Stomach bloating has affected most people at some point in their lifetime, and it usually occurs after eating too much food, according to the NHS.
Feeling bloated makes the tummy feel stretched, puffy, and generally uncomfortable.
Stomach bloating is a sign of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a digestive condition that may be caused by oversensitive gut nerves.
But making some simple dietary changes – including cutting out gluten and wheat – could help to prevent the painful condition, a patient has claimed.
Jenny Mitchell, 56, reduced her signs of IBS by cutting out certain foods from her diet.
Her symptoms began 20 years ago, and they made her feel like someone had a tight grip around her stomach, squeezing it hard, she said.
“I’d be really nervous about going out with friends or family because I’d always be thinking ‘where can I go to the toilet if I needed to quickly?’,” said Mitchell.
“I’d go out for a meal feeling bloated, constipated and very uncomfortable knowing that I would be eating more which would leave me feeling even worse.”
Mitchell “went back to basics” after carrying out a food intolerance test. She cut out all gluten, wheat, barley, chillies, tomatoes, vinegar, and anything fermented, she said.
She also kept a food diary to write down exactly what she’d eaten and how she felt.
“It was really hard for me because I loved my cakes and biscuits,” she added. “But I’d had enough of feeling so unwell and I was determined to give it a try.
“Initially my symptoms got slightly worse – I suffered with headaches and my skin came out in horrible boils.
“I think my body was going through a withdrawal process as it gradually got rid of all the toxins.
“I then switched to a vegan, plant-based diet which meant no meat, fish or dairy. Gradually my symptoms improved and my energy returned. It meant a huge change in my lifestyle but I was determined.”
IBS patients should avoid delaying or skipping meals, as it may cause signs of stomach bloating, added the NHS.
Fatty, spicy or processed foods could also increase the risk of IBS symptoms, it said.
Some foods are harder to break down and digest, including carnage, cauliflower, beans and dried fruit.
Instead, try eating up to a tablespoon of linseeds everyday, it added.
Some medicines could help to reduce signs of the digestive condition, including Buscopan IBS Relief.
Speak to a GP or pharmacist for advice on the best treatments for your condition.
