Ask Dr Xiang Jun: How to Reduce Stomach Bloatedness Naturally

To answer this question, you need to understand the causes for the abdominal bloating first. For most people the cause of bloating is harmless and can be treated at home.

Abdominal bloating presents itself as an uncomfortable, full feeling in the belly region and the abdomen can look larger than usual or even shaped uncomfortably. Sometimes abdominal bloating can be accompanied by pain which may be piercing.

Usually, bloating is not an emergency concern if it is associated with food or eating, it does not get worse over time and will ease out within a day or two.

Common Causes of Bloating

Here is the list of the common causes of abdominal bloating:

1. Gas build up

Certain foods, such as carbonated beverages, dairy, beans, cauliflower, cabbage can result in an increase of gas build up in the stomach and intestines. Swallowing of air while eating can also cause gas to accumulate in the digestive tract leading to abdominal bloating.

2. Indigestion

Indigestion or dyspepsia is another common cause of abdominal bloating. It can result from eating too much or eating the wrong kind of food such as cold and raw food for a prolonged period of time. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, indigestion can also come from weakness in Stomach and Spleen that results in the lowered ability of the two organs to digest food properly and fully.

However it is important to note that frequent indigestion with bloating that does not appear to be associated with food or other apparent causes could signify something more serious such as stomach ulcer, stomach cancer or pancreas cancer.

3. Infection

Stomach infection by bacteria such as Escherichia Coli or Helicobacter Pylori and by virus can cause bloating which can be accompanied by diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, pain, fever, bloody stool.

4. Fluid retention

Water retention from kidney malfunctions, high salt intake, hormonal changes can also cause abdominal bloating to be prominent. Read more about a Chinese herb Corn Silk can help clear water retention here.

5. Chronic disorders

Chronic disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn’s disease can often produce bloating.

6. Gynaecological disorders

Menstruation, menopause, endometriosis, ovarian cancer can all result in bloating, cramping and stomach pain.

7. Constipation

The reduction in bowel movement can cause a build up of the toxins in the abdomen which can cause bloatedness to be prominent.

8. Liver and Gallbladder Illnesses

Liver diseases such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, gallstones, can all cause bloatedness and abdominal pain to be experienced.

9. Prolonged Worry

Worry is the emotion linked to Stomach and Spleen and prolonged worry can hurt the functions of the Stomach and Spleen and result in the weakness of the two internal organs and their ability to digest foods.

How to De-Bloat naturally

1. Acupuncture

Most bloatedness occurs as a result of weakness in Stomach and Spleen. This can be due to poor lifestyle habits such as poor sleep, taking cold foods and drinks regularly, stress that can weaken Spleen and Stomach over time.

Acupuncture done with the right technique can help reduce bloatedness almost immediately and strengthen Spleen and Stomach in the long run.

Any other common causes of bloatedness such as constipation, gynaecological disorders, Liver and gallbladder diseases, irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s disease, water retention can also be treated effectively with Acupuncture.

2. Herbal Medicines

Herbal medicines such as Costus Root, Fructus Amomi are common herbs used to debloat fast and naturally for simple gas buildup.

For other causes of bloatedness, herbal medicines can be prescribed to treat the illnesses and conditions that are resulting in the abdominal gas build up.

3. Lifestyle changes

-Reduction in eating raw and cold foods and drinks

-Avoid multitasking when eating

-Chew food slowly

-Regular exercise

-Include fibre in diet and eliminate foods that can cause bloatedness

-Add in spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom to the diet which can help reduce bloatedness

4. Yoga