Supplements For Bloating

About Supplements For Bloating

Abdominal bloating is an ailment that isn't necessarily painful, though it can lead to extreme discomfort and psychological distress. Perhaps more importantly, it is a sign that something isn't quite right regarding digestion, food choices or eating habits.

Postprandial bloating (bloating after meals) is believed to be related to low stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). This can be due to a number of factors, such as psychological stress, nutrient deficits and medication side-effects. Levels of this important stomach acid decrease with age, so often a little encouragement in the form of a quality supplement can make a world of difference.

Another cause of bloating is poor eating habits, such as eating hurriedly and not chewing food properly. This makes healthy digestion practically impossible, as large chunks of food do not provide adequate surface area for digestive enzymes to do their work. Overeating is also a common cause of bloating, as there are a finite amount of digestive enzymes and acids to break this food down. These can all be contributing factors to bloating and abdominal fullness, and despite their simplicity, can make a great deal of difference to overall health.

Bloating and abdominal fullness can also sometimes be an indication of food allergies or intolerances. Allergies are an immune-system reactivity issue, while intolerances are typically enzymatic and relate to physical digestion of food components, such as lactose. Both can trigger bloating. Additionally, infection with pathogenic bacterial strains can lead to maldigestion and bloating.

Apart from avoiding problematic foods, there are many natural bloating supplements that can assist with the proper digestion of food, such as probiotics, digestive enzyme preparations and mucosal healing agents, such as slippery elm powder and glutamine. Digestive enzymes are often helpful as they assist with the physical breakdown of food components.

Psychological stress can also be a major contributor to abdominal bloating. Stress activates a part of the nervous system called the "sympathetic", which pulls blood and nourishment away from the digestive system in favour of the muscles, lungs and heart. This is all a part of the "fight or flight" response. Proper digestion takes places in a relaxed state, which may require a stress management plan.