This article was co-authored by Peter Gardner, MD
and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Criglow
. Peter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.
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Stomach bloating is a super common but uncomfortable ailment. Thankfully, there's a lot you can do to reduce or even eliminate bloating. Even simple things like changing up your diet and making a few key lifestyle changes can really help. Read on for some advice on curing stomach bloating for good.
Steps
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They also help lessen unhealthy bacteria in your gut. In doing so, they can reduce bloating brought on by gas. [1] X Research source To increase the probiotics in your diet, eat fermented foods like kimchi, pickles, and yogurt. If you're not a fan of probiotic foods, take a probiotic supplement according to the dosage instructions on the label. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Another option is probiotic drinks, like kombucha or kefir.
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Taking these before and after every meal can help reduce symptoms. More research is needed to confirm this natural remedy, but many use it to help ease bloating. Consult your doctor first before trying out this method. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Once you get the okay from your doctor, take the tablets according to the dosage on the product label before and after each meal. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source The following contain charcoal: [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Charcoal Plus
- Actidose-Aqua
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These medications break up gas bubbles in your digestive tract. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source This can help ease bloating and other symptoms of gas. Take the product according to the product label. Usually, you take the product 4 times a day, one after every meal plus one before bed. [7] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Common brands include: [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Mylanta
- Gas-X
- Mylicon
- Gelusil
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Do this if you don't want to part with foods like beans and cruciferous veggies. Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that helps your body break down foods without producing as much gas. This can help ease any bloating. To try out this method, purchase Beano or Beanassist at a local pharmacy. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Take the product according to the instructions on the label (usually right before every meal). [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Beano and BeanAssist are available as tablets or drops.
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Many people who are lactose intolerant may still crave dairy products like ice cream. If this describes you, you don’t have to give up dairy to reduce bloating. Use supplements to supply your body with the enzymes it needs to process dairy. Common brands are: [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Lactaid
- Dairy Ease.
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Eating small meals helps keep your digestive system busy. Eating 3 heavy meals a day can lead to food not moving through your system properly. When stool has extra time to ferment in your bowels, it produces more gas symptoms like bloating and stomach pain. Make frequent meals a habit by eating less at your normal meal times and add a snack between breakfast and lunch and again between lunch and dinner. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Avoid eating 3 large meals a day, and try not to eat a big meal right before you go to bed.
- Try to eat breakfast about an hour or hour and a half after waking up. Then, eat meals once every 3-4 hours with snacks in between. [13]
X
Expert Source
Lyssandra Guerra
Certified Nutrition & Wellness Consultant Expert Interview. 25 March 2020.
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People often swallow air without recognizing that they are doing it. The air gets trapped in your system and causes bloating and gas as a result. To reduce the amount of air you swallow in a day, avoid smoking, sipping from drinks with a straw, eating too fast, and chewing gum. This will hopefully ease your bloating symptoms! [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Smokers often swallow air when they smoke, leading to bloating and gassiness. You can reduce bloating and help your overall health by quitting.
- When you use a straw, you suck in air. Ditch the straw to help ease your bloating symptoms (and help the environment, too).
- Eating too fast and not taking enough time to chew can also cause you to swallow air. Focus on your chewing and make a conscious effort to eat more slowly.
- Chewing gum makes you produce saliva, which causes you to swallow more often. As a result, you swallow more air, too.
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Though healthy, fiber increases the amount of gas in your bowels. This can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Avoid or reduce fruits and vegetables like pears, asparagus, brussels sprouts, and artichokes. Steer clear or reduce your intake of whole wheat and bran as well. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- If you have recently changed your diet to include more fiber, either by taking supplements or switching to whole-grain foods, ease into your diet slowly. This will give your body a chance to adjust.
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Your body digests fatty foods slowly. [16] X Expert Source Peter Gardner, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 25 August 2020. This causes more gas to generate as the food breaks down, making you feel bloated and gassy. Reduce your consumption of fatty red meats and eat lean meats like fish and poultry instead. Drink low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk. Though it might be hard to part with fatty comfort foods, making these changes can really ease bloating symptoms. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- Cooking at home can also really help, as restaurant food is usually rich in cream, butter, and oil.
