Causes of Bloating Chicago

Did you know that constipation makes it harder for a person to pass gas which is what leads to that uncomfortable, bloated feeling? Fluid retention, infection, and irritable bowel syndrome can also be responsible for abdominal bloating. But there are things you can do. That’s why we offer you this guide—a list of tips and tricks to ward off constipation and bloating.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Almost 1 in 4 women are affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common condition that feels like bloating. If you experience chronic bloating that occurs more often than when you simply feel full, there may be an underlying cause. Lotsu Digestive Health and Nutrition Center™ is committed to helping our patients overcome this uncomfortable condition.

IBS Symptoms

• Bloating
• Gas
• Constipation
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Alternating bouts of constipationand diarrhea
• An uncontrollable urgent feeling
• Difficulty passing a bowel movement
• Bowel movements that feel incomplete
• Clear or white mucus with the stool

Symptoms of Bloating

Bloating is not unusual, and there is no cause for concern if the symptoms—sharp abdominal pain and swollen, misshapen belly—do not worsen over time.

Bloating Treatment:

There are many simple things you can try at home such as avoiding dairy and gluten for 2 weeks as a trial. If this doesn’t help your symptoms, you may need to be specialist to help identify the cause and treat. Dr. Lotsu specializes in targeting an individualized treatment plan to minimize the effects of bloating and constipation that does not always require medications. Please give our office a call to set up an appointment.

How to Prevent Bloating

Watch your diet.

Smaller portions and slower eating may help reduce the amount of bloating you’re experiencing. A low-FODMAP diet has also helped many of our patients, as it cuts down on the amount of sugars you’re consuming in foods like dairy, beans, and certain fruits. Since FODMAPs don’t break down in the small intestine, they provide fuel for bacteria once they reach the large intestine. When bacteria in your large intestine feed on the carbohydrates that are in your stool, gas happens.

If you cut the following FODMAPs out of your diet, work them back in one at a time to determine which is a trigger for gas for you. Since they are so rich in fiber, you only want to wean yourself from the ones causing the discomfort. Keep as many as you can!

• Apples
• Apricots
• Beans and legumes (peas, lentils, soybeans)
• Cauliflower
• Garlic
• Ice cream
• Milk
• Nectarines
• Onions
• Pears
• Plums
• Wheat

Try not to swallow so much air.

Did you know that you swallow air when you chew gum, and it turns into gas in your belly? And sugar-free gum contains xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol, sugars that bacteria feed on to make gas. Avoiding gum chewing may diminish your tendency to be gassy. Other ways you may be unknowingly swallowing air is by drinking through a straw, chugging down carbonated drinks, sucking on hard candy, and even being nervous. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, try some breathing and relaxation exercises.

Take ginger.

Ginger is well known for being a stomach soother, but it also speeds food through your intestines, so it may play a part in relieving gas and bloating. Drinking ginger tea or simply taking it in tablet, crystal or powder form is an easy remedy.

Try over-the-counter products.

Once you’ve exhausted the suggestions above, it may be necessary to try some OTC products that cut down on the amount of gas your body produces or ones that help in the digestion of gas-producing foods.