Bloating After Eating

Bloating, which is commonly experienced after meals, starts as a tight feeling in the abdomen, which may sometimes lead to severe cramping and pain. Bloating can subside in a few hours or take a few days, according to the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Some people experience this condition occasionally or once in a blue moon, but some others suffer from frequent bloating after eating. According to some studies, almost 90% of humans have this condition.

Bloating After Eating - Symptoms and Causes

Bloating is a tight feeling in the abdomen, which may or may not be accompanied by an uncomfortable swelling. Pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, stress, food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. can be some of the causes of abdominal bloating. Bloating after eating is relieved to some extent after passing out gases produced in the abdomen. Reasons for bloating after eating may be the intake of certain foods or an eating disorder.

The foods that may cause bloating are certain vegetables, like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts, asparagus and whole grains. Another food item which can lead to belly bloating after eating is milk and milk products, like cheese, yogurt, ice-cream and cream. Some fruits, like apples, pears, peaches, and prunes and starchy foods like potatoes, corn, rice, bread, noodles, etc. are found to be contributory factors for stomach bloating after eating. Wheat is considered to be the most common food item to cause bloating, followed by milk, yeast and legumes. Some people, who have food allergies develop bloating after eating that particular food. But gaseous foods can cause bloating in general. Apart from bloating caused by food, digestive problems are also a contributory factor for bloating after eating. The most common ones are irritable bowel syndrome, candida overgrowth, intestinal parasites, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.

How to Get Rid of Bloating After Eating?

Occasional bloating is considered a minor problem, which arises from certain foods or some other reasons. But frequent incidences of bloating needs medical attention to find out the underlying cause. It is considered that a person with a healthy digestive system may experience less frequent episodes of bloating as compared to those with digestive disorders. If you feel bloated after consuming certain food items, you have to check whether you are allergic to that food. If not, try to avoid gaseous foods. If yes, avoid those foods that are responsible for bloating. Cut down on overeating, and try to divide heavy meals to small ones. Drink lots of water and chew your food properly before swallowing it to curb bloating after eating. You can also use some digestive enzymes along with the meals, but only with the consent of your doctor. Another remedy is to include foods high in soluble fiber in your daily diet.

In case of occasional bloating, over-the-counter medicines may prove beneficial. But frequent bloating needs medical attention and you must consult your doctor immediately, as it can be a symptom of any other disease. Above all, lifestyle changes, like, quitting smoking and alcohol, along with regular exercises, can also help you to some extent.