Easy Ways to Live Well: Steph McGovern discusses bloating
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Bloating occurs when excess gas builds up in the stomach. It can be very uncomfortable and can be caused by a range of gut conditions, many of which don’t have surefire solutions. But there are ways to speed up the digestive process that can manage the pain and discomfort that comes after eating for many people.
Abdominal bloating is when the abdomen feels full and tight, and it can make it uncomfortable to move as well as making you feel nauseous at times.
Bloating usually occurs due to a buildup of gas somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract.
It can cause your belly to look larger and rounder than it normally would, and it may also feel tender or painful.
Bloating resolves itself in the hours after you’ve eaten, but for some it can be long lasting and methods need to be used to get your gut back on track again.
Thankfully, there are several tips you can follow if you’re hoping to relieve your bloated belly pains – and quickly.
Walk or stand after meals
One of the main habits that can prolong bloating is sitting or lying down after a meal.
Physical activity can help enormously in getting the bowels moving more regularly, which in turn help release excess gas.
Take a moment after eating to stand up for a few minutes, or walk around for a short time to get your bowels in order.
Abdominal massage
Anecdotal evidence shows massaging the large intestine can help with bloating discomfort.
Place your hands just above the right hip bone and rub in a circular motion with light pressure up toward the right side of the ribcage.
Rub straight across the upper belly area toward the left rib cage, and move slowly down toward the left hip bone.
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Peppermint capsules
Peppermint capsules are usually marketed for people with IBS – but they can be used by anyone with stomach bloating issues, unless advised not to by a doctor.
Peppermint can help relax intestinal muscles, allowing gas and waste to move through you.
However, if you are prone to heartburn, peppermint capsules should be avoided as they can heighten symptoms.
Yoga
Yoga has many health benefits, and helping release built-up gas is one of them.
Some yoga positions can position the muscles in your abdomen in a way that allows trapped gas to be released from the gut.
Poses that can help include happy baby pose, child’s pose, and squats – but don’t exercise immediately after eating as you could make yourself feel worse.
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