Bloating
Definition:
Bloating is a condition in which the belly (abdomen) feels full and tight. Your belly may look swollen (distended).
Signs & Symptoms:
A fever
Skin rashes or hives
Watery eyes, itchy throat and other signs of allergic reaction
Constipation or diarrhea
Vomiting or nausea
Blood in your urine or stool
Unintentional weight loss
Trouble going to the bathroom
Pain around your lymph nodes, including in your groin, throat or armpits
Fatigue
Brain fog and trouble concentrating
Irregular periods
Hemorrhoids
Cause:
Common causes include:
Swallowing air
Constipation
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
Irritable bowel syndrome
Lactose intolerance and problems digesting other foods
Overeating
Small bowel bacterial overgrowth
Weight gain
The oral diabetes medicine, acarbose, and medicines or foods containing lactulose or sorbitol, may cause bloating.
More serious disorders that may cause bloating are:
Ascites and tumors
Celiac disease
Dumping syndrome
Ovarian cancer
Problems with the pancreas not producing enough digestive enzymes (pancreatic insufficiency)
How To Cure:
- Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are very effective for digestive problems like bloating due to their carminative, diuretic, pain-reducing and anti-microbial properties. Fennel seeds help relieve bloating by relaxing muscle spasms in the digestive tract.
Chew on a few fennel seeds after eating a big meal.
Add one teaspoon of fennel seeds to 1 cup of hot water. Cover and allow it to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain it. Have this tea two or three times a day.
- Peppermint
Peppermint contains menthol oil, which has an anti-spasmodic effect on the smooth muscle of the digestive tract. This helps relieve spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, bile duct and gallbladder.
It also calms flatulence and helps food pass through the stomach quickly.
You can chew on fresh peppermint leaves for relief from bloating.
Another option is to steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water for about 10 minutes and drink two to three cups of this tea a day.
- Ginger
Ginger is a well-known herb that can be used to reduce gas and bloating. It contains several active ingredients, including the pungent compounds gingerols and shogaols that help reduce inflammation in the intestines and relax the intestinal muscles.
Place five to six thin slices of ginger in a cup and pour boiling water into the cup. Cover the cup and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Add a little honey and lemon juice to it and then drink it up to three times a day.
Another option is to eat one teaspoon of fresh grated ginger before meals. You can also grate ginger root and sprinkle it on your food.
Adults can opt to take 0.25 to 1 g of powdered ginger root daily.
