Bloated Stomach After Eating

Bloating after eating is a condition experienced by almost every human being. But for some people, a bloated stomach after eating is a frequent occurrence, which interferes with their day-to-day life. Some of them may experience pain and cramping in the abdomen, along with bloating and flatulence, as excess gas gets accumulated in the stomach or the intestines. This condition may subside within a few hours or a few days, according to the underlying cause. In case of frequent episodes of bloating after eating, it is very important to find out the underlying cause and treat it immediately to avoid complications.

Bloated Stomach - Symptoms and Causes

A bloated stomach after eating can be due to various causes and the symptoms may vary from one person to another. The following are some of the causes of a bloated and gassy stomach.

• Dyspepsia or indigestion due to various reasons.
• Intolerance to certain food items (like gluten or lactose intolerance), is one of the prime bloated stomach causes. Read more on lactose intolerance symptoms.
• Too much stress affects the normal functioning of the digestive system, leading to a bloated stomach after eating.
• Underlying diseases, like irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer, Crohn's disease, etc., can also result in a hard bloated stomach.
• Consumption of protein rich foods in large amounts may lead to this condition.
• Excessive intake of dietary fiber, all of a sudden, may affect the system and cause bloating after eating.
• Full or partial obstruction of the intestine (like in the case of an intestinal tumor) is another cause for bloated stomach pain and flatulence problems.
• Helicobacter pylori infection and aerophagia (voluntary or involuntary swallowing of air) may also contribute to bloating.

Other than the above said causes, bloated stomach after eating may happen during menstruation, menopause and pregnancy. It has also been observed that women, who have polycystic ovarian syndrome are also likely to suffer from this condition. But the symptoms in case of bloating after eating differ from the bloating associated with pregnancy, menopause, menstruation, etc. The most common among the bloated stomach symptoms is excessive gas production in the abdomen, which leads to flatulence, distended stomach, a general discomfort after eating, etc. In some cases, abdominal pain, cramps or swelling may also accompany a bloated stomach after eating. In most cases, this condition is relieved by passing out the excessive gas in the abdomen. Read more on stomach pain and bloating and excessive gas and bloating.

Bloated Stomach - Remedies

Treating the underlying cause can bring relief to bloating after eating. So it is very important to rule out the possibility of any underlying medical condition, which is causing the symptoms. Sometimes, the accumulation of intestinal gas can be the only reason for a bloated stomach after eating, which may subside within a few hours and does not require any treatment. Such occasional bloating is normal, but in case of persistent bloating after eating, you may use the following tips to get relief from the symptoms.

• If the bloating is caused by a particular food item, then avoid such foods to prevent the occurrence of a bloated stomach after eating.
• If the bloating is accompanied by constipation, then you have to consume more dietary fiber and water.
• Some people may experience bloating due to the sudden intake of excessive fiber. This is common among those, who are on a dieting spree. You can avoid this condition by starting with small amounts of fiber and gradually increasing the quantity.
• If you are suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), then you have to avoid those foods, which trigger the symptoms of bloating after eating. You must also adopt some measures to reduce stress.
• People, who are on a high protein diet may also experience bloating and they have to reduce the intake of protein to get relief from a bloated stomach after eating.
• Reduce the ingestion of excess air into the stomach through activities, like frequent smoking, chewing gum, consuming candies, excess intake of carbonated drinks, etc.
• Chew the foods thoroughly before swallowing and avoid eating, when you are on the move.
• Avoid heavy meals, which have high levels of fat. Try to have four to six small meals, instead of three heavy ones.
• Regular exercises can also prove to be beneficial in improving the condition of people, who experience bloating after eating. You can adopt a suitable exercise regimen along with other dietary changes. Read more on how to reduce bloating and remedies for bloating.

Over-the-counter medicines may be beneficial for those, who develop this condition occasionally. Others have to seek medical attention, if there is no relief from the condition, even after adopting a healthy lifestyle. Immediate medical attention is needed for those, who experience severe pain and cramping, along with a bloated stomach after eating.