How To Inflate Your Belly With Baking Soda? The 13 New Answer

If your gut suddenly feels so swollen that your pants are uncomfortably tight, you’ve experienced the misery of bloating.

Bloating isn’t just a problem for women: Men can have bloating too. In men, the problem often has to do with something they eat or drink, says gastroenterologist Ashkan Farhadi, M.D. from Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center (While in women, bloating is often related to hormonal changes.)

The same food or drink doesn’t affect everyone in the same way, but there are some common culprits that are notorious for making you look like you’ve gotten a big, fat gut in no time. Here are 7 to keep in mind.

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Instant gut growers: Salty foods

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Potato chips, soy sauce, and other salty foods are loaded with sodium.

“Sodium helps regulate the water levels in your body, and so the amount of sodium you eat determines in part whether your body retains or excretes excess water,” explains Registered Dietitian Alissa Rumsey, R.D., CDN., C.S.C.S., Founder by Alissa Rumsey Nutrition & Wellbeing.

If you eat more sodium than you need, your kidneys respond by retaining extra water to keep the sodium levels in your blood normal. And when you hold on to that extra water, you feel bloated.

And all that extra fluid can cause your stomach to bloat. You may also notice swelling in your fingers or face.

Related: Why you crave salty foods when you’re stressed

You don’t have to give up salt entirely, just try not to overdo it. Stick to portion sizes for salty snacks like french fries or popcorn, and use low-sodium soy sauce instead of regular, Rumsey says.

Drink more water, too: It sounds counterintuitive, but gulping in more H20 will signal your body that it’s okay to release some of the water it’s holding on to.

Instant gut grower: greasy food to go

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For starters, things like fried rice, pizza, or nachos are high in sodium. But they also tend to be loaded with refined carbs and sugar — two other things that cause bloating and puffiness.

“Carbohydrates are stored in the body as sugar glycogen, and glycogen binds water,” says Rumsey. So the more carbs you eat, the more glycogen you store—and the more water molecules that get stuck, too.

See also: The new rules about carbohydrates for weight loss

Takeout also tends to be greasy, which can make bloating worse. Rich, high-fat foods take longer to digest than leaner ones, says Dr. Farhadi. So this gargantuan burrito will literally give you a food baby longer than a salad or a chicken breast because it stays in your stomach longer without bouncing.

Instant Gut Growers: Sugar Free Groceries

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Sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol, commonly found in sugar-free baked goods, candy, or chewing gum, contain compounds your body can’t digest.

As a result, the compounds sit in your gut where bacteria feed on them. “This creates an abundance of gases and other chemicals, leading to bloating or changes in bowel habits,” explains Dr. Farhadi.

Sugar alcohols don’t cause bloating in everyone, so you may not need to avoid them entirely. But if you find your stomach bloating after eating, you might want to steer clear, says Dr. Farhadi.

Also Read: Can Artificial Sweeteners Really Make You Fat?

Instant Gut Growers: Carbonated Drinks

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When you drink club soda or seltzer, the gas from the bubbles gets trapped in your stomach — which can leave you feeling uncomfortably full and bloated, Rumsey says.

Sugary soda is even worse because it’s high in refined carbohydrates, which cause your body to retain extra water. (Unlike sugar alcohols, the artificial sweeteners used in most diet sodas don’t cause water retention. But the blisters can still make you bloated.)

Related: Does Drinking Soda Give You Dementia?

How you drink the fizzy stuff can also have an impact. “Slurping through a straw can cause you to choke on air, which makes gas and bloating worse,” says Rumsey. So if you have something fizzy, you might want to drink it straight from the bottle, can or glass.

Instant Gut Growers: Alcohol

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High in carbohydrates, alcohol is also a diuretic – meaning it will make you dehydrated. This combination can signal your body to hold on to as much water as possible, which can lead to swelling and bloating, Rumsey says.

But that’s not all. Alcohol also slows down the rate of digestion in your stomach. This way, any food you’ve eaten with your drink stays in your tummy longer, making it more likely to stick out.