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Sugar replacements can be difficult to process. This can lead to bloating and gas during the digestion process. Examine the packaging on any diet foods your purchase, like low-calorie foods. Avoid the following ingredients: [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Xylitol
- Sorbitol
- Mannitol
- Maltitol Syrup
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Many people lose their ability to digest milk products as they age. Gas and bloating are common symptoms. [19] X Expert Source Peter Gardner, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 25 August 2020. Evaluate whether your symptoms occur after eating dairy products. If so, you may want to reduce your dairy intake and see if that helps. Dairy products to limit may include: [20] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- Milk.
- Ice cream.
- Cream.
- Cheese.
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Salt makes you thirsty, which causes your body to hold fluids. If you frequently feel thirsty after eating, reduce your salt intake. Don't add table salt to your food. Steer clear of adding salt to your water to cook pasta and rice. Opt for low-sodium canned foods. Eating out less can also help, as restaurants often add a lot of salt to their food for extra flavor. [21] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- If you're used to adding table salt to your food, take the shaker off the table to get out of the habit.
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Carbonated drinks release carbon dioxide gas into your system. By cutting them out of your diet, you can lower the amount of gas you have in your gut. [22] X Expert Source Peter Gardner, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 25 August 2020. This can significantly reduce bloating! These drinks include: [23] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- Carbonated sodas and sparkling water
- Alcoholic beverages like beer, sparkling seltzer, and mixed drinks that include club soda and tonic water.
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Getting moving helps your body digest food properly. In doing so, it eases symptoms of bloating. [24] X Research source Engage in 75-150 of aerobic exercise per week, or 15-30 minutes five times per week. If you have health problems like diabetes that may make it unsafe for you to exercise, consult your doctor before starting. [25] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- If you're new to exercise, start out easy and work your way up to more strenuous exercise.
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Stress hormones can alter your digestion. This can lead to gas symptoms like bloating. [26] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source If you're under a lot of stress, use relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing. Getting enough sleep each night, meaning 8-10 hours each night, can also reduce feelings of stress. [27] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- If you're particularly stressed about something, it can trigger a fight-or-flight response in your body. In doing so, digestion can slow down or stop completely. This is where digestive issues like bloating come in. [28] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
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The bloating may be a sign of an underlying condition. If you try out these methods and the bloating continues, or the pain is so severe that it starts to disrupt your life, make an appointment with your doctor. They can help you determine what may be causing the bloating and prescribe your specific treatment plan. [29] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Potential conditions that could cause bloating include irritable bowel syndrome, an obstructed bowel, heart diseases, appendicitis, and gall stones.
- Be sure to go to the doctor if the bloating is accompanied by other symptoms like persistent nausea, black, tarry stool or stool with bloody streaks, severe diarrhea or constipation, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss.
How Do You Treat Bloating?
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow often does a person replenish good bacteria?Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.Commensal bacteria, as they are called, are cohabitants of the GI tract and are constantly being replenished.Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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References
- ↑ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-it-safe-to-take-charcoal-pills-for-gas-and-bloating/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682683.html
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/digestive-enzymes-101-why-theyre-important/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/in-depth/gas-and-gas-pains/art-20044739?pg=2
- ↑ Lyssandra Guerra. Certified Nutrition & Wellness Consultant. Expert Interview. 25 March 2020.
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/basics/causes/con-20019271
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
- ↑ Peter Gardner, MD. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/in-depth/gas-and-gas-pains/art-20044739?pg=2
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/basics/causes/con-20019271
- ↑ Peter Gardner, MD. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/feel-bloated-5-odd-reasons-stomach-pain/
- ↑ Peter Gardner, MD. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/in-depth/gas-and-gas-pains/art-20044739
- ↑ https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-gas-belching-and-bloating/
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/basics/fitness-basics/hlv-20049447
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/stress-and-the-sensitive-gut
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-management/art-20044289?pg=2
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/stress-and-the-sensitive-gut
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/basics/symptoms/con-20019271
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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