Many of us have experienced the feeling of being bloated. It often occurs after an indulgent weekend or during festive seasons, where larger amounts of eating and drinking take place.
It can feel like your stomach is stretched, puffy and uncomfortable and can be caused by a number of things including:
- Swallowing air (talking while eating etc.)
- Excess wind
- Constipation
- Coeliac disease
- Food intolerance
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
Often it’s simply due to eating or drinking too much or doing it too quickly – something most of us can relate to! However, if you are concerned that the bloating is more than that or causing you issues, then speak to your doctor who will be able to offer expert advice tailored to you.
However, bloating is not always linked to overeating and some people may suffer from bloating on a regular basis – even when they haven’t had a large meal.
Bloating can be very uncomfortable but, thankfully, there are a number of ways you can change your diet and lifestyle to help tackle this unwelcome feeling.
Rennie takes a look at five areas that cause problems and suggests some simple ways to help you beat the bloat.
DON’T EAT TOO MUCH IN ONE SITTING
That feeling of being overly full after a large meal is familiar to us all.
To avoid this, rather than eating one large meal, eat less and more often.
Along with eating smaller meals, chewing your food correctly also has two key benefits – it helps reduce the amount of air you swallow with the food, and it also makes you eat a lot slower, reducing your intake of food.
ENSURE YOU EAT PLENTY OF FIBRE
Constipation can often increase the symptoms of bloating, so ensure you are eating plenty of cereals and vegetables to keep yourself regular.
Constipation is a common digestive problem and can be a result of a number of different causes such as not eating enough fibre. Other things that can cause constipation include:
- A change in eating habits
- A lack of exercise
- Avoiding going to the toilet
- Not drinking enough liquids
- Anxiety
CHECK IF YOU’RE INTOLERANT TO CERTAIN FOODS
Eating foods that you’re intolerant to may lead to an excess of gas production, an unsettled stomach, and bloating.
If you think you may be intolerant to certain foods, consult with your doctor or a dietician who can advise you on changes to your diet.
MAKE USE OF PROBIOTICS
There is some evidence that probiotic supplements can often help improve and reduce symptoms of gas and bloating in people with digestive problems.
However, this does depend on the individual as well as the type of probiotic strain used.
If a bloated feeling remains, then Rennie offers a range of products that can help tackle the problem. Rennie’s Deflatine contain Simethicone, an active ingredient which breaks down the tiny bubbles of gas that cause the bloated feeling and gurgling noises of trapped wind. This helps to form fewer, larger bubbles, which are more easily expelled or absorbed in the intestine.
TIPS & ADVICE
A busy life can be hard on the stomach and anyone can be affected by heartburn, indigestion or trapped wind at some point. But if you often find yourself in discomfort, sometimes just a few simple changes to your lifestyle can really help to ease those uncomfortable symptoms.
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