See Also: 6 Surprising Things That Will Get You Drunk Faster

That’s why it’s a good idea to stick to a maximum of 2 drinks, says Rumsey. And down 8 to 10 ounces of water for every drink. This will help prevent bloating and swelling caused by dehydration.

Instant Gut Growers: Dairy

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Dairy products don’t make everyone bloated. But if you’re lactose intolerant, things like milk or ice cream can cause bloating and discomfort. (Some people can still tolerate yogurt and some cheeses, which contain less lactose.)

And it’s more common than you think: About 65 percent of people have trouble digesting lactose, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Lactose intolerance occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest the sugars found in dairy products, says Dr. Farhadi. When these sugars aren’t digested, bacteria feed on them, causing gas and bloating.

See Also: Is It Bad To Eat Dairy If It Causes Diarrhea?

If you think you may be lactose intolerant, talk to your doctor. Together you can find out how much milk you can tolerate without symptoms and how you can make sure you’re still getting enough calcium. He might also recommend over-the-counter lactase tablets or drops, which can make dairy products easier to digest.

Instant gut growers: beans and cruciferous vegetables

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Foods like lentils, chickpeas, and broccoli contain sugars called oligosaccharides that some people find difficult to digest.

“When they reach the colon, they can be fermented by bacteria, which produce gas and bloating,” says Dr. Farhadi.

Also Read: 26 Recipes That Will Make You Love Vegetables

Still, beans and cruciferous vegetables are among the healthiest foods out there. Rather than avoiding them entirely, give your body time to adjust. In a study in Nutrition Journal, 35 percent of participants reported bloating when they started eating 1/2 cup of beans a day. But eight weeks later, only 3 percent said they felt bloated.

Conclusion on the subject of flatulence

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Most of the time gas is related to something you ate. But if you’ve changed your diet and you’re still having symptoms, or your bloating keeps coming back after several weeks, talk to your doctor.

He may consider testing you for a digestive disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease.

Marygrace Taylor Marygrace Taylor is a health and wellness writer for Prevention, Parade, Women’s Health, Redbook, and others.

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Drinking small amounts of baking soda is usually not dangerous. In adults, this can provide short-term relief from indigestion. However, drinking large amounts of baking soda is dangerous and not suitable for long-term use, use during pregnancy, or use on children. This information comes from the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a popular substance with a variety of uses. For indigestion, a person can buy it as a powder and mix it in water. Some people claim that drinking baking soda is generally good for your health. However, there is little scientific evidence for this. This article examines the dangers of drinking baking soda, as well as its potential benefits.

Potential Dangers of Drinking Baking Soda Share on Pinterest New Look Casting/Getty Images Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can neutralize excess stomach acid. In small amounts, it temporarily relieves indigestion and works similar to over-the-counter indigestion remedies. However, using large amounts of baking soda as a home remedy comes with some risks, including: Poisoning When used in powder form, it can be easy for a person to ingest too much baking soda. This can lead to side effects such as indigestion. Baking soda is also toxic in high doses. This is due to the high sodium content of the powder. When someone ingests too much sodium bicarbonate, the body tries to correct the salt balance by drawing water into the digestive system. This leads to diarrhea and vomiting. When the body absorbs the sodium, it can cause: Dehydration

seizures

kidney failure

slow, shallow breathing If a person has ingested a large amount of baking soda and is experiencing symptoms of poisoning, someone needs to call the poison control center at 800-222-1222. Stomach rupture In addition to poisoning, ingesting large amounts of baking soda can also cause stomach rupture. When baking soda mixes with an acid, a chemical reaction takes place. A by-product of this reaction is the release of gas. The National Capital Poison Center (NCPC) warns that if a person consumes too much baking soda at once, a large amount of gas can build up in the stomach, which can cause it to burst. This is more likely after a person has consumed a large amount of food or alcohol. Toxicity in children A parent or caregiver should not give a child baking soda or other medications that contain sodium bicarbonate. If a parent or caregiver discovers a child is consuming baking soda, the Missouri Poison Center recommends: Keep calm

Wipe excess baking soda out of your mouth with a soft, damp cloth

Remove as much of the inside of the mouth as possible

give the child water to drink

Contact the local poison control center If parents or caregivers are unsure whether a child swallowed baking soda, they can look for early symptoms of an overdose, such as diarrhea and vomiting. Drug Effects The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research says that baking soda can affect how the body absorbs drugs. Depending on the medications a person is taking, this can cause a variety of side effects.

