Pronounced abdominal distension, often accompanied by pain and irregular bowel movements, is commonly referred to as stomach bloating. It's important to note that such symptoms are prevalent, with approximately 30% of the otherwise healthy population reporting such experiences. Bloating is a specific condition that can be effectively treated through various methods.
What happens during flatulence?
Flatulence or a swollen belly (medical term: flatulence) happens to each of us from time to time. This is a natural process that, together with bacteria and yeast, occurs in our digestive tract, and in other words it means the formation of gases in the intestines and stomach. Flatulence occurs in both men and women, but is more likely to occur in women.
Approaching trouble is usually signaled by gurgling sounds in the intestines, specific stomach growling. They are accompanied by tension in the abdomen, a feeling of fullness, a feeling of heaviness, we become tired, nervous, because we know that relief is socially unacceptable.
Flatulence problems are very common and present to almost everyone because gas – as a result of digestion – occurs automatically. Sometimes they are in less and other times in greater quantity. Approximately half a litre of gas is formed in our intestines during the day.
What makes it worse?
Flatulence is not a problem until it exceeds a certain threshold. But there are certain circumstances that make it worse.
Flatulence is made worse by:
- Some foods
- Decreased function of the pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes
- Unstable hormonal level, which is why it is more common in women than in men
- Poorly chewed and mixed with saliva food
- When we are in a hurry and take in more excess air accordingly
- Stress
- Food intolerance or food allergy
- Some diseases
Foods that cause flatulence
Legumes are always a complication. Beans, lentils, chickpeas help the most if you want to have a bloated belly. To limit these results after consumption, they are pre-soaked in water or cooked with fennel or cumin. One way or another, our body has difficulty digesting the oligosaccharides contained in legumes, which inevitably leads to flatulence.
The same results, or at least very similar, are expected from some vegetables. Best known for their flatulent results are cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. This is mostly due to the increased amount of fiber contained in this type of vegetable, and our stomach is not able to handle it properly.
Besides these, there are some other foods on the list. These are foods such as: garlic, onions, yeast and some fruits (apples, bananas, plums or dried fruits in general).
How to prevent flatulence?
If you want to avoid bloating and flatulence, and especially their socially undesirable results, try following a few simple rules:
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don't eat fast, take your time and chew well
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avoid meals that contain risky foods directly responsible for flatulence or bloating
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avoid drinking too much sweetened and carbonated water
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take care of your lifestyle in general and stick to your regular routine - regular eating and sleeping habits don't put yourself under too much stress, rest and try to include some physical exercise in your routine, it helps control activity of the intestines