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Simple Home Remedies For Bloating
Introduction:
Do you feel like a balloon in your stomach? This is because you have the issue of stomach bloating! And if you are looking for some home remedies to help with your bloating, then yes, you have visited the right place. Bloating is a condition that causes the abdomen to feel tight and full, as well as the stomach to appear swollen.1 The feeling of bloating can range from slightly uncomfortable to extremely painful. It usually goes away in some time, but it can be a recurring issue for some people.2
What Causes Bloating?
Excessive intestinal gas is the most common cause of bloating.2 Other common causes of bloating include the following:
- Overeating and eating too quickly.2
- Constipation (due to diet or lifestyle factors): Due to improper passing of stools, freshly digested food remains in the intestines for a longer period, waiting to go down. Everything expands to accommodate the extra volume, resulting in bloating.2
- Gases can be ingested by swallowing air or drinking carbonated beverages.2
- Weight gain usually affects your abdominal volume. Because of weight gain, there is less space for normal digestive processes; even a regular meal can cause you to feel abnormally bloated during digestion.1,2
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder in which the stomach acid comes up and irritates the oesophagus (food pipe)1
- Small bowel bacterial overgrowth: This happens when bacteria from the colon (part of the large intestine) overflow into the small intestine. These bacterial overgrowths can also overload other bacteria that are supposed to balance them, resulting in stomach bloating.2
- Irritable bowel syndrome is a colon disorder characterised by diarrhoea or constipation, abdominal pain, and mucus passage in stools.
- Lactose intolerance (inability to digest sugar) and problem in digesting other food items
- The menstrual cycle may cause temporary bloating2
Bloating can sometimes be caused by more serious medical conditions that include:
- Celiac disease (caused due to immune reactions to gluten-containing food items. Gluten is a protein found in many grains, and it doesn’t provide any nutrition)
- Ascites (a swelling caused by fluid accumulation in the abdomen) and tumours
- Ovarian cancer
- Dumping syndrome (a condition that can develop after surgery to remove all or some part of the stomach)
- Pancreatic insufficiency is a condition in which the pancreas is unable to produce specific enzymes for digestion.1
It might be a serious problem if your bloating is accompanied by abdominal pain, cramps, nausea or vomiting. Persistent bloating that doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals or avoiding certain foods, may also point to a more serious issue.
Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Symptoms of Bloating:
Common symptoms of bloating include:
- Stomach discomfort
- Stomach pain
- Gas formation in the stomach
- Frequent burping (belching) or abdominal rumbling or gurgling (squeaking noise from the abdomen)3
Severe bloating may be accompanied by other significant symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blood in the stools
- Heartburn (a burning feeling in your chest due to the backing up of stomach acid in the food pipe)
- Fever because of any infection
- Vaginal bleeding (postmenopausal or between your periods)
- Diarrhoea
- Noticeable weight loss (without trying)3
Did You Know ?
- Approximately 16-30% of the population in the United States experiences bloating. source: ncbi
- Stress and anxiety can contribute to bloating, affecting 30-40% of individuals. source: ncbi
- Consuming gas-producing foods, such as beans and lentils, can lead to bloating. source: ncbi
- Bloating is more common in women, with a prevalence of 30-40%. source: ncbi
Suggested Home Remedies for Bloating:
The following are some of the home remedies that may help you relieve bloating:
1. Herbal Teas
Herbal teas may aid in digestion and relieve gas. Some of the herbal teas that might benefit you for bloating are chamomile, peppermint, turmeric, ginger, and fennel tea. Dandelion tea may help to relieve water retention, thereby reducing bloating.2
2. Pan (Tambulam/Betel Leaf)
According to Ayurveda, pan is a post-meal digestive stimulant.4 You can chew betel leaves after meals; this can help with digestion. It may stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, relieve constipation and aid in reducing stomach bloating.5
3. Elaichi (Cardamom)
Traditionally, cardamom was used as a stomachic (helps digestion and promotes appetite), anti-flatulent (prevents gas accumulation) and for managing indigestion.6 You can take some cardamom, shunti (dry ginger), and rock salt and make a fine powder of it. You can take this with warm water. This might be helpful in bloating and indigestion.5
4. Chakra Phool (Star Anise)
The star anise fruit acts as a carminative (to relieve gas from the intestine) and is used for indigestion and to relieve bloating.7 You can take some anise powder and mix it with honey. It helps with digestive issues like bloating, flatulence, stomach pain, and colic (abdomen pain).5 The fruits of this tree are also used for making tea and might be helpful in stomach bloating and indigestion.
5. Ginger
Ginger is an essential dietary agent that has carminative properties. It has been used for a long time to manage digestive issues like bloating, constipation, indigestion, discomfort, etc.8 You can prepare ginger tea by adding ginger to the water and boiling it. This may help manage stomach bloating.
6. Hing (Asafoetida)
Hing is a popular ingredient in several foods. Its health benefits are that it helps to reduce bloating, menstrual pain, and indigestion.9 You can take warm water with some hing in it. This may help with bloating.
