Stomach bloating: Bloated feeling could be caused by this everyday habit

Stomach bloating is caused by too much gas filling up the gastrointestinal tract. It can can cause intense discomfort for hours on end. Symptoms usually include a puffy, stretched tummy and abdominal cramps. It is mainly caused by certain lifestyle factors, including this everyday habit.

Chewing gum can cause the belly to bloat by taking in too much air.

Excessive air intake is medically known as Aerophagia.

When the air enters the stomach and intestines, it can cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, burping, reflux, and flatulence.

To combat the issue and reduce the bloating, the NHS recommends people stop chewing gum, eat with their mouth closed and reduce the amount of fizzy drinks they consume.

Sitting down to eat may also reduce air intake and alleviate bloating, said the health site.

Diuretics help rid your body of salt (sodium) and water

Mayo Clinic

Smoking is another everyday habit that can trigger the condition added the health body.

According to Dr Oz, another way to soothe tummy swelling is to eat natural diuretics.

“Diuretics help rid your body of salt (sodium) and water. Most work by making your kidneys release more sodium into your urine,” said Mayo Clinic.

How can this help bloating? “If bloating makes you retain water, an antidote to the problem would be to flush the water right out of your system — diuretics help you do just that,” explained Dr Oz.

To beat the morning bloat, Dr Oz recommends drinking a smoothie that has bananas, avocado, and coconut water. All three ingredients contain potassium which is a diuretic.

Parsley-infused tea is another natural diuretic, as Dr Oz explained: “Parsley and the caffeine found in green tea will help flush your system.”

According to Dr Oz, another way to soothe tummy swelling is to eat natural diuretics.

“Diuretics help rid your body of salt (sodium) and water. Most work by making your kidneys release more sodium into your urine,” said Mayo Clinic.

How can this help bloating? “If bloating makes you retain water, an antidote to the problem would be to flush the water right out of your system — diuretics help you do just that,” explained Dr Oz.

To beat the morning bloat, Dr Oz recommends drinking a smoothie that has bananas, avocado, and coconut water. All three ingredients contain potassium which is a diuretic.

Parsley-infused tea is another natural diuretic, as Dr Oz explained: “Parsley and the caffeine found in green tea will help flush your system.”

He also recommends packing diurectic fruits and veggies — like spinach, asparagus, celery, cucumbers, melon, and more — into a delicious “bloat-busting” salad.

If a person’s bloating is caused by a food intolerance, the NHS recommends keeping a food diary for a couple of weeks, “noting everything that you eat and drink and when bloating troubles you most.”

“But don’t get rid of food groups long-term without advice from your GP,” the health site added.

The main offenders tend to be wheat and or gluten and dairy products.

“The best approach if you have a food intolerance is to eat less of the culprit food or cut it out completely,” advised the NHS.

According to the NHS, a food intolerance can lead to bloating when:

  • Your bowel doesn’t empty properly
  • The food causes gas to be trapped
  • Too much gas is produced as a reaction to the food

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