But what is bloating, what causes bloating in some people more than in others and what can we do to get rid of it? Well generally speaking, bloating is that uncomfortable overstuffed feeling that most of us have experienced at one time or another.
Bloating can often occur after overindulging at the dinner table or maybe after a bout of excessive drinking. However for some people bloating is an everyday occurrence that can make meal times a constant battle.
Bloating may be due to fluid retention and in women could be hormone related and the result of a buildup of fluid especially in the week prior to menstruation. When an imbalance occurs in the body, excess fluid can build up in spaces between cells. Quite often a bloated abdomen may be accompanied by puffy eyes and swollen ankles.
A quick way to test for yourself if you suspect you may be suffering from fluid/water retention is to press your thumb onto your lower leg for a couple of seconds. When you release the pressure gently feel to see if the skin has sprung back or if you have been left with an indentation. If you can feel a dent this may be a sign of fluid retention. If you suspect you are suffering from fluid retention you should consult your doctor.
Bloating may also be a symptom of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a condition that affects the intestinal tract, more specifically the colon or the large intestine.
First thought of as a psychosomatic disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is now considered a functional disorder which means that though physical disorders are not present, this still does not negate that there is an actual source of pain.
It all lies in the physiological factors rather than the physical components such as the anatomy of the intestine or the chemical interaction within the system. Since it is a syndrome, it is characterized by a combination of symptoms for which the causes are unknown.
Sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome may experience a variety of symptoms including mild to severe abdominal cramping, stomach bloating, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea or an alternation of both. If you suspect you may be suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome you should consult your doctor who will be able to prescribe a anti spasmodic medication to soothe and relieve the symptoms.
Stress can also be a cause of stomach and abdominal discomfort including bloating. The link between the digestive system and emotions is well documented. Many people suffer from a 'nervous tummy' and most of us are familiar with that stomach lurching feeling or that urgent need to rush to the toilet when we are anxious or under pressure. Relaxation techniques or hypnosis may be the best long term solutions to help to deal with bloating caused by stress.
Probably the most common cause of stomach bloating is food intolerance.
Not to be confused with Food Allergy which is a more serious condition where the immune system responds disproportionately to a certain normally harmless food, provoking in some cases, a severe and occasionally life threatening reaction. Food intolerance on the other hand is the inability of the body to properly break down and digest certain foods and ingredients. This often results in painful cramps and a bloated stomach.
Dealing with food intolerance usually involves following an elimination diet for a short period of time. This will help to identify the foods most likely to be responsible for bloating so that they may be reduces or omitted from the diet to help relieve the symptoms.