses
Certain yoga poses can position the muscles in the abdomen in a way that encourages the release of excess gas from the GI tract. This can reduce bloating. Child’s Pose, Happy Baby Pose, and squats can all help people to relieve a buildup of gas quickly.
5. Regularly Sip On Water
Making sure you're properly hydrated is obviously good for your health. But drinking water throughout the day can also prevent constipation, which contributes to bloat.
6. Try abdominal massage
Massaging the abdomen can help to get the bowels moving. A massage that follows the path of the large intestine is especially helpful. People can follow the steps below to do this:
- Placing the hands just above the right hip bone.
- Rubbing in a circular motion with light pressure up toward the right side of the ribcage.
- Rubbing straight across the upper belly area toward the left rib cage.
- Moving slowly down toward the left hip bone.
- Repeating as necessary.
If the massage causes any pain, it is best to discontinue it immediately.
7. Add Ginger To Your Diet
Herbs that help to soothe the digestive tract and relieve gas are known as carminatives. Ginger is a particularly effective carminative, helping to alleviate gas, bloating and cramps. This herb calms intestinal activity and expels gas from your digestive tract.
8. Eat An Early Dinner
To avoid waking up with a puffed-out stomach, experts recommend having dinner earlier in the day. This way your body has plenty of time to digest (and deflate) before you hit the sheet.