Bloating: Why Do You Have It and How Can You Avoid It?
Dr Mark Wong
Director & Senior Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon at Mark Wong Surgery
Bloating is a sensation of fullness in the abdomen that can range from being moderately unpleasant to excruciatingly painful. It occurs when gas accumulates in excessive amounts in your digestive system.
Discover common causes of bloating and simple tips on preventing this uncomfortable condition.
What causes bloating?
Bloating is usually induced by dietary changes, such as eating too fast when air is often swallowed, or consuming food in excessive amounts. The nature of the food also matters, with oily foods and carbonated beverages contributing to this disturbance as well.
Bloating can also be due to constipation. The longer the stool remains in your colon, particularly fibre from fruits and vegetables, the more time bacteria have to ferment it, leading to gas formation and discomfort. Eventually, stools harden and leads to constipation, which further aggravates the bloating. Hence, classic signs of excessive fibre consumption include bloating, flatulence and hard stools!
Bloating or abdominal pain can also be indications of life-threatening conditions colorectal cancer, although this may suggest a sign of more advanced cancer, together with unexplained weight loss.
Other factors that can cause stomach bloating include:
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?How can you prevent bloating?
Dietary discipline is key. One should always eat slowly, in measured amounts and not in excess, and consume lots of water throughout the day. Regular exercise can help promote gut motility and regular bowel movements. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is also key to preventing bloating.
More specifically, for individuals with IBS and SIBO, a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) has been demonstrated in studies to be beneficial. A food-diary detailing foods consumed with bloating, is helpful to shedding light on potential trigger foods that should be removed to reduce bloating.
Contact Mark Wong Surgery to determine the best treatment option for you and rule out serious issues like colorectal cancer.
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2 年Dr Mark Wong , this is a very common condition!! Great sharing!