7. Ajwain
In Iran, ajwain has been used as a herbal remedy for a variety of gastrointestinal conditions, including bloating. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that also might be beneficial for bloating.10 You can chew some ajwain seeds. You can also boil some ajwain in water, allow it to cool and then drink it.
8. Turmeric
Turmeric is considered one of nature’s most potent healing agents. It acts as a digestive stimulant as well as carminative. It is added to a variety of dishes to improve digestion and reduce gas and bloating. You can take turmeric as a dry powder mixed in plain water or buttermilk, which is highly beneficial for stomach issues.11
It is essential to educate patients on the benign course of this disorder, to establish long-term care and expectations for treatment. If red flag signs like unintentional weight loss, persistent vomiting, or dysphagia are present, further evaluation is recommended.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka – MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Preventive Measures:
- Avoid foods that can create gas, including cabbage, Brussel sprouts, beans, lentils, and turnips.
- Avoid chewing gum and carbonated beverages.
- Eat your food slowly.
- Quit smoking
- Avoid milk and other dairy items that contain lactose1
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid processed foods
- Eat food items rich in fibre. Fibre aids in promoting good bacteria in the gut; it helps clean out the faecal matter that is lodged, reducing constipation and helping to relieve bloating.
- Exercise regularly2
Also Read: Drinks That Make You Pass Stools Immediately: A Guide to Digestive Health
When to Seek Medical Help?
Seek medical help if your stomach bloating:
- Causes pain continuously
- Continues for more than a week
- Worsens gradually2
You must also seek medical help if you notice other symptoms along with bloating, like:
- Vomiting
- Heartburn which is progressing and getting worse
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Dark stools that look like tar
- Blood in the stools
- Weightloss1
Also Read: What Causes Sulfur Burps: Captioning The Scientific Explanations
Conclusion:
Bloating is a common experience and a very unpleasant feeling. However, it can be managed using some of the above-mentioned tips that may help to prevent stomach bloating from worsening. Additionally, home remedies such as herbal teas, elaichi, pan, star anise, ginger, hing, ajwain, and turmeric may be beneficial in reducing bloating. However, if the bloating persists for more than a week and you have other symptoms, which are worsening your condition, then in such cases, you must consult your doctor.
Also Read: 5 Instant Home Remedies For Gastric Problem
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is turmeric beneficial for bloating? Yes, turmeric is an excellent healing agent and acts as a carminative and digestive stimulant. You can mix turmeric powder in plain water or buttermilk; this helps manage bloating.11
What should I do if I’ve had a bloating issue for more than a week? If you have been experiencing stomach bloating for more than a week, you must seek medical help.2 There could be some condition that is causing the bloating. Your doctor will examine you properly and will suggest you the treatment accordingly.
Do herbal teas aid in the relief of bloating? Yes, herbal teas may help you to get rid of bloating. Herbal tea includes chamomile, peppermint, turmeric, ginger, and fennel. Even dandelion tea may help relieve bloating caused by water retention.2
Is ajwain good for bloating? Yes, ajwain has been used as a herbal remedy for various gastrointestinal conditions, including bloating. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well.10 You can chew some ajwain seeds and boil some ajwain in water, allow it to cool and then drink it.
Is hing good for bloating? Yes, hing has several health benefits and also helps in reducing bloating.9 You can mix some hing in warm water and drink it. This could help you manage your bloating problem.
Also Read: Home Remedies For Immediate Relief From Constipation
References:
1. Abdominal bloating. [Internet]. MedlinePlus National Library of Medicine. 2022. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003123.htm
2. Bloated Stomach [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2021. p. 1–13. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21740-bloated-stomach
3. Bloating [Internet]. American Academy of Family Physicians. 2021. p. 1–4. Available from: https://familydoctor.org/condition/bloating/
4. Betel leaf [Internet]. Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences. 2022. Available from: http://ccras.nic.in/node/1376
5. AYUSH. Ayurveda Offering Herbal Healing [Internet]. 1–128 p. Available from: https://www.esic.nic.in/attachments/publicationfile/7d11b02e5abb4717d53b4ce05efabd21.pdf
6. Sengottuvelu S. Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Linn: Maton) Seeds in Health [Internet]. Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention. Elsevier Inc.; 2011. 285–291 p. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123756886100349
7. Gonzalez-Stuart AE, McCallum RW. Medicinal Plants Used for Digestive Disorders- What the Gastroenterologist Needs to Know. Pract Gastroenterol [Internet]. 2015;39(9):12–25. Available from: https://practicalgastro.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Medicinal-Plants-for-Digestive-Disorders-What-Gastroenterologist-Needs-to-Know.pdf
8. Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmatdoost A. Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Food Sci Nutr [Internet]. 2019 Jan 1 [cited 2022 Mar 25];7(1):96. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6341159/
9. Shahrajabian MH, Sun W, Cheng Q. Asafoetida, Natural Medicine for Future. Curr Nutr Food Sci [Internet]. 2021;17(9):922–6. Available from: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cnf/2021/00000017/00000009/art00005
10. Yazdian M, Agah S, Minaii B, Ansari R, Hosseini H, Vazifekhah S, et al. Evaluation of Efficacy of Carum Copticum on Gaseous Symptoms in Patients With Abdominal Bloating. Int J Biosci [Internet]. 2014;5(9):372–8. Available from: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.657.2548&rep=rep1&type=pdf
11. Bhowmik D, Chiranjib, Kumar KPS, Chandira M, B. Jayakar. Turmeric: A Herbal and Traditional Medicine. Sch Res Libr [Internet]. 2009;1(2):86–108. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Debjit-Bhowmik-3/publication/268268687_Turmeric_A_Herbal_and_Traditional_Medicine/links/5552dedf08aeaaff3bf001f1/Turmeric-A-Herbal-and-Traditional-Medicine.pdf
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Helicobacter Pylori- The Silent Epidemic
What is H. Pylori?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium usually found in the stomach, which has infected almost 80% of the Indian population. The vast majority of people infected with H. pylori have no symptoms and will never develop any problem. However, H. pylori are capable of causing several digestive ailments which include ulcers and less commonly, stomach cancer. It is not clear why some people with H. pylori get these ailments and others don’t.How can you get infected?
