How To Relieve Abdominal Bloating

Abdominal bloating is a sensation of feeling full, such as after a large meal. Often when it occurs the stomach actually bulges out which can be embarrassing. Bloating is usually due to an excessive build up of gas within the digestive tract, particularly the stomach and intestines. The problem can cause discomfort and abdominal pain, excessive belching and passing of wind. If you are living with this condition on a regular basis it can make your life miserable.

The actual cause of abdominal bloating is often difficult to determine though certain conditions such as Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Condition, food intolerances and for women, being pregnant or the menstrual cycle are well known culprits. If you have no known health or medical conditions it is mainly a case of trial and error to discover the triggers. Certain foods rich in sugar, beans, whole grains and fibre also dairy products and junk foods can lead to bloating.

While lots of fibre in the diet is considered a good thing for keeping the digestive and bowel parts healthy it can have the knock on effect of causing excessive gas. Who doesn't know what eating beans does? Fizzy drinks, eating too fast or gulping air while eating, drinking through straws and even loose fitting dentures are all believe it or not realistic causes of bloating. You may need to examine not just what you eat, but how you eat!

If you think an allergy or intolerance may be to blame arrange an allergy test and find out if you're sensitive to anything, your doctor may be able to arrange this. Check for things like lactose intolerance. Lactose is an enzyme that helps in the digestion of milk but many people are sensitive to it. Stress can be a factor, if it is, try herbal teas, relaxation techniques or healthy exercise. Above find out what is causing the stress and eliminate it.

Finally there are certain serious underlying medical conditions such as bowel, intestinal and colon cancers, blockages and disease that may cause bloating but there is often other warning signs that accompany these illnesses.

To find relief for your abdominal bloating try keeping a food diary. Take note of your food intake and mark down any instances of stomach or gas problems. That way a pattern may emerge pointing to certain foods you should avoid. It may indicate other factors that you can change. Above all else, don't simply put up with the discomfort, look for the cause and eliminate it.