Probiotic and Digestive Enzymes
One effective approach to reducing bloating is incorporating probiotics and digestive enzymes into your diet. The probiotic strain Bifidobacterium longum 35624 has been noted for its benefits in reducing bloating [1:1]. Additionally, digestive enzymes can aid in breaking down foods more efficiently, which may help alleviate bloating. A user mentioned that taking digestive enzymes before meals helped them significantly
[4:2].
High-Potassium Foods
Foods high in potassium can help counteract the effects of sodium, which often leads to water retention and bloating. Bananas and coconut water are good sources of potassium and can help balance sodium levels in the body, thereby reducing puffiness and bloating [1:2].
Fiber-Rich Foods
Increasing fiber intake can improve digestion and reduce bloating. Foods such as almonds, avocados, black beans, lentils, broccoli, chia seeds, oats, pears, raspberries, and sweet potatoes are recommended for their fiber content [2]. However, some individuals may experience bloating from certain high-fiber foods like avocados and beans, so it might be necessary to try gentler options like cooked carrots or quinoa
[2:1]
[2:2].
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments can also help manage bloating. Intermittent fasting has been reported to reduce feelings of bloating and gas [3:1]. Engaging in yoga and maintaining an active lifestyle can also promote better digestion and reduce bloating
[5:1]
[3:3].
Avoiding Certain Foods and Habits
Reducing or avoiding alcohol consumption can have a noticeable impact on bloating, as alcohol can exacerbate digestive issues [3:4]. Similarly, cutting out gluten and cow dairy may alleviate discomfort for those sensitive to these foods
[4:2]. It's important to note that everyone's body reacts differently, so finding the right balance of foods and habits may require some experimentation.
General Recommendations
While specific foods can help reduce bloating, it's crucial to remember that individual responses vary. Some users suggest getting a GI map to identify any underlying causes of bloating, such as bacterial overgrowth or enzyme deficiencies [4:1]. Consulting with a healthcare professional or dietitian might provide personalized insights and solutions tailored to your needs
[5:2].
I am 19 years old and I weight 43 kg. I have a mesomorph body type and I have noticed throughout the years that I mostly gain fat in my thighs and belly. I never was overweight and I never got much fat in these areas but sometimes, I bloated too much and I was so annoyed by it. Especially during the night, my belly would bloat even if i hadn't eaten anything for 1 or 2 hours.
I work out 3-4 times per week (depends on my free time and schedule) and while they definitely helped me to keep fit, they didn't reduce bloating that much. I always eat small portions of food and I am not on a diet so I decided to do some small changes (whole wheat bread instead of white, low-fat cheese, replacing cereals with granola, reducing sugar and carbonated drinks) but the bloating wouldn't go away.
Finally, I can safely say that I have seen results after doing these changes.
First of all: slow eating. I kid you not, taking longer time to eat my lunch, breakfast, dinner (basically every meal) has been a savour. Yesterday for example I ate meatballs with rice. Usually, when I ate meatballs, i would bloat but that didn't happen! I ate a moderate portion compared to other times and it took me 40-45 minutes to finish my food. Once I was done, there was not a sign of bloating in my belly area. I have applied this to other meals, like breakfast or dinner and the results are always the same: longer time to eat, longer time to digest, no bloating.
Another change that reduced bloating is stop eating apples after 6 pm. I sometimes workout at 6 or 7 pm if I don't have time earlier in the day and I used to eat apples after my workout. But one month ago, I realised that apples made me bloat, especially if I ate them at evening or night. So, instead of cutting them out altogether (I love apples so I would never be able to do that), I decided to change the time I eat them. Now I eat them 1 hour after breakfast (say 10-11 am) and boom. No bloating!
Water has also played a fundamental role. I have started drinking one cup of water half an hour before lunch and it definitely helps to reduce bloating. I have also reduced the amount of water I drank at once because it caused me water belly that wouldn't go away. I drink small portions throughout the day instead of gulping one bottle at once and I always make sure to stay hydrated by drinking 2+ liters per day. I have also stopped drinking while eating which was a really bad habit of mine. Now I wait at least for 1 hour after eating in order to drink or if I can't control it, I take small sips.
Last but not least, I started doing massage around my stomach area and...it has helped! I usually do it while taking a shower or after a shower (especially if I'm done with a workout) or I might do it half an hour after eating (but only if I feel full).
I am very happy to see that my bloating is not as excessive as it used to be. Don't get me wrong, bloating is NORMAL but for me, the amount of bloating I would get annoyed me. I feel so much better now and I must say that these results have made my relationship with food even better.