- pylori infection is mainly acquired in childhood. The mode of transmission of H. pylori remains poorly understood. The bacteria are most commonly spread by consuming food or water contaminated with faecal matter. H. pylori can cause changes to the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). In developing countries, a combination of untreated water, crowded conditions and poor hygiene contribute to a higher H. pylori infection rate.
What are the diseases caused by H. Pylori infection?
Not all H. pylori infections lead to the development of ulcers and stomach cancer.However, most people infected do develop gastritis. Unless eradicated, H. pylori will remain in the stomach and will continue to cause chronic inflammation and weakening the protective force of the mucous membrane of the stomach. This will result in creating a condition whereby it is vulnerable to attack by stress, salty meals and carcinogenic substances.1. Indigestion (Dyspepsia) –
Most people with indigestion or dyspepsia feel pain and discomfort in the stomach or chest. The sensation generally occurs soon after consuming some food or a drink. It may make a person feel full or uncomfortable during a meal, even if they have not eaten a large amount of food.2. Gastritis –
Gastritis is an inflammation and irritation of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).3. Ulceration –
Stomach ulcers, which are also known as gastric ulcers, are painful sores in the stomach lining. Stomach ulcers occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices, is reduced. This allows the digestive acids to eat away at the tissues that line the stomach, causing an ulcer.Stomach cancer –The causes of stomach cancer are thought to be smoking, poor eating habits and genetics. However, the latest research indicates that H. pylori eradication therapy decreases the risk of developing stomach cancer.What are the symptoms of H. Pylori infection?
Most individuals with chronic gastritis have no symptoms. However, some people develop more serious problems, including stomach or duodenal ulcers. Ulcers can cause a variety of symptoms or no symptoms at all, with the most common symptoms including:- Pain or discomfort (usually in the upper abdomen)
- Bloating
- Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dark or tar-coloured stools
- Ulcers that bleed can cause a low blood count and fatigue
Certain medications can also cause peptic ulcers. Who should be tested for H. Pylori infection?
If you have symptoms – Diagnostic testing for H. pylori infection is recommended if you have active gastric or duodenal ulcers or if you have a history of ulcers.There are several ways to diagnose H. pylori. The most commonly used tests include the following:- Breath tests – Breath tests (known as urea breath tests) require that you drink a specialized solution containing a substance that is broken down by the H. pylori bacterium. The broken-down products can be detected in your breath.
- Stool tests – Tests are available that detect H. pylori proteins in the stool.
- Blood tests – Blood tests can detect specific antibodies (proteins) that the body’s immune system develops, in response to the H. pylori bacterium.
Also Read: Sepsis: A Guide to Understanding Its Symptoms, Causes, and TreatmentHow is H. Pylori infection treated?
The treatment of H. pylori includes several steps. A two-week therapy of multiple antibiotics along with an antacid (mostly the proton pump inhibitors class of drug) is generally prescribed. After completing the H. pylori treatment, repeat testing is usually performed to ensure that the infection has been treated properly. However, there are increasing numbers of patients with H. pylori infection, who are showing resistance to the antibiotics. Hence, it is important to take the entire course of all medications as prescribed by your health care professional. The drawback though is that up to 50 percent of patients report side effects while taking this H. pylori treatment. These side effects include metallic taste, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps etc. Furthermore, patients don’t comply with the treatment as multiple dosing of several tablets per day is required, for at least two weeks.Also Read: Why Is My Upper Stomach Bigger Than My Lower? Understanding Body CompositionNewer therapies for H. Pylori eradication –
There are numerous types of probiotics such as Lactobacillus species which are used for the eradication of H pylori and to prevent gastrointestinal infections. Research has shown that a unique strain of Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM17648) exerts its action by attaching to/co-aggregating with the H. pylori bacteria and flushing them out of the body. This strain of L reuteri i.e. DSM17648 is also capable of reducing the H. pylori bacterial load and side effects associated with antibiotic therapy.Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes. 