This article was medically reviewed by Dale Prokupek, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Dale Prokupek, MD is a board-certified Internist and Gastroenterologist who runs a private practice based in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Prokupek is also a staff physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and an associate clinical professor of medicine at the Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. Prokupek has over 30 years of medical experience and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the liver, stomach, and colon, including chronic hepatitis C, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, anal condyloma, and digestive diseases related to chronic immune deficiency. He holds a BS in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and an MD from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed an internal medicine residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a gastroenterology fellowship at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine.
There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Gas and bloating are a natural result of the digestion process, but too much gas can be painful or embarrassing. Luckily, you can often reduce those unpleasant symptoms by making a few simple changes to your diet. Keep reading for tips on how to get relief.
Steps
How Do You Treat Bloating?
Foods to Eat and Avoid
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhy am I so bloated and gassy at night?Peter Gardner, MDPeter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Board Certified GastroenterologistYou might be eating too quickly. Slowing down how you eat also prevents you from swallowing as much air as you do when eating quickly, so bloating and burping won't occur as often. -
QuestionWhy do I feel bloated all the time?Peter Gardner, MDPeter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Board Certified GastroenterologistBloating is typically caused by swallowing air. Soda, for example, can make you bloated due to the air bubbles. Bloating can also be caused by something you've eaten that's fermenting in your bowel and creating gas. Eating dairy, for example, can also cause tremendous gas and bloating if you are lactose intolerant. -
QuestionWhat can I do if I bloat every time I eat?Peter Gardner, MDPeter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Board Certified GastroenterologistTry eating small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three big meals. You should also avoid laying down or going to sleep right after you've eaten. Try not to lie down for ideally three hours, but at least two hours, after eating.
Tips
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Regular exercise helps relieve gas and bloating and prevent future bouts from occurring. Take daily walks, jogs, or swims to give your body the opportunity to release gas.[23]Thanks
Warnings
- Don't remove a food group from your diet or start taking new supplements or medications without first consulting your doctor.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.scripps.org/news_items/6821-stomach-pain-in-kids-and-teens
- ↑ http://www.machtmedicalgroup.com/2012/01/how-to-use-a-heating-pad-safely/
- ↑ https://www.brighamandwomens.org/patients-and-families/meals-and-nutrition/bwh-nutrition-and-wellness-hub/special-topics/gas-beat-the-bloat
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gas-in-the-digestive-tract
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
- ↑ https://iffgd.org/gi-disorders/symptoms-causes/intestinal-gas/tips-on-controlling-gas/
- ↑ Peter Gardner, MD. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 25 August 2020
- ↑ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance
- ↑ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance/treatment#lactase
- ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/carb-intolerance
- ↑ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2016/05/going-gluten-free
- ↑ https://connect.uclahealth.org/2018/10/22/does-activated-charcoal-help-with-gas-and-bloating/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
- ↑ https://badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/gas-leaks/
- ↑ Peter Gardner, MD. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 25 August 2020
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/symptoms-causes/syc-20372709
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/celiac-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352220
- ↑ Peter Gardner, MD. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 25 August 2020
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
About This Article
To reduce bloating and gas, try to avoid holding the gas inside, since this builds up pressure in your abdomen, and find a private place where you can pass it instead. You can apply a hot pad or compress for quick relief from pain and pressure if you're able to lay down. Over-the-counter medicines that contain simethicone can also minimize your symptoms. If you prefer natural remedies, try activated charcoal or garlic supplements instead. For tips on dietary changes you can make to help prevent gas and bloating, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"Everything about the article helped me so much. I am at home recovering from thyroid surgery, and I don't want to take other medicines along with my pain reliever. I prefer natural treatment. Thanks for this very helpful information. God bless!"..." more