Do you feel like your stomach is full? (Bloated Stomach) Let's talk about the causes and remedies!

Do you sometimes feel full, bloated, and bloated? This feeling of discomfort in your stomach, whether it's after eating too much or for no reason, is what we simply call "bloating." This is a common problem that many people have. So today, let's talk about why this happens, what you can do at home, and when you should see a doctor.

What does this stuffing really mean?

Simply put, bloating is the feeling of tightness, pressure, or fullness in your abdomen. Sometimes this feeling can be accompanied by a bulge in your abdomen, making it appear larger. However, this is not always the case. Some people may not notice their stomach growing, but may just feel uncomfortable.

This discomfort can range from a mild discomfort to severe pain. Most of the time, it goes away on its own after a while. However, for some people, it is a recurring problem. Digestive problems and hormonal changes can cause this type of bloating. If your bloating persists, it is best to seek medical advice to find the cause.

Why does our stomach swell like this? What are the main reasons?

The most common cause of stomach pain and bloating is excessive air in the intestines, which is called gas. If you feel full after eating, it is likely due to a digestive problem. It could be something as simple as eating too much food at once. Or you could have a food intolerance or another medical condition that causes gas to build up in your intestines.

Let's talk about these reasons a little more clearly.

1. Gas in the intestine

It's natural for gas to form when we digest the food we eat. However, more gas than normal means that something is not going right in the digestive process.

This gas is produced when the beneficial bacteria in our intestines break down certain carbohydrates that we eat. This is called fermentation. Fermentation occurs when more than the recommended amount of carbohydrates is digested and passes through the intestines. There are several reasons for this:

• Carbohydrate Malabsorption: Many people have difficulty digesting carbohydrates such as lactose in milk, fructose in fruit, and carbohydrates found in bread and beans. When these are not digested properly, they ferment in the intestines and produce gas.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): This condition occurs when bacteria that normally reside in the large intestine overgrow in the small intestine. This causes food to ferment before it is properly digested, resulting in excessive gas production.
• Functional Digestive Disorders: Sometimes, without any underlying medical condition, your digestive system may be a little sensitive. For example, in conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) , you may experience symptoms like gas and bloating after eating.
• Visceral Hypersensitivity: This is a little different. Some people have a normal amount of gas in their intestines, but they feel very gassy. This means that the nerves in their intestines are a little more sensitive. They feel a lot of discomfort because of the signals going to the brain.

2. Stuck contents in the digestive system

As the food, liquids, and gas we eat travel through the intestines, if they get stuck somewhere or if the journey is slow, the pressure inside the stomach increases and the stomach fills up.

• Constipation: This is a very common cause. When stool does not pass properly and accumulates in the intestines, it becomes blocked, preventing new food from passing through. This causes the stomach to feel bloated and tight.
• Bowel Obstructions: This is something to be careful of. Tumors in the intestines, scar tissue after surgery, or blockages in certain areas of the intestines can obstruct the passage of food.
• Motility Disorders: This problem occurs when the muscles and nerves that move food through the intestines do not work properly. For example, in conditions like gastroparesis, food stays in the stomach for too long, causing bloating.
• Recent weight gain: If you've gained 5 kilos or more in a short period of time, that fat is often deposited in the abdominal area. This reduces the amount of space in your stomach, making you feel full even after eating a normal meal.

3. Effects of hormones (Hormones)

If you're a woman, you probably feel this fullness more before or during your period. It's very common. 3 out of 4 women experience this.

Other serious reasons to pay attention to

Bloating that comes and goes from time to time is usually not serious. However , if bloating persists, increases day by day, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and vomiting, we should be concerned. In such cases, we should see a doctor immediately.

The table below shows some of the conditions that require attention.

What can you do to reduce bloating?

To find a long-term solution to this, you first need to know exactly what the cause is. This may require the help of a doctor. But there are a few things you can try at home to help relieve everyday bloating.

• Herbal teas: Teas made with ingredients like peppermint, ginger, turmeric, and fennel can help ease digestion and relieve gas.
• Peppermint oil capsules: These naturally relax the muscles in the intestines, making it easier for trapped gas and stool to pass.
• Probiotics: Taking probiotics, such as in yogurt and yogurt, or as a supplement, can help balance the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This can help improve digestion and reduce gas.
• Magnesium: Magnesium supplements help control stomach acid and relax the muscles in the intestines, but they are not recommended for regular use.
• Exercise: Simple exercise like walking can stimulate bowel movement and help relieve gas.

How to avoid overeating?

If you suffer from this problem regularly, it is very important to make some small changes in your lifestyle.

Lifestyle changes

• Eat foods rich in fiber: Foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains) can help prevent constipation. But don't eat a lot of fiber all at once. Add it to your diet gradually.
• Drink plenty of water: Drinking the required amount of water per day facilitates the digestive process and prevents constipation.
• Exercise: Being active every day is very good for bowel function.
• Reduce processed foods: These foods are high in salt and fat. Salt causes water retention in the body, and fat slows down digestion. Both of these can cause bloating.
• Be careful about how you eat: Chew your food well and eat slowly. Stop eating when you are almost full. Talking while eating or eating too fast can increase gas, as you swallow air.
• Be aware of foods that are bad for you: Some people experience bloating when they eat things like milk, bread, and lentils. See if you have any special foods like that. Writing them down in a book will make it easier to find them.

What is the best time to see a doctor?

There's nothing to worry about with normal bloating. But if you have any of the symptoms below, be sure to see your doctor for advice.

• If your bloating is getting worse day by day .
• If it continues for more than a week .
• If you have constant pain with bloating.
• If, in addition to bloating, you have symptoms such as fever, vomiting, blood in your stool, or unexplained weight loss .

In such cases, it is important to check if the cause is a serious medical condition. Therefore, it is very important to see a doctor and explain your problem clearly.