What is Bloating?

Bloating represents a buildup of gas in the stomach and intestines, and is characterized by a painful, swollen, distended abdomen that feels very firm to the touch.

Bloating can cause a very uncomfortable sensation of pressure in the abdominal area, as well as result in clothing feeling extraordinarily tight around the waist.

Bloating is not considered a true medical condition in and of itself; rather it is a symptom of a number of possible different underlying conditions, both digestive and systemic.

Causes of Bloating

Bloating can result from poor digestion, conditions such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), stress, smoking, yeast overgrowth, or an intestinal blockage or disease.

Other common causes of bloating include swallowing air (such as when chewing gum), eating gassy foods such as beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables and whole grains, constipation, overeating, or imbalanced gut bacteria (dysbiosis). Bloating can also arise from more serious conditions such as tumors, ovarian cancer and pancreatic problems.

Symptoms of Bloating

In addition to swelling in the abdomen, people suffering from bloating may also experience abdominal pain which might be mild and dull, or sharp and intense. Passing gas or having a bowel movement may relieve the pain.

Long-term effects of Bloating

Bloating by itself can be embarrassing or inconvenient. Long-term effects depend on what underlying cause (if any) that is causing the bloating. For example, dysbiosis is a very common cause of gas and bloating, but it can also lead to weakened immune function over time.

Natural remedies for Bloating

Food combining has been shown to help support more efficient digestion which in turn may relieve gas and bloating. Food combining centers on pairing foods together that require similar digestive enzymes to ease the overall burden on the GI tract and promote better digestion.

Super Shield Plus Multi-Strain Probiotic Formula can help ease gas and bloating, promote more efficient digestion and support a healthy intestinal flora balance.

SIBO Defense Blend combines the natural anti-microbial properties of oregano oil and garlic to counteract SIBO and help restore a more healthful bacterial balance.

Optimal Yeast Support Blend can help counteract harmful bacteria and yeast overgrowth in the gut and support a strong microbiome.