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Blähbauch: Definition
A bloated stomach is when those affected feel unusually bloated after eating a meal. The queasy feeling in the stomach area is usually caused by strong gas production as a result of a diseased gastrointestinal system or a food intolerance. Unfortunately, a feeling of fullness or abdominal pain can occur in the course of a bloated stomach. The accumulation of gas in the abdomen pushes the intestinal walls and the abdominal wall outwards. In professional circles one speaks of an abdominal distension. The result is a hard, bloated stomach. It is not uncommon for the high pressure on the sensitive intestinal system to cause pain and discomfort in those affected. Other symptoms such as flatulence, a feeling of fullness and frequent burping can be associated with a bloated stomach.
Symptoms of bloating
A bloated stomach and bloating are among the most common intestinal complaints. Symptoms usually occur together, but they can also occur individually. Symptoms include excess air in the abdomen, a feeling of pressure, a persistent feeling of fullness, and a hard, bloated abdomen. In addition, those affected report occasional accompanying symptoms such as diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, back pain and abdominal pain.
Causes of bloating
In order to be able to initiate an adequate therapy against the bloating, it is important to discuss the causes. Bloating often occurs immediately after eating various foods. However, diseases of the gastrointestinal system or excessive stress can also be considered as triggers. A bloated stomach and flatulence can result from a functional disorder of the digestive system. The following diseases can be the cause:
- irritable bowel syndrome
- fatty liver
- Functional constipation
- Functional Dyspepsia
If those affected suffer from a persistent bloated stomach, other causes are also possible:
- Disturbed intestinal flora
- gastrointestinal infection
- Sensitive or hypersensitive bowel
- food intolerance
- Fermenting carbohydrates
- reflux or heartburn
- Slowed bowel contraction
- lack of movement
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Weak or flabby abdominal muscles
Get rid of bloating – five home remedies
1. Moist wraps against bloating
Heat helps settle the stomach and relax the muscles. Hot-water bottles or heated cherry stone pillows are also good alternatives for treating abdominal pain and flatulence. Due to the good heat transport, a transfer to the deeper regions of the body is guaranteed. But be careful: If appendicitis or fever is suspected, the use of warm wraps is not recommended.
2. Abdominal massages against bloating
Massages can also help to gradually relieve pressure and relieve tension. A massage should be soothing and gentle and not cause pain. It should not be taken immediately after eating to avoid irritation of the gastrointestinal system. In combination with heat application and the use of massage oil, the beneficial effect can be increased.
3. Fennel, aniseed and caraway for bloating
Thanks to the essential oils it contains, fennel, anise and caraway have an antispasmodic and preventive effect to eliminate flatulence. They are available in the form of ointments, oils, tea mixtures and tinctures. Cumin in particular is often served with food that is difficult to digest in order to make it more digestible for the stomach.
4. Herbs and teas against bloating
Herbal teas are quick and easy to prepare and have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. A warm tea warms you from the inside out and has a particularly positive effect. Combinations of several medicinal herbs have proven particularly effective. Tea blends are particularly easy to make yourself. A good tea blend against flatulence consists of, for example, 60 grams of aniseed, 60 grams of fennel seeds and 30 grams of chamomile flowers. In addition to the herbs and medicinal plants already mentioned, there are numerous plants that make heavy foods easier to digest. These include, for example:
- thyme
- rosemary
- Oregano
- lavender
- savory
- parsley
- Dill
- coriander
- Curcuma
- marjoram
5. Apple cider vinegar for bloating
Apple cider vinegar, made from cider by adding acetic acid bacteria, is said to have a purifying and detoxifying effect. For example, it is said to stimulate digestion and salivation. It contains numerous essential minerals and vitamins such as:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B-Komplex
- calcium
- Magnesium
- Tannin
- Potassium
In addition, apple cider vinegar balances the acid-base balance and can alleviate unpleasant side effects such as heartburn and reflux. In the intestine, it fights putrefactive bacteria, among other things, and thus minimizes gas production during digestion.
Get rid of bloating – probiotics for a healthy intestinal flora
Our intestinal flora plays a key role in the functioning of our organism, especially in digestion. If too many unfavorable types of bacteria settle in the intestine, digestion also gets confused. We are talking about a so-called dysbiosis. The amount and type of gases produced in the gut depends on the composition of the bacteria in the gut. If, for example, gas-forming bacteria gain the upper hand, flatulence and a bloated stomach are the result. In principle, lactobacilli, i.e. lactic acid bacteria, are among the health-promoting intestinal bacteria: They form less gas and also help to keep harmful strains of bacteria away. A disturbed intestinal flora can be cured by a healthy diet or by taking special probiotics, such as Innovall® RDS, correct. The selected bacterial strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v contained in it helps to resettle useful bacterial strains in the intestine and can thus specifically combat the causes of a bloated stomach.
