Belly and bloating (Gas From Stomach): A Digestive Disorder
Bloating is way more common in women than in men.
It is a digestive disorder in the same way as nausea or heartburn.
Bloating is, basically, an accumulation of gas in the small intestine.
This accumulation causes tension in the intestine and thus, swelling of the abdomen.
As a result, bloated people often admit to having a “bloated belly” sensation.
Bloated Stomach Causes?
The causes of bloating are numerous and can be directly related to lifestyle:
A poor diet (fatty, sugary, spicy foods, soft drinks, alcohol, coffee, etc.) irritates the digestive system and can cause bloating.
Eating foods that are too rich in carbohydrates, such as starchy foods or apples, can lead to fermentation (transformation of sugar in the absence of oxygen), which can also lead to flatulence.
Aerophagia (“swallowing too much air“) makes the stomach work “empty” and can cause intestinal problems.
This phenomenon occurs when you eat or drink too quickly or with a straw or when you eat too much gum, as examples.
Anxiety and stress also promote bloating due to the fact that they cause the intestines to contract and aerophagia.
Tobacco, because of the nicotine it contains, increases the acidity of the stomach contents and can cause intestinal gas.
Similarly, the intense use of laxatives irritates the colonic mucosa and can lead to bloating.
During pregnancy, the uterus presses on the intestine and can lead to flatulence.
During menopause, estrogens(known to prevent bloating), decrease and therefore cause intestinal gas.
Aging is also conducive to bloating due to a loss of muscle tone and intestinal lubrication.
Other reasons can cause flatulence such as illnesses.
The consequences of a bloated stomach
Bloating can sometimes cause embarrassment or discomfort. It also causes a feeling of swelling in the abdomen accompanied by intestinal pain, gurgling in the digestive tract, spasms and twisting.
In case of bloating, it is possible to feel a need to expel gas and a need to belch (release of gas from the stomach through the mouth).
Six Remedies On How Release Gas From Stomach?
Remedies For Bloating
Fortunately, this intestinal discomfort can be quickly soothed.
The point on the solutions containing vegetable coal, simethicone, digestive enzymes, or plants… which act against the inflated belly.
Different solutions can be proposed according to whether or not the bloating is accompanied by flatulence, drowsiness…
1. When you’re “only bloated” : Vegetable Coal OR Simethicone
Gas is “absorbed” with vegetarian coal or simethicone.
Taken outside the meal, their effect is generally fast.
✔️ Vegetarian charcoal absorbs gases and toxins.
Against bloating, it is used in doses of 500 mg to 1 g per intake.
As it can hinder the absorption of certain molecules, it is recommended to take it at least 2 hours away from any other treatment.
✔️ Simethicone does not have this disadvantage.
It acts by promoting the rupture of gas bubbles.
As the action of these substances varies according to the person, you can try both.
2. Baking soda, the classic remedy
A home remedy that has been passed down through generations, baking soda is a classic in the medicine cabinet.
It has proven its effectiveness in difficult digestion and bloating situations. How to take it?
Before the meal, a teaspoon of powder mixed in a small glass of water.
The only contraindication concerns people suffering from cardiac or renal insufficiency, who should not use it too frequently.
3. Bloating associated with heaviness: We Bet On The Plants
If you get a feeling of heaviness and drowsiness after the meal as if it had been too copious – which is not always the case – we then recommend plants for digestive purposes. Some of which, known as carminatives, also limit the formation of gastric and intestinal gases.
Fennel, which is used to relieve bloating and heaviness and is recommended by the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products and the WHO, is a must.
As well as coriander, cumin, green anise and star anise.
These plants are well tolerated and can be used on an occasional basis or, if the symptoms persist, as a 10 to 15-day treatment.
Be careful with fennel which, because of its weak estrogenic action, should be avoided in large or prolonged doses in case of hormone-dependent cancer (breast).
If necessary, charcoal can be added.
It should not be taken at the same time as plants and ready-made formulas combining it with plants should be avoided.
4. Clay-based digestive remedies
Clay-based digestive preparations are very natural and are among the best options that your pharmacist can offer you.
Clay is available in packets, choose a 100% natural, green and superfine one.
Clay protects the digestive mucosa and absorbs gas.
To prepare your homemade clay remedy, mix a teaspoon of clay powder in a large glass of water, let it sit for a few hours and drink without the deposit.
We recommend taking it before each meal and discussing the dosage beforehand with your doctor or pharmacist.
Be careful, clay may cause a decrease in the absorption of other medications. It is therefore best to respect a two-hour interval if you have other medications to take.
5. Against digestive disorders, the essential oil of peppermint
Traditionally used in digestive disorders associated with bloating and/or mild abdominal pain, the essential oil of peppermint is antispasmodic and stimulates bile secretions.
It is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding and is not used in self-medication before 8 years nor in the event of asthma or history of convulsion.
It is taken at a rate of one drop, 2 to 3 times per day, for example on a tablet of vegetable coal.
Not more than 4 to 5 days of continuous intake.
6. Digestive enzymes in case of heavy meals
Taking them facilitates the assimilation of proteins and helps to reduce bloating.
This is the case of papain extracted from papaya or bromelain extracted from pineapple.
They are taken combined with plants for global action, in punctual intakes or during ten days.
If these inconveniences are frequent and painful, associated with intestinal disorders, it is better to talk to your doctor.