How much baking soda is too much? Adults who aren’t pregnant can mix about 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) of baking soda with at least 1/2 cup of water to relieve temporary indigestion. However, the NCPC recommends using over-the-counter indigestion products like Tums rather than making home remedies. This lowers the risk of overdose. If it is not possible to purchase an OTC product, using baking soda is a possible short-term alternative. However, it’s important to speak to a doctor before attempting this. People who are pregnant, taking other medications, or have underlying medical conditions should speak to a doctor before taking even a small dose of baking soda. People should not use sodium bicarbonate for more than 2 weeks at a time. If their symptoms last longer, it may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.

Baking Soda and Heart Attack Baking soda contains sodium, which in high amounts can damage the heart. A 2016 case study notes that an overdose of baking soda has led to abnormal heart rhythms in some individuals. There have also been cases of baking soda overdoses causing cardiac arrest. This occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood, which can be fatal. Although scientists know that taking too much baking soda is harmful to the cardiovascular system, it’s unclear whether or not it increases the risk of heart attack. People with cardiovascular disease and people who have a medical need to avoid salt should avoid using baking soda or sodium bicarbonate.

What if I have an ulcer? Baking soda, as well as OTC antacids, can temporarily relieve stomach ulcer symptoms. However, antacids are not a cure for stomach ulcers. This is because stomach ulcers are most often due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria. For ulcers due to NSAID use, patients may need to reduce or stop using NSAIDs. For ulcers due to H. pylori, a person may need antibiotics. Antacids, including baking soda, can prevent antibiotics from working. While a person is receiving ulcer treatment, a doctor may prescribe other medications — such as proton pump inhibitors — to reduce stomach ulcer symptoms and allow the ulcer to heal.

Benefits The main benefit of drinking baking soda is temporary relief from indigestion or heartburn. There is also evidence that it can reduce muscle fatigue during athletic training. A 2020 meta-analysis found that sodium bicarbonate supplementation improves muscular endurance but not muscle strength. This was true for participants who took sodium bicarbonate both at rest and during states of fatigue. A 2017 randomized, double-blind study also found evidence that sodium bicarbonate improved performance in trained runners. However, the study was small and almost all participants were male. People should not use sodium bicarbonate for fitness or health purposes without the supervision of a physician.

Baking soda is known for its many uses, from deodorizing your fridge to whitening your teeth. Weight loss is one of the latest purported benefits. Some people suggest that diluting baking soda in water, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice and drinking it on an empty stomach can help you lose excess weight easily. Others suggest that simply soaking in a baking soda bath will do the trick. This article examines whether baking soda offers any weight loss benefits, as well as the potential risks associated with taking baking soda preparations. Share on Pinterest

Does baking soda help you lose weight? There are many claims that baking soda when combined with water, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice is particularly effective at shedding excess body fat. However, there is little science to back this up. Likely to have little direct effect on weight loss Baking soda is touted to have alkalizing effects on the body, which are widely believed to promote weight loss or prevent weight gain. However, this theory has been repeatedly disproved. That’s because your body uses tightly regulated processes to control its pH levels, and what you eat or drink has little effect on it (1, 2). Another theory is that adding baking soda to your bath water will help you lose weight by replenishing your levels of magnesium and sulfate — two nutrients touted for boosting your metabolism and eliminating toxins. However, this theory has not been scientifically proven. However, baking soda can relieve an upset stomach because of its ability to neutralize stomach acid (3). This chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide, a gas that can make you belch. While this may give you the feeling of a lighter stomach, it doesn’t have a direct impact on your overall body fat. May Have Minor, Indirect Weight Loss Effects Baking soda may have an indirect weight loss effect, mainly due to the liquid you mix it with. A popular option is to mix baking soda with apple cider vinegar, a liquid that previous research shows may help you feel less hungry. However, recent studies proving weight loss from apple cider vinegar are limited (4, 5, 6). Baking soda is often diluted in water, either alone or with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. When consumed daily, such beverages can lead to greater daily fluid intake. This can improve your overall hydration, an effect that studies have shown can reduce hunger, boost metabolism, and promote body fat loss (7, 8, 9). It’s important to note that these potential weight loss effects have little to do with baking soda and more to do with other liquids. Adding baking soda to the mix seems to provide few additional benefits. SUMMARY There is little to no scientific evidence that baking soda can help you lose body fat. Mixing baking soda with water, lemon water, or apple cider vinegar may indirectly help you lose weight, but baking soda seems to have little to do with it.

