A bloated stomach (medically: meteorism) is not only unpleasant, it can be painful or even cause cramps. You need to get to the bottom of the causes, but these can be many and varied. Find out more about the topic below!
Bloated belly: the causes
As part of the metabolic process, air in the stomach is nothing unusual. The body usually gets rid of it within a very short time by farting, exhaling or burping. However, if the body produces an unusually large amount of gas, this cannot escape so quickly. You feel bloated. This is the case, for example, when a lot of undigested food has to be broken down by the intestinal bacteria, which can take up to 42 hours.
But there can also be more air in the stomach when we speak hurriedly or gulp down our food. An unhealthy lifestyle as well as intolerances, illnesses and medication are also possible causes.
Flatulence: Farting can be a sign of illness
Flatulence caused by diet
It's no secret that our diet can lead to a sometimes painful bloated stomach. These foods are among them:
- dairy products
- fatty meat
- Wholemeal products, yeast products and dough products (e.g. muesli, wholemeal and yeast products, freshly baked bread)
- Fruit and vegetables (especially raw vegetables)
You can influence your eating habits yourself: Therefore, if possible, don't eat anything that might not agree with you and eat in peace. Chew your food thoroughly, as the digestive mash is broken down more quickly by the intestinal bacteria than pieces that you gulp down hastily.
What you can do about too much air in your stomach
There are actually a few things that can provide relatively quick relief if you have a bloated stomach. However, it is of course important to take preventative measures so that it doesn't happen in the first place. Tips that quickly bring some peace to the gastrointestinal tract:
Exercise in the fresh air
A nice walk or a round of Nordic walking is the perfect way to get rid of pent-up air. You can also let it out freely in the great outdoors!
Stomach-friendly herbal teas
There are some herbal teas that relieve stomach cramps and provide quick relief, including fennel, aniseed, caraway, camomile and peppermint. Drink several cups throughout the day as directed.
Warmth
A hot water bottle, for example, still works wonders - if you have stomach cramps and bloating, you should treat yourself to one to soothe the digestive tract.