From what i know the easiest way to debloat ur face is by consuming high pottasium food like banana and coconut water, bloated face is mostly because by high sodium intake, because the body will retain water to dilute sodium to maintain balance, previously u mentioned eating baso i mean meatball who has so much sodium and i think u need to slowly stop eating that to much. And this is how pottasium help debloat ur face :
Sodium and potassium work in opposition:
Sodium holds onto water → causes puffiness
Potassium flushes out excess sodium through urine → reduces bloating
Potassium helps the kidneys work efficiently to:
Remove extra sodium
Get rid of trapped water
This leads to more frequent urination and helps reduce swelling naturally.
When sodium and potassium levels are balanced, the body doesn’t need to retain excess water. This means:
Less puffiness in the face
More defined facial features
Reduced under-eye swelling
https://www.avogel.co.uk/food/can-potassium-help-with-bloating/ + chat gpt. (For anyone who wondering the sources)
Hope this help
This is not the first time I have heard that a little massage of the abdominal area helps with bloating. This makes sense, as massage helps bile move through the bile ducts and digestion improves.
Underrating also cause bloating
Meatballs are virtually air, and rice as well. I.e you don't have to hardly chew to get it down. How can you spend 45 minutes eating meatballs and rice?
Not by chewing more, so you really have to take a lot of breaks?
Yes, this is my strategy. I take breaks inbetween chewing and I do not eat big portions at once.
Meatballs are virtually air is crazy
Hahahaha
There's a probiotic strain helping a lot with bloating, one of the most researched probiotic: Bifidobacterium longum 35624.
If bloating is a constant struggle, it might be time to look at your fiber intake. Incorporating more fiber-rich foods into your diet can make a huge difference. Try adding almonds, avocado, black beans, kidney beans, lentils, broccoli, chia seeds, oats, pears, raspberries, and sweet potatoes to your meals. These foods not only help with digestion but also contribute to overall health. Making small, mindful adjustments can have a big impact. What’s your go-to food for keeping your gut happy?
Avocado , and black beans cause me some serious bloating
Got it! If avocado and beans don’t work, try gentler options like cooked carrots or quinoa. Soaking beans overnight can also help! What works best for you?
Yeah you got it take care of your body man
Try taking some kind of digestive enzyme like Beano or possibly a probiotic.
Move it , an active lifestyle helps a great deal. Eat more fibers and lay low on gluten. My dad ALWAYS got bloated whenever he eats regular white bread. Switch to other types.
Try to reduce – or avoid altogether – alcohol.
I was shocked to notice that eating the same food without alcohol made me feel much lighter than if I drank some with it.
Peppermint or mint helps with stomach issues. I recommend Peppermint tea.
Go longer periods without eating.
I find that when I do intermittent fasting (IF), when I break my fast and go HAM on some food, I don't feel nearly as bloated and gassy as I do when I don't do IF.
So, no lazy googling on my side, I am just a bit overwhelmed by all of the inconclusive information on which foods cause bloating - sometimes I should eat a lot of fresh vegetables, other times it can cause bloating as well.
I have a suspicion on a different medical issue that goes hand in hand with bloating (the more I bloat the more it hurts) and I want to try anti-bloating and anti-inflammatory diet - but I just don't know what food is safe and what isn't.
Is this the correct answer: everyone is different and you have to try before you find out what causes you to bloat? or is there some kind of "get over it" period that vegetable will bloat me, but when I get used to it, it gets better?
Thanks a lot for any leads as to what to eat :)
My savior was digestive enzymes recommended to me by a functional medicine doc. The doc told me most of us are missing enzymes to break down foods which is partly why we bloat. I take one before each average size meal and take two if the meal will have more oil or sugar than I’m used to. I haven’t bloated since I started taking them. I also gave up gluten and cow dairy as they caused me discomfort. I use designs for health digestzymes.
Did you try anything for the gluten and dairy issues? Did the enzymes help at all with those?
I tried lactaid and it helped my stomach issues but it started causing random rashes so I stopped all dairy. The gluten I stopped because of my auto immune condition and keep seeing it makes symptoms worse. My condition has improved and I’m afraid to reintroduce gluten as the pain I experienced isn’t worth it.
Depends on what you mean by „bloating“.
(a) You can be bloated in the upper small intestines due to lack of gastric acid, therefore maldigestion of proteins and dysbiosis which leads to overgrowth with bacteria that ferment fiber to gas (CO2, H2, CH4). This might also lead to burping.
(b) Lack of bile or (c) pancreatic enzymes might also be the cause of your bloating.
In addition, you can be bloated if (d) the microbiome in the large intestine is sensitive to FODMAPs, due to some (non-specified) imbalance of your microbiome, or (e) of you have specific parasites.
