Beat that bloat

 

 I thought I’d spend some time exploring a topic that I know has been a sore issue for many and affects especially us women. While it’s probably not a very attractive topic it’s certainly a very relevant one.

Bloating is a very commonplace occurrence and a very uncomfortable one. It is also a problem that is more prevalent among women. Among the many factors suggested by health professionals that contribute to bloating are; constipation, food intolerance, excess gas build up or more serious medical issues such as IBS or coeliac disease. Bloating from gas is perhaps however one of the most popular causes.

Bloating from gas

Poor eating habits (i.e. swallowing too quickly, drinking while eating) can be a big contributor to excess gas. Food intolerance can also contribute to gas build up. Some foods such cabbage, coffee, beans, nuts and dairy products are among those that cause excess and embarrassing gas for some people. I have known individuals with severely explosive gas problems that was clearly linked to certain types of food consumption. Having a good understanding of what foods to avoid is key to alleviating these issues.

Bloating as an issue for me caused a lot of discomfort and pain. I was never able to pinpoint the real reason and just continued with random home remedies; hot beverages and over counter relief, which was great for a moment, but the problem never really went away. Food intolerance (separate from my issues with gluten) however, turned out to be a major factor. This according to health sources, can cause irregularities with bowel function as well as trapped and excess gas.

Look at what you eat.

If you suffer from problematic bloating it may be a good idea to keep a food journal as this could help to identify what’s causing your problem.

When a colleague suggested I may be eating the wrong foods I decided to do a bit of research. What I found out was that there were many books detailing foods that were incompatible with your body based on blood type! She loaned me a copy a book which suggested that while some foods are to be avoided by some people they are great for others. According to these authors, foods that are incompatible with your blood type are harder to digest and may contribute to problems such as bloating , gas and constipation.

While I can’t vouch for the medical or scientific proof behind these claims, it seem to make sense and perhaps explained why some people will have issues with some foods and others don’t. It has meant giving up a number of foods that I quite enjoyed. Most I find quite easy but chicken…now that’s a big ask! I do have to say though that at the moment I am enjoying relatively good gut health and very low occurrence of bloating!

Easing the bloat- some natural remedies

If you suffering from bloating some of these might help

•            Drink plenty of water ( warm or cold) this will help to force the gas out
•            Hot beverages- peppermint, ginger, turmeric, camomile eg.
•            Few slices of lemon in moderately hot (not boiling) water
•            Walking is great for dislodging trapped wind
•            Avoid eating on top of a bloat as this will worsen the situation and cause greater discomfort.
•            Warm relaxing bath

Edit: As mentioned above bloating can be caused by other factors some more serious than others. This blog however intended mainly to focus on those aspects that were directly relatable. As rightly pointed out by one reader, hormonal imbalance in women especially during menopause can be a contributing factor to bloating. Other more serious conditions may also be at play. It is always recommended to seek the advice of a doctor for any unusual and persistent conditions.

 

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Blood Types, Body Types and You

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