Preparation Methods There are three popular methods people use to incorporate baking soda into their daily routine. The first is to dilute 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1-2 cups (240-480 mL) of water and drink this concoction on an empty stomach whenever it’s most convenient during the day. The second requires mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons (30mL) of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Once this mixture stops releasing gas, you can dilute it with water and drink it on an empty stomach. Diluting is important to avoid burning your throat or eroding your enamel, as the exact acidity is unknown (10, 11). An alternative way to incorporate baking soda into your diet without ingesting it is to dilute 3-4 cups (662-883 grams) of baking soda in a bathtub filled with water before soaking. Keep in mind that the safety of these preparation methods has not been scientifically proven, so use them at your own risk. SUMMARY Baking soda is commonly diluted in lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or water before consumption. Others prefer to add baking soda to bath water and dip it in the mixture. However, little information is currently available about the safety of these options.

Is it safe? Excessive intake of baking soda is associated with a number of side effects. Metabolic Acidosis Consuming large amounts of baking soda can be risky because it can lead to metabolic acidosis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when your body is no longer able to control your blood pH (12). Metabolic acidosis can result from excessive intake of alkaline compounds such as baking soda and can cause muscle weakness, cramps, an irregular heartbeat, and altered mental status. If left untreated, it can be fatal (13). High Blood Pressure and Other Health Effects Baking soda is typically high in sodium. Therefore, a high intake of baking soda can cause high blood pressure, fluid retention, or even heart failure in some people. People with alcoholism or impaired kidney function should be especially careful (14, 15). Baking soda can also cause breathing difficulties and seizures in young children and should not be given to children under the age of 5. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may also benefit from avoiding its intake (15). Combining baking soda with an acid like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice causes a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide gas. This can lead to gas or bloating, especially if you take the mixture before all the gas is gone (3). Drug Interactions and Long-Term Safety Baking soda may interact with certain medications. People currently taking medication should consult their doctor before adding baking soda to their diet (3, 16). Finally, there is currently little information on the long-term safety of taking baking soda, either alone or in combination with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Therefore, it may be safest to avoid such mixtures until further research is available. Soaking in a bathtub with baking soda can be safer than ingesting it. However, there are no studies that have examined the benefits or risks of this practice. SUMMARY Excessive intake of baking soda can cause a variety of side effects. Baking soda can also interact with medications, and little is known about the long-term safety of taking it.

Is there really a magic bullet sitting in the back of your fridge—something cheap that can eliminate bad odors, keep your teeth sparkling white, and even treat life-threatening diseases? Yes. This box of baking soda, also known as baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate), can do a few important things. His superpowers come from a two-letter term: pH. This stands for “power of hydrogen” to make something either acidic or basic (alkaline). Baking soda is an alkaline substance. When it mixes with an acid, it changes the pH. Because of this, it can quickly soothe an upset stomach or mask a bad odor.

Baking Soda Dos You can use it to: Relieve indigestion: Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water to zap the acid in your stomach. But acid does not cause all types of indigestion. So if your symptoms don’t improve after 2 weeks, contact your doctor. Do not take baking soda within 2 hours of other medications. When baking soda lowers stomach acid, it can slow the rate at which your body absorbs some medications and change how others work. Don’t give it to a child under the age of 6 unless your pediatrician tells you to.

Ever wondered if the Mentos trick works with regular coke or not? Does it work with other drinks? Here is the answer!