Moreover, (f) lactose or fructose that reach the large intestine due to malabsorption can lead to bloating, too.
There are function tests for (c), while for (b) would have a medical history such as gall bladder removal, the Heidelberg capsule for (a) is no longer used but you can use the baking soda test and check for Helicobacter pylori, and (d) would be just trial and error like leaving FODMAPs out and re-introducing them one by one. Regarding parasites (e), you would have to have a travel history and ask for specific tests, and for (f) there are H2 breath tests.
Hi Moosemochu
I’ve been enjoying your posts and find them very informative. When discussing “bloating”, are we referring to a visible swelling of the abdomen or the discomfort that feels like a tight band just below the ribs?
I’ve been diagnosed with IBS for 15 years and have had two breath tests in the last three years that showed Sibo-C. I’m considering consulting with a GI specialist. Before I do, I’d like to understand if I should ask them to test for stomach acid, bile, and pancreatic function. Any insights you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your help!
Hi I8Bookies,
thank you very much for that kind response. With bloating, I mean that my abdomen swells. When I get bloated, I start looking like I am 9 months pregnant (and I am male).
Indeed, it all started with some minor pain in the upper right part of the abdomen and feeling uncomfortable when I did not eat anything for more than half a day. However, in summer 2019 the situation became more severe: After each meal I started burping for an hour after each meal — except for potato soup, which I often used as a rescue. Moreover, I felt more intensive pain due to gas development particularly in the upper right part of the abdomen, and a few months later I started getting the pregnancy look after meals. The latter is what I mean when I write about „bloating“.
Hell, you have had IBS for 15 years. I thought my four years were long. Did you form CH4 (methane) during the (glucose/lactulose) breath tests?
There is no real test for gastric acid here. There was the Heidelberg capsule, which at least in my country, Germany, is no longer used. It might still be used in other countries. However, one GI mentioned that I should have my gastric pH value checked during a gastroscopy. It should be as simple as getting some gastric juice through the tube and putting it on pH paper. However, I have the feeling that none of the doctors has ever heard about low gastric acid — except for a few endocrinologists when it comes to hypothyroidism!
I randomly used betaine-HCl and pepsin and found out that I do not have the postprandial burping any more, so I concluded I have low gastric acid. If you have enough acid (or take too many betain-HCl pills), you will feel warmth or a slight burning pain in your stomach.
The bile is produced in the liver, stored in the gall bladder, is passed into the duodenum while digesting fatty foods, and is re-absorbed in the terminal ileum. If your liver blood values are fine, I do not see a reason why it should not produce bile. Some people, however, have a problem with re-adsorption, e.g. if the ileum had to be removed by an operation. They use cholestyramine to each meal, which binds the bile, as it otherwise enters the colon and causes diarrhea and (I think) tumors. If I remember it correctly, the gold standard test for checking for bile malabsorption is based on a radiochemical/szintigraphic method which is (in my opinion) rather difficult, but possible with a nuclear medicine specialist. I have also read that people after cholecystectomy have this type of bile-induced diarrhea and benefit from taking cholestyramine. However, I do not really understand the mechanism behind that. Furthermore, I had my gall bladder (which was shrinked and filled with sand/little stines) removed in 12/2018, and have no diarrhea except from eating fructose/lactose.
The pancreas function should be checked as a routine test to rule out exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. I would check for elastase in stool. If low, I would look for amylase/lipase levels in blood, and perform an ultrasound.
You might expect the GI to come up with ideas like „just use some psyllium seeds“. If he does so, he will not understand that fiber will cause lots of pain if you have SIBO.
Have you ever tried antibiotic treatment with rifaximin and metronidazole (or rifaximin and nifedipine), particularly in combination with prokinetics (e.g. prucalopride, erythromycine, low dose naltrexone, or ginger & artichoke pills)?
Do you think your SIBO was caused by a food poisoning? (Might be hard to know if it started more than a decade ago.)
Wow!!! Ok, I see now I have simplified quite a complex issue to just food here - I will get the gut examination then, thanks a lot for all of this information
The breath test offered is around 200 inc labs. There is also a food marble aire 2 you can use to self test fodmap issues, but also test for sibo (the $200 breath test). I think it's like 350 but I think I just gave you prices in CAD.
If I cut out every food they say causes my eternal bloating, I'd starve cause there wouldn't be anything left to eat
This is where I am at. It’s not diet related. I’ve tried everything (and nothing lol) and have bloating. I’ll be bloated whether I eat or whether I am fasted.
