Speedy Solutions for Bloating: 6 Instant Reliefs and Extended Approaches
Feeling bloated ain't no fun, and when it hits, you want relief fast. Here are some quick fixes to help you out:
- Peppermint oil: This bad boy is a lifesaver, particularly for people suffering from conditions like IBS or SIBO. Peppermint oil aids digestion and reduces intestinal spasms that cause pain. You can find it in various forms such as teas, drops, and capsules. Opt for capsules as they don't break down in your stomach, delivering the oil directly to your intestines.
- OTC medications: These depend on what's gonna cause the party in your gut.
- Laxatives: If you're constipated, these can help move excess stool out of your digestive tract.
- Gas relief capsules: These are supposed to break down large gas bubbles into smaller ones, making it easier for you to pass them out. While they're not proven to relieve gas symptoms, some folks find them helpful.
- Charcoal pills: Don't touch these with a 10-foot pole. Although they claim to bind to gas in your intestines, they're not regulated by the FDA and lack research backing them up.
- Walk it off: Physical activity stimulates your intestinal tract and speeds up the passage of food, waste, and gas. So, put on your sneakers and take a stroll when you're feeling bloated.
- Massage: Trapped gas in your large intestine can be worked out with some abdominal massage. Start at the lower right side of your belly and work in a horseshoe pattern - up, over, and down.
- Fast overnight: Fasting promotes a natural bodily process that sweeps excess bacteria out of your intestines, which can help reduce SIBO symptoms. A simple overnight fast after dinner and only water until the next morning should do the trick.
- Self-care: Stress, anxiety, and poor sleep can contribute to gastrointestinal troubles. So, take a few minutes to practice some self-care, like an Epsom salt bath, meditation, napping, yoga, walking/exercise, or deep breathing.
For long-term relief of ongoing symptoms, it's best to work with a healthcare provider. Here are some strategies for long-term relief:
- Keep a food diary: Jot down everything you eat and drink for a few days, along with your symptoms. This can help identify any food intolerances that might be causing your bloating.
- Adjust your diet: Cutting out high-FODMAP foods like lactose, cruciferous veggies, garlic, onions, gluten, fructose, and artificial sweeteners may help reduce gas and bloating. Consider trying a low-FODMAP diet if you don't find anything in your food diary.
- Reduce swallowed air: Chewing gum, eating too fast, talking with your mouth full, and using a straw can all introduce extra air into your digestive tract, leading to gas buildup. Be mindful of these habits.
- Regular exercise: Cardio for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, and strength training twice a week can help manage conditions like IBS, prevent bloating, and generally improve your health.
- Manage constipation: Increase your fiber intake gradually to support regular digestion. Aim for about 64 ounces of water daily to help with fiber absorption.
- Reduce salt intake: Excess salt in your diet can cause water retention, leading to bloating. Take stock of where salt sneaks into your diet.
If bloating persists or happens often, it's best to consult a healthcare provider to figure out the root cause and the best way to manage it. Don't forget that a visit to a provider can help rule out potentially serious conditions like bowel obstruction or cancer. Stay protected, stay bloat-free!
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