The Mentos trick

All you do is throw a tube of Mentos candy in a bottle of soda. The carbon dioxide in the soda pops out of solution very suddenly, shooting up into the sky and drenching everyone within reach in soda. Usually the trick is done with diet soda, especially diet coke or some other cola, but the main reason for this is that diet sodas are less sticky/easier to clean up than other sodas.

Any carbonated drink will work

The trick works with any carbonated drink. It works with regular coke, orange soda, root beer, etc. It’s actually very cool when done with tonic water under a black light because you get a glowing blue fountain. However, you can use seltzer water (very easy clean up) or any soda. While you might get a slightly higher fountain from a diet drink compared to a sugary drink, the really deciding factor is the size and shape of the bottle. A 2 liter or 1 liter bottle works much better than a smaller bottle. Plastic bottles seem to perform better than glass bottles, but either will really work. Flat soda won’t work.

Carnauba Wax and Geysers

It doesn’t matter what flavor of Mentos candy you use, but Mentos candies seem to work better than similarly shaped candies (e.g. M&Ms, Lifesavers). The other candies will produce a geyser, but it won’t be as big. Mentos stack neatly on top of each other, leaving very little extra space, so they displace liquid better than other candies. The carnauba wax coating the candies seems to be key to creating the effect, as old candies or candies that have been opened for a while don’t create a large geyser.

Get the best breakout

While you can use any fizzy drink for the Mentos and Soda project, here are a few tips to keep in mind for the best burst:

Scanning electron micrographs show the roughness of mint mentos (top and bottom left) and fruit mentos (top and bottom right), with scale bars representing lengths from 20 to 200 microns

The amazing reaction between Diet Coke and Mentos candy, made famous in thousands of YouTube videos, finally has a scientific explanation. A study in the US has identified the main factors driving the fizzy plumes of Coke bottles: the candy’s roughness and how quickly it hits the bottom of the bottle.

“If you throw a can of Mentos in a bottle of Diet Coke, this huge fountain of spray and Coke foam comes out,” says Tonya Coffey, a physicist at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. “This was a good project for my students because it was still a puzzle.”

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When mint or fruit Mentos are dropped into a fresh bottle of Diet Coke, a jet of cola shoots out of the bottle’s opening and can reach a height of 10 meters. There are many theories as to why this happens, with some bloggers speculating that it’s an acid-base reaction because cola is acidic.

Experiments in a 2006 edition of the Discovery Channel program Mythbusters suggested that the chemicals responsible for the reaction were gum arabic and gelatin in the candy and caffeine, potassium benzoate and aspartame in the cola. But until now there have been no rigorous scientific studies of the reaction.

Bubbling liquids

To find out more, Coffey and a team of students tested the reactions between Diet Coke and fruit Mentos, Mint Mentos and various ingredients such as other peppermints, dish soap, table salt and sand. They also compared reactions to other carbonated liquids, such as decaffeinated and sugary colas, as well as sodas and tonic water.

All reactions took place in a flask angled 10° from vertical and the trajectories of the fountains were recorded on video. The team also looked at the total mass lost in the well and the influence of the candy’s surface roughness.

The results showed that Diet Coke created the most spectacular explosions with fruit or mint mentos, with jets traveling a horizontal distance of up to 7 meters.

But decaffeinated Diet Coke performed just as well, suggesting that caffeine doesn’t hasten the reaction, at least at the normal levels in the drink.

Measurements of the cola’s pH before and after the experiments showed that its acidity did not change, ruling out the idea that a simple acid-base reaction drives the fountains.

Instead, the power of the jets depends on various factors that affect the growth rate of carbon dioxide bubbles.

The rough, uneven surfaces of Mentos encourage bubble growth because they efficiently disrupt the polar attractions between water molecules, creating bubble growth sites.

Coarse Sweets

“Water molecules like to be next to other water molecules, so basically anything you drop in the soda that disrupts the network of water molecules can serve as a site for bubbles to grow,” Coffey told New Scientist. “And if you have rough candies with a high surface area to volume ratio, then there are more places for the bubbles.”

