How to Get Rid of Bloating

Bloating is a very common, and unfortunately, a very uncomfortable, experience in people. It often happens after a very large meal, throughout a menstrual cycle, or just as a daily occurrence. If you’re looking to manage bloating and try to get rid of it for good, there are some things you should know first…

Common Causes

There are two main causes of bloating: digestive dysfunction and hormonal dysregulation. A combination of both of these causes can also cause bloating.

Digestive Dysfunction: When bloating occurs after a meal

• Low stomach acid: your stomach requires acid to digest foods and absorb micronutrients. When your stomach does not have the appropriate amount of acid, your food is fermented by the bacteria of the gut, leading to gassiness, bloating and even stool changes.
• Food intolerance: by consuming foods that you are intolerant toward, you cause your stomach to go into an inflammatory state, leading to fluid retention and bloating.
• Dysbiosis: this is when there is an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast in the stomach that causes food to be fermented instead of digested. This can also mean an overgrowth of bacteria in what should be sterile environments such as the small intestine.

Hormonal Dysregulation: When bloating is present upon waking and has no correlation to food (usually caused by menstrual cycle/hormones)

• Excess estrogen: usually signified by water retention, breast tenderness, and swelling/bloating before menstruation
• Low progesterone: this is another cause of bloating before menstruation. It usually lasts anywhere from 2 weeks before flow to 6 days after flow. Low progesterone is associated with premenstrual irritability.

Natural Remedies That Can Help Get Rid of Bloating

• Castor oil packs: saturate a face cloth with castor oil and apply it to the lower abdomen along with a heating pack. This will lead to temporary relief only. Do NOT do this during menstruation as it may cause a heavier flow.
• Lemon water: lemons are a natural diuretic and laxative that will help you digest, process, and pass foods. Water will keep your body hydrated, which is essential in digestion and detoxification.
• Watch how you eat: chew your food thoroughly and be sure to also consume water while eating. Try not to swallow air by avoiding chewing gum and drinking through straws as air in your digestive tract causes temporary bloating.
• Probiotics: rebalance your gut bacteria by consuming a good probiotic recommended to you by a professional naturopath. Always be sure to consult with a naturopath first as taking the wrong probiotics can actually make bloating symptoms far worse.

Manage your bloating and your overall health by visiting a naturopathic doctor today. Call Dr. Cecilia Ho, professional naturopath in Pickering, for the best treatment for bloating: 905-492-8688.