What Is Bloating?
Bloating generally occurs due to two main reasons: the buildup of gas within the digestive tract, or the retention of excess fluid in the body. Being aware of what causes bloating can help our team find effective ways to relieve this symptom. Pay attention to your body's signals. Bloating is often a response to various factors or conditions. Common triggers for bloating often include:
- Inadvertently swallowing air
- Eating rapidly (it can take around 20 minutes for fullness signals to reach the brain and reduce hunger)
- Consuming foods that are hard to digest
- Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)
- Overeating
- Constipation
- Factors related to gynecological health
- Indulging in rich and fatty foods
It may be beneficial to take note of specific situations and times when you feel bloated. This practice can help identify the exact causes of your bloating. If you are looking for help determining the source of bloating, reach out to Denmark Digestive Health in Weston, MA today to consult with Dr. Vera Denmark, our gastrointestinal expert who can help you get relief from uncomfortable bloating.
How Is Bloating Treated?
Depending on the severity and underlying cause, treatments for bloating, whether standard or severe, typically involve a combination of changes in diet and lifestyle and possible medical interventions to manage certain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders. If you are feeling bloated often, start by trying one or more of the following recommendations provided by our Weston, MA gastrointestinal provider:
- Avoid foods known to cause gas, such as beans, lentils, cabbage, and carbonated beverages
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals
- Slow down while eating to reduce the amount of air swallowed
- Increase fiber intake gradually to help reduce constipation
- Engage in regular physical activity to help stimulate digestion
- Avoid chewing gum and drinking through straws, which can lead to swallowing air
- Manage stress, as it can impact digestive processes
- Take anti-gas medications to relieve gas and bloating
- Balance gut bacteria with probiotics to help reduce symptoms
- Fill your medications for specific conditions (e.g., antibiotics for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, laxatives for constipation)
- Follow a tailored diet plan
- Always see guidance from a healthcare provider when seeking a treatment regimen
If you are actively avoiding foods or habits that tend to cause bloating but still suffer from this symptom, contact our specialists at Denmark Digestive Health so we can better understand and reach a diagnosis for your concerns.
What Are the Common Signs of Bloating?
Although bloating is usually a benign condition associated with dietary choices or lifestyle factors, it can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. If bloating is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, contact our practice in Weston, MA for proper evaluation and treatment. A common digestive issue, bloating symptoms can vary from person to person but some of the common signs include:
- Feeling of fullness: This full feeling or tightness in the abdomen can occur even without overeating
- Swollen or distended abdomen: Bloating often causes the abdomen to appear larger than usual, making the belly feel hard or tight due to the buildup of gas or other digestive disturbances
- Gas: Increased gas or flatulence is a common symptom associated with bloating
- Discomfort or pain: Accompanied by abdominal discomfort or pain, bloating can vary from mild to severe
- Gurgling or rumbling sounds in the abdomen: These sounds, also known as borborygmi, are produced by the movement of gas through the intestines and are often more noticeable when bloated
- Temporary weight gain: Some people may experience temporary weight gain due to bloating
- Constipation or diarrhea: Bloating can be associated with other digestive symptoms, like constipation or diarrhea
Denmark Digestive Health Reviews
Dr. Vera Denmark is a very patient Physician! She helped me come off the medication and change my diet to prevent me from having acid reflux disease! She is very thorough and thoughtful and always examined me very carefully!
Dr Denmark is welcoming and calming. She is a great listener and does an outstanding job of aligning with the patient to assess patient and symptoms. Dr Denmark explained her analysis of my situation in clear, easy to understand language, and wrote out a plan of action that included all of my concerns. She was able to diagnose a condition that I have had for years, that kept getting worse. No previous Dr was able to help me. I am now on the mend and so happy that I was lucky enough to find her.
Dr. Denmark is the most compassionate/intuitive/brilliant medical professional I've ever had the privilege of getting an appointment for consultation. Walking in with fears and leaving with sound, practical advice has made me understand that with aging, you have to change your diet. The terrible stabbing pain ceased. She listened and with questions and answers, got right to the problem.She spent a lot of time with me. Thank you so much.
Experienced and knowledgeable about GI issues. Dr. Denmark was quick and efficient with my exam and diagnosis. The surgical center was totally overbooked the day I went for my exam, but these things happen.
4
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Bloating FAQ
How does bloating affect the absorption of nutrients in the digestive system?
Bloating can interfere with the efficient absorption of nutrients by causing a delay in the movement of food through the intestines. When the digestive process is slowed, nutrients may not be adequately absorbed, leading to deficiencies. This can particularly affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. Additionally, the discomfort and fullness associated with bloating might discourage individuals from eating balanced meals, further impacting nutrient intake.
Can bloating be a sign of a more serious underlying digestive condition?
Yes, persistent or severe bloating can indicate a more serious underlying condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or even certain types of cancer can also manifest as chronic bloating. It's important to monitor other symptoms that accompany bloating, such as weight loss, blood in the stool, or severe pain, and seek medical evaluation if these occur.
What role does the speed of eating play in bloating?
Eating too quickly can contribute to bloating by causing you to swallow more air, which can accumulate in the stomach and intestines. Fast eating often leads to inadequate chewing, making it harder for the digestive system to break down food properly, resulting in gas and bloating. Slowing down, chewing thoroughly, and eating smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce these symptoms.
Control Bloating
If you are bothered by occasional bloating or if it persists, you might want to seek assistance from Denmark Digestive Health in Weston, MA. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Vera Denmark, a board-certified gastroenterologist, to address your bloating concerns. Our team is eager to help you swiftly gain control over your bloating issues.