Low surface tension also helps bubbles grow quickly. Measurements have shown that the surface tension in water with the sweetener aspartame is lower than in water containing sugar, which explains why diet soda produces more dramatic fountains than sugary cokes.

Another factor is that Mentos gum arabic coatings contain a surfactant, which further reduces the surface tension in the liquid. Rough surface mints without the surfactant did not produce as large fountains.

Mentos are also fairly dense and sink quickly, creating bubbles quickly that seed more bubbles as they rise. Crushed Mentos that fell more slowly formed puny fountains that only traveled about a foot.

“Middle school teachers take their students to the baseball field next to their school and do this reaction, and their students love it,” says Coffey. “It’s a great way to get students excited about science and learn something new.”

Journal Reference: American Journal of Physics, DOI: 10.1119/1.2888546

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Most people experience bloating at some point. Exercise, supplements, and massage can help reduce bloating quickly, and simple lifestyle changes can prevent it from happening again. Share on Pinterest Carol Yepes/Getty Images Abdominal bloating occurs when your stomach feels full and tight. It commonly occurs due to a buildup of gas somewhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Bloating makes the abdomen look larger than usual, and it can also feel tender or painful. Fluid accumulation in the body can also lead to flatulence. In this article, we’ll share techniques to get rid of bloating fast and how to reduce bloating in the long term.

Quick Tips to Get Rid of Bloating Bloating usually occurs when excess gas builds up in the stomach or intestines. When bloating occurs right after a meal, it usually goes away on its own, but it’s often possible to speed up the process. The best way to combat bloating is to determine the cause. Common triggers for flatulence are: Digestive problems. Constipation, food allergies and intolerances can lead to bloating. When stool builds up in the colon, it can cause bloating and discomfort. Excess gas can also accumulate behind the stool, making bloating worse.

. Constipation, food allergies and intolerances can lead to bloating. When stool builds up in the colon, it can cause bloating and discomfort. Excess gas can also accumulate behind the stool, making bloating worse. diet . Fizzy drinks, too much salt or sugar, and not enough fiber in the diet can cause bloating.

. Fizzy drinks, too much salt or sugar, and not enough fiber in the diet can cause bloating. hormonal changes. Many people experience bloating before and during their period due to hormonal changes and water retention. Many home remedies can help relieve the pain and discomfort of bloating. The following quick tips can help people get rid of a bloated stomach quickly: 1. Go for a walk Physical activity can move the bowels more regularly, which can help release excess gases and stool. Getting the bowels moving is especially important when a person is feeling constipated. A walk around the block can provide quick gas pressure relief. 2. Try yoga poses Certain yoga poses can position the abdominal muscles to release excess gases from the gastrointestinal tract. This can reduce bloating. Kid pose, happy baby pose, and squats can help people relieve a build-up of gas quickly. Learn more about yoga poses for bloating. 3. Use Peppermint Capsules Peppermint oil capsules can also be helpful for indigestion and associated bloating. Manufacturers typically market them as a treatment for the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but people without IBS can also use them to relieve bloating. Peppermint works by relaxing the intestinal muscles, allowing gas and stool to drain more effectively. People should always follow the directions on the pack. If you are prone to heartburn, avoid peppermint. Peppermint capsules can be purchased over the counter (OTC) at drugstores or online. 4. Try Gas Relief Capsules Simethicone pills and liquid are anti-gas medications that can help remove excess air from the digestive tract. It is important to always take medication according to the label directions. People can find gas relievers at drug stores or online. 5. Try an abdominal massage. Abdominal massage can help get the bowels moving. A massage that follows the path of the large intestine is particularly helpful. People can follow the steps below to do this: Place hands directly over the right hip bone.

Rub upwards towards the right side of the rib cage in a circular motion with gentle pressure.

Rub straight across the upper abdominal area toward the left rib cage.

Slowly move down toward the left hip bone.

Repeat if necessary. If the massage causes pain, it is best to stop it immediately. 6. Use essential oils A 2016 study tested the effectiveness of supplements containing a combination of fennel and curcumin essential oils in 116 people with mild to moderate irritable bowel syndrome. After 30 days, people reported improvement in their IBS symptoms, including bloating and abdominal pain. People should not consume essential oils without first talking to a doctor. This is because some formulations can be toxic or drug interfering and there is no regulation of dosages. 7. Take a warm bath, soak and relax. The warmth of the bath can bring relief from a sore stomach. Relaxation can reduce stress, which can help the gastrointestinal tract function more effectively and help reduce bloating.

