A bloated stomach is uncomfortable and at times even painful. Everyone experiences occasional stomach bloating, usually after over-indulging in an especially rich meal. If you experience stomach bloating on a frequent basis, however, it's a sign that changes need to be made. Here are a few tips to follow when dealing with frequent stomach bloating:
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
A common cause of stomach bloating is when people wait to eat until they are basically starving, and then scarf down a huge meal way too rapidly. The large amount of food combined with eating too fast traps gas in your stomach, which results in that uncomfortable bloating problem.
An easy solution is to plan ahead for your meals each day, including prepping them the night before whenever possible. Instead of one or two really large meals, aim to eat several small, well-balanced meals throughout your day.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising at least a few times a week has a positive effect on your entire digestive system. When you work out, your circulation improves, and food and beverages move more easily through your system. Exercising helps prevent constipation, which is a frequent precursor to stomach bloating. Go for a jog, go swimming, or take an aerobics class at least a few times a week to see if this helps.
Drink More Water
Getting enough water helps prevent stomach bloating because water is needed for your body to properly digest food and to avoid constipation. If you have trouble drinking enough water each day, try to make water more appealing by keeping chilled and filtered water in your fridge, and consider adding lemons for extra flavor. Sparkling water with no sugar added is another way to make water more enticing.
Visit a Stomach Doctor
While lifestyle and diet changes often have a positive effect on stomach bloating, this is not always enough. In some cases, chronic stomach bloating is actually a result of a medical condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If modifications to your diet and exercise regimen have no real effect on your bloating problems, or your stomach bloating is accompanied by pain instead of just being mildly uncomfortable, it's time to see a doctor.
A gastroenterologist (stomach doctor) will evaluate your symptoms, run tests or x-rays if needed, and offer a diagnosis and treatment plan.
By following these tips and consulting with an experienced stomach doctor, you will soon experience relief from your frequent stomach bloating.
