Eye Care: The Wonders of Technology

5 Ways To Avoid Bloating

by Stella Robinson

Bloating is a common occurrence. Being bloated means there is excess gas or air in your gastrointestinal tract. Being bloated can make your stomach feel fuller or tighter than usual. It can even cause your stomach to look slightly larger. It's possible for bloating to cause pain and/or discomfort; to avoid this, there are precautions you can take to avoid the feeling. 

Ways to Avoid Bloating

Don't Overeat

One of the most common reasons you may experience bloating is overeating. When you're eating, do not eat to the point that you feel "stuffed", as this is what causes the bloating feeling. Instead, stop eating when you simply stop feeling hungry. You can also try eating your meal slower to prevent swallowing as much air. 

Find Out if You're Allergic to Certain Foods

Bloating is a symptom of various food allergies. If you're eating these foods and you're allergic, that could be the source of your bloating. 

Common food allergies that cause bloating include:

  • Gluten
  • Lactose
  • Eggs

Once you cut the allergens out of your diet, your bloating should go away (unless there's another reason you're getting bloated).

Avoid Foods That Cause Gas

There are certain foods that can cause the body to make more gas than normal. For example, greasy food and beans are commonly known for causing gas. If you avoid these foods, you can reduce your gas production, thus preventing bloating. 

Avoid Constipation

Constipation may not cause bloating, but it can oftentimes make bloating feel worse. A couple of natural ways to prevent constipation are by drinking more water and being more active. Increasing your fiber intake works too, but should be done very carefully. 

Avoid Carbonated Drinks

Drinking too many carbonated drinks can cause a gas buildup in your gastrointestinal tract. Carbonated drinks are usually fizzy, and when you drink them, the carbonation makes its way into your body. If you're unable to completely avoid carbonated drinks, try cutting back some and drinking more water. 

When to See a Doctor

If you feel bloated almost constantly and the pain/discomfort prevents you from being able to participate normally in your day-to-day life, it may be time to see a stomach doctor. A stomach doctor would be able to help you figure out if there is an underlying cause for your bloating. Do not be worried if it comes to this point, as bloating is usually easy to get rid of.

Share