This is where I am at. It’s not diet related. I’ve tried everything (and nothing lol) and have bloating. I’ll be bloated whether I eat or whether I am fasted.
Did you try any medical examination or have any clue where does it come from?
Bloating can be caused by bacteria overgrowth or parasites. If you have this, foods can help reduce symptoms but you’re not really fixing the issue. Foods that cause bloating are personal to the individual. I suggest getting a GI map and see what comes up.
Bloating and low natural energy don't seem to me to lend themselves to a "healthy diet." It might be advisable to see a dietitian to figure about what a healthy diet is for you personally.
You’re right, I should do that
Boil 1tsp each of cumin seeds and carom seeds in 2 glasses of water. Let it cool down. Drink this every morning on an empty stomach and wait at least 30 mins before eating anything. Not the best tasting thing, but it works like a charm! You'll notice the difference in a couple of weeks.
Awesome I’ll do that, thanks!
Let em rip when necessary..?
Constipation is a constant thing. I don’t get it.
You said bloating, can always be gas and. It necessarily a log...
Cronic* constipation is constant. You can be constipated on rare occasions and not regularly.
Yoga for bloating/digestion
I’ll look into that
That heavy, gassy, uncomfortable feeling after eating isn't always about what you ate, it’s often about what’s going on inside your gut lining.
When your gut is inflamed, even “healthy” foods can trigger issues.
Signs of gut inflammation:
• Constant bloating or discomfort
• Food sensitivities you didn’t have before
• Low energy, brain fog, or random mood swings
• Acne or skin flare-ups
Here’s how to cool it down naturally:
🥬 Eat more anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, turmeric, and flaxseeds
🧉 Sip on ginger or chamomile tea instead of coffee for a few days
🧘♂️ De-stress, cortisol wrecks your gut lining
❌ Cut back on sugar, fried food, and alcohol
Your gut can heal, but only if you give it the chance.
What if you only really experience bloating after drinking water? Especially if you drink alot of water?
That happens to a lot of people. If you’re chugging a lot at once, your stomach can feel super full and bloated. Try sipping it slowly instead. Also, if it’s cold water or you're drinking it right after a meal, that can make it worse. Could be a sign your digestion’s a bit off too.
I have some kind of fat absorption issue. Don't know what exactly.
I know binge drinking on an empty stomach caused it.
If you’re always dealing with bloating, it might be time to rethink your fiber intake. Incorporating foods like almonds, avocado, lentils, chia seeds, oats, and sweet potatoes into your meals can work wonders. Not only do they help with digestion, but they also promote overall gut health.
For those of us who are lactose intolerant, this is especially crucial since dairy can sometimes cause bloating or discomfort. Choosing fiber-rich, dairy-free options can make a significant difference in how you feel day-to-day.
What are your go-to foods for managing bloating? Let’s swap tips!
I include ginger and cumin in my diet.
Stimulating digestive enzymes and reducing inflammation. Perfect
Walk (10,000 steps) and eat a fibrous fruit (guava or apple) everyday. Never had bloating or digestion issues since I incorporated these 2 simple steps into my daily life 10 years ago.
That’s such a simple yet effective routine! Walking and adding fiber really are game changers. Guava is such an underrated superfruit too! Do you stick to the same fruits, or mix it up occasionally?
Guava is such an underrated superfruit too!
It really is! I'm East Asian, and guava is a major fruit in that part of the world!
Do you stick to the same fruits, or mix it up occasionally?
No I mix it up, try to eat seasonal fruits too. I eat melons and berries in the summer!
I try to eat fermented and cultured foods every day. I make a loaf of sourdough about every 5 days. I drink lactose-free milk and use lactose-free dairy where I can I find it (sour cream and cream cheese are easy to find). Cultured milks have most of the acids already transformed to lactic acid so it's easier to digest -- kefir and yogurt are mainstays. Last night's dinner was cauliflower roasted with olive oil, lemon juice and panko crumbs, then tossed with pecorino Romano (sheep's milk is low in lactose); whole small potatoes steamed in the Instant Pot, smashed and roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper, served with Greek yogurt mixed with Za'taar herb mixture; sliced Persian cucumbers and chopped bell peppers served with hummus and toum (Garlic Spread & Dip from Trader Joe's).
Your dinner sounds 🔥🔥🔥
Thanks! I love whole foods with homemade sauces and toppings.
Eating with any medication (that doesn’t state otherwise) not just the ones that say you should has been very helpful for me. It’s so simple I felt really silly that I wasn’t already doing it but it really helped my heart burn.
