How To Stop Bloating

Hello! I'm doctor Gemma Newman and I am a GP and broadcaster. Today, I would like to help you with a few top tips to improve your health. I'd like to talk to you about how to stop bloating.

Bloating is a common problem and it can cause quite a lot of discomfort. The first thing I want to say to you is that bloating is a symptom, not a diagnosis. So, based on your other symptoms, the bloating may be because of a lot of different causes.

For example, if you get bloating during your period, the cause may be hormonal. If you get bloating associated with hard poo, it may be because of constipation. If you get bloating with crampy tummy pains, or diarrhea or constipation, it could be irritable bowel syndrome.

If you get bloating with weight loss fever, or other constitutional symptoms, you could have a more sever, underlying diagnosis. This is especially true if it accompanies blood and mucus in the stool. If that's the case, then you really need to go and see your GP for a diagnosis.

So, for the purposes of this video, I assume that you have been to see your doctor, you know why you are having the bloating, and it is most likely to be due to irritable bowel syndrome. So, what can we do about irritable bowel syndrome and bloating? The first thing that may improve your irritable bowel and bloating is knowing a little bit about food intolerances. Now, bloating can be caused by a number of different foods.

Most often, it is things like wheat, rye, barley, dairy products, and maybe even caffeine. So, it is worth looking at these in your diet and maybe experimenting with a food diary to see if you eliminate any of these things that the bloating symptoms will improve. So, that is number one.

Number two is to make sure that you have a healthy diet and lots and lots of water. Water is so important. It fills our body and it means that we don't get constipated, and that we have enough energy and that we're not dehydrated.

Healthy foods are also really important. And, as a basic recommendation, I say that if it did not grow, walk, or swim, it may not be so good for you. And, make sure you have lots of vegetables, fruit, lean meat, nuts, seeds, things like that; that should improve your bloating symptoms.

What else should we try? Well, if you are getting constipated with the bloating, it makes sense to have, again, lost of water and a high fiber diet. Prunes are especially useful; as is prune juice. Or else, anti-spasm medication can help.

If you are feeling that your own measures and own diet changes are not doing you any good, talk to your doctor and they will be able to talk to you about anti-spasm tablets that you could try when you get particularly painful IBS or if the bloating is not settling down. Peppermint tea is another really good option. It does tend to settle down the stomach and ease digestion.

And if you are bloated, that could help too. Pro-biotic drinks are also quite useful. You could buy these at your local supermarket and they have been proven to reduce bloating; especially after any kind of diarrheal illness.

Now, if you're still suffering, things like relaxation can be really important too. Sometimes, bloating and irritable bowel symptoms are brought on by stress. So, anything to relax you, maybe some chamomile tea, or maybe some kind of meditation CD; something like that may improve your symptoms overall.

Lastly, if you're really struggling, your GP may prescribe to you an antidepressant medication. Now, antidepressants have many modes of action, not just on mood. So, if pain or diarrhea is more of a symptom that you are getting with IBS, then it may be suitable for you.

But, I really would suggest, if you're not sure, to go and see your doctor for advice. Good luck! I hope that these tips have been useful to you,and I hope that your bloating improves. .