Questions About Bloating? Harvard Health Publishing Has Answers.

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How to eliminate bloating naturally?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

Bloating usually goes away on its own as gas makes its way out of the digestive tract through belching and passing gas. But if bloating is a frequent issue, try cutting out milk products to see whether you have become lactose intolerant. If that doesn’t help, examine your regular diet for FODMAP foods. It’s best to speak with a dietitian to help identify possible problem foods and design a strategy to either eliminate them and replace them with other foods or adjust their amounts. You also can protect against bloating caused by excess air by eating slower, consuming smaller meals, and cutting down on carbonated beverages. Taking an over-the-counter anti-gas remedy with simethicone may help with occasional bloating.

How does one relieve a bloated stomach?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

A “bloated stomach” usually means you have excessive gas buildup. You may be swallowing more air than you realize. Or, your process of digestion may be normal but might be generating more gases than before. Review your diet. Many healthy foods are gas-producing. Common ones include beans; certain vegetables, such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and peas; oat bran and other high-fiber foods; carbonated beverages; foods containing sorbitol (a sugar alcohol used in many low-calorie foods); and fructose, a natural sugar present in many fruits, including prunes, pears, grapes, dates, and figs. Some people find relief with simethicone containing products.

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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.