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I have never experienced painful bloating until a few days ago when it started and I’m not sure why. I remember the night I started taking probiotics again, I started feeling a bit bloated and it increasingly got worse. It’s weird because I have always used Garden of Life probiotics without a problem. Which makes me believe that it may be because of something in my diet? Some tips on what foods or drinks that have helped you the most in reducing bloating would be great! Vegetarian friendly options would be preferred.
Honestly fennel tea helps me the most. I find it’s also the most effective for gas pains for me.
Appreciate it! I’ve never tried fennel tea before so I’ll start drinking that
It tastes bad, but it helps!
For me the big thing is avoiding gassy foods rather than adding anything. Eg beans,lentils, cabbage, onions, lactose, but they are all pretty much fodmaps anyway if you’ve been following the diet strictly.
On top of this I’d recommend things like peppermint tea and buscopan I find help for Gas.
Also my mum makes dairy free kefir. It tastes a bit like elderflower champagne. She got a starter from a friend and feeds it a bit like you would a sourdough starter. I don’t think it specifically helps with gas but just to generally improve the gut biome.
I find peppermint pills are amazing for this, but they get varied reviews.
Gas-x!
I'm seconding fennel seed tea, it absorbs gas so effectively
I think I'm bloated and I feel miserable.
What are your favorite anti-bloat foods/meals?
FODMAP diet is recommended for bloating
Not a food, but definitely lying flat on my stomach for a while seems to ease it out!
Will try this tonight!
Eat smaller portions of food
The problem is when I get high I eat so much. And I think that's the reason I feel bloated this time around. Usually I don't have a problem with bloating.
I drink peppermint tea when bloated. Helps a ton
Thanks! Peppermint doesn't cause any issues with flares?
It's different for everyone. The only thing you can do is try it out. Also cucumber helps
Not OP, but thanks I’m going to try this!
A little bit of liquor helps. It's a solvent for fats and helps digest. That's why they call it a Digestiv in restaurants.
As soon as I drink I'm bleeding 😭
If you're willing to take medication, look into simeticone.
Long story short my stomach isn't it's self lately and I'm probably sure the culprit is hot sauce and chilis, What do you guys cook when your in the same or similar situation as I am?
Salt can cause bloating.
Try ... Not hot sauce and chilis. You seem to not be accepting good advice and wanting to just lean into the things that are messing up your GI, but if you'd like some more:
You can season food without spicy things, and add substance without beans or bloat-inducing food.
Mashed potatoes can have a small spoonful of horseradish, garlic, and a little cream (or milk) and voila. Maybe add a splash of veggie or chicken broth.
Avoid legumes, and probably red meat - go lean meat including fish. Chicken/salmon/tuna salad would work.
Most whole veggies (so salads) and fruits will also work.
What'd you eat the spicy stuff on? Becauase spicy might give you stomach upset or heartburn, but probably not gas.
Regardless, bland and low fiber: white toast, bananas, rice, etc. Maybe make yourself some congee with a bit of chicken. It doesn't have to be flavorless, but it should be soothingly digestible.
scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes - if it's bland - it's okay. Avoid foods that give you gas.
I feel like some form of seasoning could be allowed, Like fish sauce or some msg to give it life lol
salt/ pepper, but it's good to keep it bland w/ your stomach is upset. Not those spicy chilis and peppers! ha!
Dude, it's unlikely that hot sauce and chili can cause severe gas in the intestines and subsequent bloating. There is something else in your usual menu that is the real cause of this problem.
Actually...It's probably cheese now that I think of it.. so probably avoid that for a while
Eat some fiber and drink plenty of water
You need to try avoiding each in turn to check what it is. Bell peppers (but not small amounts of chilli) and dairy both cause problems for me. It's not like it's impossible to have an intolerance to chilli
foods that reduce bloating
Key Considerations for Foods that Reduce Bloating:
High-Fiber Foods: Foods rich in soluble fiber, such as oats, chia seeds, and flaxseeds, can help regulate digestion and reduce bloating.
Probiotics: Incorporate foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, which contain beneficial bacteria that promote gut health and can alleviate bloating.
Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help soothe the digestive system. Try ginger tea or adding fresh ginger to meals.
Peppermint: Peppermint tea or oil can relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, helping to relieve bloating and gas.
Cucumbers: High in water content and low in calories, cucumbers can help hydrate the body and reduce bloating.
Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas can help balance sodium levels in the body and reduce water retention.
Asparagus: This vegetable acts as a natural diuretic, helping to flush out excess water and reduce bloating.
Fennel: Fennel seeds or tea can help relax the digestive tract and reduce gas and bloating.
Takeaways:
Recommendation: Incorporate a mix of these foods into your diet gradually to see what works best for you. If bloating persists, consider consulting a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.
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