Who doesn't love a big holiday meal? The turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie all make for a delicious feast. The holiday season is a time for family, friends and of course, food. While indulging in your favourite holiday dishes is one of the best parts of the period, it can also leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable.
What Causes Bloating?
There are different causes of bloating, and it can be a tricky condition to pinpoint the exact cause in each individual. However, there are some common causes that are worth considering according to Dr Oluwaseun Ogundipe, founder and CEO, Seun Ogundipe Medical Centre.
His study “Bloating: Causes, mechanisms, and management” which was published in the journal Gastroenterology & Hepatology, characterised bloating as a feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdomen. According to him, bloating is a common problem affecting an estimated 30-50 per cent of the population. While the exact causes of bloating are not always clear, Ogundipe's study identified several potential contributing factors.
One of the most common causes, he identified is overeating. When you eat more than your stomach can comfortably hold, it can cause your stomach to distend and feel full. This can lead to bloating and discomfort.
Another common cause of bloating he said is gas. When you swallow air, it can get trapped in your digestive system and cause you to feel bloated. Certain foods can also lead to gas and bloating. These include beans, broccoli, cabbage and other high-fiber foods.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another possible cause of bloating. IBS is a condition that affects the large intestine and can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Certain medications can also cause bloating. For example, some antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can cause the stomach to retain water. Birth control pills can also cause bloating.
Bloating can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying health condition, such as ovarian cancer. If you experience persistent bloating, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any potential underlying causes.
While the exact causes of bloating may differ from person to person, this study provides valuable insight that can help people to better understand their own bloating triggers and take steps to avoid them.
3 Ways to Reduce Bloating
We all know the feeling: you've just indulged in a huge holiday meal, and now you feel bloated and uncomfortable. But don't despair – there are a few things you can do to feel better.
Here are 3 tips from Kent Sasse, founder of K Sasse Surgical Associates in Reno, Nevada:
- Try drinking some water: This will help to flush out your system and rehydrate your body.
- Get up and move around: A little light exercise will help to get things moving again.
- Take a natural remedy like ginger or peppermint: These can help to settle your stomach and make you feel more comfortable.
Bonus tip
- Avoid constrictive clothing:
Tight pants, belts, and other clothing can make bloating worse. If you can, loosen up your clothing or even change into something more comfortable after eating.
So next time you overeat, don't beat yourself up. Just follow these simple tips and you'll be feeling better in no time.