Long-term solutions to bloating Quick fixes aren’t always effective for some causes of bloating. However, people who frequently suffer from bloating may find that certain lifestyle changes can address the root causes and reduce bloating over time. People can try these simple steps to prevent bloating in the long term: 8. Gradually increase fiber Eating more fiber helps prevent constipation and bloating. Most people in America don’t get enough fiber, with only 5 percent of people meeting their recommended daily fiber intake of 25 grams (g) for women and 38 g for men. However, it’s important to remember that eating too much fiber or increasing your fiber intake too quickly can cause even more gas and bloating. People may notice side effects if they eat more than 70g of fiber per day. When increasing your fiber intake, it’s best to start slowly and increase your intake over several weeks to allow the body to adjust to this dietary change. 9. Replace sodas with water Fizzy, fizzy drinks contain gases that can build up in the stomach. The carbon dioxide that makes soda and similar drinks fizzy can also cause blistering and bloating in the stomach. Sugar or artificial sweeteners in the diet can also cause gas and bloating. Drinking water eliminates these problems and also helps treat constipation. 10. Avoid Chewing Gum The sugar alcohols in chewing gum can make some people gassy. Also, swallowing air while chewing can cause gas and bloating. People can use ginger or mints instead to freshen their breath. 11. Get active exercise every day helps your body clear stool and gases from the colon and can make bowel movements more regular. Exercise also releases extra sodium from the body through sweating, which can help relieve water retention. It’s important to drink plenty of water before and after exercise to stay hydrated, as dehydration can make constipation worse. 12. Eat regularly Many people experience bloating right after a large meal. It’s possible to avoid this by eating several smaller meals each day, which can help keep the digestive system functioning. Swallowing food quickly can allow air to enter the digestive tract. Drinking from a straw can also cause people to gulp more air, which in turn leads to gas and bloating. People with bloating should avoid using straws if possible and try to eat slowly to avoid choking on air during meals. 13. Try probiotics Probiotics are good bacteria that live in the gut. Taking a probiotic supplement can help regulate the colon bacteria that produce gas and can cause bloating. 14. Reduce salt Excess sodium causes the body to retain water. This can lead to a swollen and bloated feeling in the stomach and other areas of the body like the hands and feet. 15. Rule Out Medical Conditions In some cases, bloating can be due to a medical condition. To get rid of this bloating, a person may need help from a doctor to diagnose and treat their condition. Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause bloating. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also cause this symptom. Gynecological conditions such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts can also cause pain, swelling and bloating in the abdominal area. People with these symptoms should discuss them with a doctor, who will also want to know about relevant family histories and other medical conditions. The doctor may order diagnostic tests to check for problems. This may include x-rays, ultrasound, colonoscopy or blood tests. 16. Consider a low-FODMAP diet FODMAPs are a type of carbohydrate found in many different foods. A 2012 review article of multiple studies concluded that a low-FODMAP diet could improve symptoms in at least 74 percent of people with IBS. Typical symptoms include gas, bloating and abdominal pain. 17. Keep a food diary Food intolerance is responsible for many cases of flatulence. They can lead to excess gas in the digestive tract. Bloating is common in people with lactose intolerance, who cannot digest the lactose sugar in dairy products. Autoimmune intolerance to gluten, known as celiac disease, is another possible culprit. For people whose bloating occurs after meals, tracking food and drink intake for several weeks should help determine if certain foods are to blame. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers tips for keeping a food journal and a template to get you started. 18. Watch out for supplements and medications Some supplements, like iron, can cause constipation and other symptoms of indigestion. This can increase bloating. Potassium, on the other hand, can reduce gas and bloating by helping to balance the body’s sodium levels. Medications can also have side effects that affect GI function or cause indigestion. In this case, a doctor or pharmacist can suggest alternatives that are gentler on the digestive tract.

