Stomach bloating is a very common condition that affects most people at some point in their lifetime, according to the NHS. It can make the stomach feel puffy, swollen, and generally uncomfortable. But, making some small dietary changes could help you to avoid feeling bloated. Regularly drinking enough water is an easy way to lower your risk of stomach bloating, it’s been revealed.
Drinking water could help to prevent both stomach bloating and constipation, revealed medical website A.Vogel.
Keeping the body topped up with water helps the digestive system to keep everything moving along, it said.
Everyone should aim to drink at least one and a half litres of water every day to prevent bloating.
“We know that diet [what we eat], but also how we eat, is often very important in the management of bloating,” said A.Vogel.
“This is together with lifestyle habits of course – and depending on the likely cause of the problem, different tactics may work better than others.
“Plenty of water – it may seem simple, but it’s also effective. Perhaps not such a quick fix, but most definitely a long term solution.
“We should be drinking at least 1.5l of plain, still water daily – any less and you risk contributing to constipation and an increased risk of bloating.
“Keep hydrated to ensure things are moving along as they should.”
You could also lower your risk of stomach bloating by drinking herbal teas, it said.
Ginger, fennel and chamomile all have carminative and anti-spasmodal properties, which help to reduce bloating pain.
For those with a longer-term bloating problem, it could help to introduce more fermented foods into your diet.
Sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir all contain ‘good’ bacteria that help to rebalance the gut.
Stomach bloating is often caused by eating gassy foods, eating too much in one sitting, or by swallowing too much air.
You could swallow air by talking with your mouth full of food, by chewing gum, or even by drinking through a straw.
People are more likely to feel bloated after a big weekend – especially around the festive season.
Speak to a doctor if your bloating symptoms don’t go away, said the NHS. It could be caused by something more serious, including bowel or ovarian cancer.