Going out with loved ones, weekends, holidays, for many people are associated with excesses and abuses in the diet, which have in common the fact that they start pleasantly and end unpleasantly, as they can cause swelling (swelling) in the abdominal area and a strong feeling of bloating (drumming ).
A common element in these two conditions, which are often an evolution of the other, is the trapping of gas in the stomach and intestine, which the body tries to expel either by belching (burping) or gas from the anus. This combination of trapped gases and the effort to expel them causes discomfort, irritation, embarrassment and often severe pain, and manifests itself in a greater percentage in women than in men.
“Most of the time this condition passes by itself, without the person suffering from it taking any special measures and in this sense it can be considered ‘normal’. What does this mean; The average adult has occasional bowel movements before or after meals as well as expels about one to one and a half liters of gas daily from the anus. Most people who complain of excessive gas may not produce more gas than the average person, however, they are more bothered by this usual amount. This can be an indication of irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerance, diverticular disease, celiac disease and Crohn’s disease, ovarian cancer and/or a number of other conditions (almost 50 causes of bloating/swelling and flatulence are listed in total)” , points out o Mr. Konstantinos Delis Director Gastroenterologist at Metropolitan Hospital. However, there are treatments that can treat them and give confidence to sufferers, he continues.
What to watch out for in bloating/swelling
Generally, in cases where the bloating/swelling persists for at least 5 days a week, three consecutive weeks, when it happens quickly, or when it is accompanied by a lack of appetite, pelvic pain, abdominal cramps (unrelated with menstruation), foul-smelling vaginal fluids, weight loss, changes in bowel function along with weakness and/or diarrhea with traces of blood, we should consult a specialist (eg a gastroenterologist).
Even without these specific symptoms, if something bothers us, it would be good to talk to our doctor who will proceed with taking a detailed history, a clinical examination and, if deemed necessary, will recommend the necessary tests which may be: stool examination for the presence of blood, fat or parasites, gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy, x-ray control as well as general or special blood tests such as e.g. celiac disease (gluten intolerance) antibodies. Finally, it will indicate the necessary changes that we may have to make in our diet, such as e.g. when there is irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance.
Irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colitis)
“Irritable bowel syndrome makes sufferers more sensitive even with a normal amount of gas in the abdomen because the nerves that carry information from the gut are ‘overactive.’ People suffering from this would do well to avoid foods that repeatedly and demonstrably seem to irritate them. These can be fatty products (sausages, cured meats, bacon, fried foods), dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream), whole grains and flour, raw fruits, vegetables such as onions, red peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and beans, artificial sweeteners, red wine, carbonated soft drinks, coffee and caffeinated products, spices such as chili, bucovo, hot peppers, spices, nuts and chocolate,” emphasizes the expert.
Lactose intolerance
People who have been diagnosed with intolerance to lactose (sugar contained in dairy products), and their body is unable to metabolize (break down) it, should avoid milk, cream, fatty cheeses, ice creams, as well as products that have such content.
Gluten intolerance
Those diagnosed with gluten intolerance (coeliac disease) should avoid bread made from wheat, rye, oats, barley, as well as products containing these cereals, cookies, pasta, semolina, sauces, preserves, oatmeal, beer, couscous, cubes, sausages, mayonnaise, or to prefer the corresponding products with the typical “gluten-free” label.
“In cases where bloating/swelling is associated with another of the many conditions in which this can be a symptom, the possible changes do not only concern diet and are suggested in the context of more general therapeutic treatment,” notes the doctor.
5 Foods & 5 “Secrets” That Reduce Bloating/Swelling
“Just as there are foods that are proven to cause bloating/swelling in any person who consumes them (e.g. vegetables that contain raffinose, such as Brussels sprouts) there are also some foods that, if included in our diet, may help reduce bloating/swelling and the accumulation of gas in the stomach and intestines.
These are:
- the avocado
- the pineapple
- the asparagus
- the fennel
- ginger
Finally, valuable additional help to avoid bloating/swelling is provided by:
• The very good chewing of our food (if possible it should “leave” towards the esophagus in the form of “baby cream”)
• The slow rate of taking food (small bites with long intervals between them)
• Avoiding carbonated drinks (with or without food)
• Avoiding chewing gum (because air goes down into the stomach)
• Avoiding or controlling the irritation and stress that everyday life causes to all of us.
Also, it is good to avoid a sedentary life, poor posture, fast food, large portions of food and excessive water consumption during meals,” concludes Mr. Delis.
Source :Skai
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