When to the doctor

Although not common, abdominal bloating and swelling can indicate a serious medical condition. Liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure, kidney problems, and some cancers can cause bloating. Bloating that lasts for days or weeks can indicate a health problem that needs medical attention. It is advisable to speak to a doctor about persistent bloating that does not go away over time. Individuals whose bloating occurs alongside these symptoms should seek medical advice: changes in appetite or eating disorders

Diarrhea

Vomit

weight loss

Fever

severe abdominal pain

bright red blood in the stool

black or dark brown stools

Share on Pinterest We include products that we think our readers will find useful. If you make a purchase through links on this site, we may receive a small commission. Here is our process. Trapped gas can feel like a sharp pain in your chest or abdomen. The pain can be so severe that you’re sent to the emergency room, thinking it’s a heart attack, appendicitis, or your gallbladder. Producing and passing gas is a normal part of your digestion. But when a gas bubble gets stuck inside you, you want to relieve the pain as soon as possible. And if you have other symptoms, it’s a good idea to find out what’s causing the pain. Read on to learn how to relieve trapped gas, what may be causing it, and tips for preventing it. Fast facts on trapped gas Approximately 5 percent of emergency room visits are for abdominal pain.

On average, your colon produces 1 to 4 liters of gas per day.

Hitting the gas 13 to 21 times a day is normal.

The Best Home Remedies for Gas Lock Certain home remedies for relieving gas locks work better for some people than others. You may need to experiment to see what works best and fastest for you. Most of the evidence behind these home remedies is anecdotal. Here are some quick ways to expel trapped gas, either by belching or passing gas through it. Move Walk around. Exercise can help you expel the gas. Massage Try to gently massage the painful area. Yoga Poses Certain yoga poses can help your body relax to aid gas flow. Here’s a pose to start with: Lie on your back and stretch your legs straight up with your feet together. Bend your knees and wrap your arms around them. Draw your knees to your chest. At the same time pull your head up to your knees. You can also keep your head flat if it’s more comfortable. Hold the pose for at least 20 seconds. Liquids Drink non-carbonated liquids. Warm water or herbal tea helps some people. Try peppermint, ginger, or chamomile tea. Use prepared tea bags or make your own herbal tea by steeping ginger root, peppermint leaves, or dried chamomile. A traditional Persian remedy recommends mixing 10 grams each of ground cumin and fennel with 5 grams of ground anise and steeping in a cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Herbs Natural kitchen remedies against gas are: Anise

Caraway seeds

coriander

fennel

Turmeric Mix any of these ground herbs or seeds in a glass of warm water and drink. Sodium Bicarbonate Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in a glass of water and drink. Be careful not to use more than 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Taking too much baking soda when you have a full stomach can cause an upset stomach. Apple Cider Vinegar Dissolving 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drinking is a traditional anti-gas remedy. Anecdotal evidence suggests this may be effective, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. However, there are no negative side effects of this method.

Trapped Gas Symptoms Trapped gas symptoms usually appear suddenly. The pain can be sharp and stabbing. There may also be a general feeling of acute malaise. Your stomach may be bloated and you may have stomach cramps. Pain from gas building up on the left side of your colon can radiate to your chest. You may think this is a heart attack. Gas that builds up in the right side of the colon can feel like appendicitis or gallstones.

Tips for Avoiding Trapped Gas You can reduce the risk of a painful trapped gas pocket by being careful about what and how you eat. It can be useful to keep a food diary. This can help you keep track of the foods and circumstances that lead to a gas pocket. Then you can avoid those foods or behaviors that seem to cause you a problem. Try to eliminate foods one at a time so you can pinpoint potential problems. Here are some basic tips to get you started: Stay hydrated.

Avoid carbonated drinks.

Drink liquids at room temperature, not too hot or too cold.

Avoid foods known to cause excess gas.

Avoid artificial sweeteners.

Eat slowly and chew your food well.

Don’t chew gum.

Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.

If you wear dentures, have your dentist check to see if they let in too much air when you eat.

Increase your physical activity. Try some of the home remedies or OTC remedies for gas and see what might work for you.