There are many reasons why you might experience a bloated stomach. But minor tweaks to your diet could provide some relief, especially if you're aware of which foods alleviate symptoms and which ones make it worse. The most common reason for bloating is having a lot of gas in your gut.
This can be caused by some food and drinks, such as some vegetables and fizzy drinks, or by swallowing air when you eat. If you're frequently experiencing bloating, it's important to book in a visit with your GP to see if there isn't something more serious going on. Bloating can be the tell-tale signs of conditions such as constipation , a food intolerance , coeliac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) .
There are some foods you could try adding into your everyday diet to try and reduce the discomfort that comes with bloating. It's crucial to remember that there isn't a single 'miracle' superfood that can instantly 'cure' bloating. The key to a healthy diet is moderation and diversity.
Aim to incorporate as wide a variety of gut-supporting foods into your diet as possible using the below as suggestions. Fermented foods are abundant in naturally occurring digestive enzymes. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can boost the levels of beneficial bacteria and enzymes in your digestive system.
A study conducted in 2023 discovered that supplements containing digestive enzymes were effective in reducing post-meal bloating. However, bear in mind, the beneficial bacteria need to be al.