Bloating of stomach is mainly due to irregular diet habits. These diet habits produce gas at higher rate than normal. Distension of abdomen is mainly due to Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS), an intestinal disorder of unknown cause, produce gas which in turn causes Bloated Stomach.
Causes of Stomach bloating (Abdominal Distension):
1. Before menstrual cycle in females (Pre-Menstrual tension) :
The symptoms are Swelling of the body [due to water retention]
Tightening of legs and hands [Here the intestines are not involved].
Hormones play role to bring the fluid levels in the body to the balanced level in the body.
2. After taking food:
If there is distension of the abdomen [stomach], that means there is disturbance in the digestive process in the intestines. If the food is taken in haste, the pressure in the stomach increases and production of gasses also begin to increase.
3. The buffalo’s milk:
There is deficiency of enzyme, “lactose” in people of Asia, Africa and Latin Americans. This deficiency of enzyme leads to bloating of abdomen. The action of lactose is to break the sugar present in the milk. 1 OZ (28ml) of undigested milk of produces 1 gallon of gas.
4. Cereals:
Wheat produces distension of stomach. Bread also causes stomach bloating. A protein called ‘GLUTEN’ produces burning sensation and leads to production of excess gas. If it is mixed with yeast, it gives more trouble. [1 in 6 persons are allergic to yeast].
5. Antibiotics:
They destroy the harmless bacteria normally present in the digestive tract. So along with antibiotics take B-Complex vitamins. Oral contraceptive pills also cause distension of the abdomen.
6. Sweets and fat foods are main causes of abdominal distension.
7. Diuretics: These drugs cause more urination and loss of fluid, potassium and magnesium which in turn causes distension of stomach.
8. Salt: Excess salt intake in the form of fast processed foods.
9. Intestinal inflammatory disorders like Crohn’s disease and surgeries to the intestine also cause bloating of the stomach.
Treatment for Stomach Bloating:
1. Fiber: Take more fiber containing diet which removes constipation and produce less gas.
2. Instead of buffalo’s milk, take soya bean milk.
3. Avoid taking chips and fast foods.
4. Take foods which contain potassium. Ex. Mushroom, cabbage, Cauliflower and asparagus which decreases sodium level in the body. Take foods like Potato, fresh vegetables and cereals which contain more fiber.
5. Don’t take medication without consulting doctor.
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