The common digestive condition that causes bloating and how to manage it.

A tight, full sensation in the stomach accompanied by gas is commonly experienced by many individuals during periods of bloating.

Although it's common and usually not severe, the condition can cause significant discomfort.

Two gastroenterologists were consulted by Planet Chronicle Digital to provide insights on managing or preventing bloating symptoms, which can help you better cope with the situation in the future.

Here are details.

What exactly is bloating?

Typically, the initial indications of bloating are a tight stomach and a sensation of being overly full.

According to Leila Kia, M.D., an associate professor of medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and a spokesperson for the American Gastroenterological Association, bloating is a person's feeling of abdominal fullness.

Sometimes, discomfort can result from excess air being trapped in the digestive tract, although it is more commonly due to increased awareness of normal amounts of gas, she said to Planet Chronicle Digital.

What causes bloating?

There are many different causes of bloating, including these common triggers.

Gas-producing foods

During digestion, certain foods, including beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables, and carbonated beverages, can produce gas.

According to Kyle Staller, M.D., the cause of bloating can be due to either the fermentation of gut bacteria or fluid being drawn into the digestive tract.

Lactose intolerance

People with lactose intolerance typically experience bloating, gas, and diarrhea when consuming dairy products, according to Staller, who is also a representative for the American Gastroenterological Association.

"Taking lactase supplements can alleviate symptoms by breaking down lactose," he stated.

Lactose intolerance can be a secondary effect of certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.

Menstrual cycles

Staller stated that hormone levels, specifically estrogen and progesterone, fluctuate during women's menstrual cycles to regulate the process.

The doctor explained that in the days before menstruation, the body retains more water, which can cause bloating.

Overeating or sluggish bowel movements

When someone consumes more food than their digestive system is used to processing, it must handle a larger amount of food.

Staller likened the digestive system to a factory team responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.

He explained that consuming more calories than your body requires is similar to overloading the digestive system with an excessive amount of work.

"The excessive workload may slow down the digestive process due to the large amount of food that needs to be broken down, resulting in a backlog in the digestive system."

"When you eat more than your body needs, it’s like sending an overwhelming amount of work to the digestive team."

As the digestive system works harder to break down excess food, more gas is produced as a natural byproduct.

The doctor stated that this excess gas can accumulate in the stomach and intestines.

As per the expert, an expanded stomach can exert pressure on nearby organs and tissues, resulting in a sensation of fullness and swelling. Additionally, constipation may occur.

How to reduce bloating

Lifestyle changes can help to prevent bloating from happening in the first place.

Staller suggested that limiting the foods that cause gas and bloating through diet modification can be effective.

Some common culprits that can cause digestive problems include beans, certain vegetables, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners.

According to the doctor, consuming smaller, more frequent meals and chewing food thoroughly can aid in reducing the amount of swallowed air.

Drinking plenty of water can aid in maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing constipation, which can lead to bloating, as advised by Staller.

Regular exercise can also promote healthy digestion and help alleviate bloating.

Treatments for bloating

Some over-the-counter remedies may help alleviate symptoms.

Staller noted that while anti-gas medications may relieve symptoms by breaking down gas bubbles in the digestive tract, their effectiveness is limited by limited evidence.

If bloating is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as IBS or IBD, a healthcare professional may prescribe medications to manage symptoms.

Staller pointed out that not all fiber supplements are equally effective.

One of the most common causes of bloating is IBS, and I generally recommend soluble fiber as the best option. Foods like oats, beans, and fruits contain soluble fiber, which can be beneficial for reducing bloating.

While fiber can alleviate bloating, it can also exacerbate the condition, the doctor cautioned.

Gradually introducing fiber supplements can help the digestive system adjust.

Increasing the dose gradually can reduce the likelihood of side effects such as gas and bloating, according to Staller.

What if lifestyle changes don’t help?

If bloating doesn't improve with dietary and lifestyle changes or if there are other associated symptoms, it's important to consult a physician, advised Kia from Northwestern.

If a person's persistent bloating does not improve with lifestyle or diet interventions, it may be necessary to consider other causes, according to Kia.

Digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), can cause bloating, she explained.

"Chronic constipation, intestinal blockage, bacterial overgrowth, and gastrointestinal tract cancers can also be seen."

The doctor stated that the conditions necessitate particular treatments to address the root cause.

"Bloating typically improves when the underlying cause is addressed."

If bloating persists or is associated with pain, bloody stools, or weight loss, it's crucial to consult a physician, she emphasized.

"Kia stated that your doctor may order tests such as abdominal scans, colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, or blood and stool tests to determine the cause."

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