Bloating is that uncomfortable and really disturbing feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen that everyone has endured. Doctors say many factors can lead to the condition, including bad digestion, diet, and even stress.
However, there are many daily habits that may be causing trouble with your digestion and making you feel bloated.
A bloated stomach not only gives a feeling of tightness, pressure, or fullness in your belly but can also be accompanied by a visibly distended or swollen abdomen. Apart from discomfort, it can be intensely painful. It usually goes away after a while, but for some, bloating is a recurring problem.
According to experts, digestive issues and hormone fluctuations do cause cyclical bloating. But some of your everyday habits that you need to watch out for include:
Drinking cold water with food
Not for everyone, but drinking cold water with meals can be a trigger for some people, especially those who have sensitive digestion. According to doctors, cold temperature slows down digestion and potentially leads to discomfort or bloating. However, for others, cold water can be refreshing and does not lead to any issues.
Ayurveda says ice-cold water slows down digestive fire, known as agni, weakening the enzyme activity, leading to incomplete digestion.
Doctors suggest taking warm herbal tea or sipping warm or room temperature water instead.
Eating fruits after dinner
Eating any fruit after you finish your dinner may contribute to bloating for some people, but it is not a universal experience. Doctors say even though fruits are generally healthy, they can lead to digestive issues for certain people, especially when consumed after a nighttime meal.
It happens since fruits are packed with fibre and slow down the emptying of the stomach, especially when eaten after a meal of complex carbohydrates and proteins. This can lead to the fruit sitting in the stomach longer, potentially fermenting and causing gas.
Always eat fruits solo, preferably in the morning hours, for the best digestion, taste, and even nutrition benefits.
Delaying going to poop
If you keep delaying going for your bowel movements, it can lead to discomfort and bloating. Doctors say when you hold in your stool, it stays longer in your colon, allowing more time for bacteria to ferment it. This fermentation process produces gas, contributing to bloating and abdominal discomfort.
Additionally, the backed-up stool itself can cause the intestines to expand, further exacerbating the feeling of fullness and bloating. It also disturbs your gut rhythm, affects your mood, and even messes with your skin.
Lying down immediately after eating
If you have a habit of lying down right after you finish your meals, it can lead to severe indigestion and bloating. According to doctors, it happens because the upright position helps food move through the digestive tract, while lying down can hinder this process.
It gives rise to stomach acid and can also cause nausea and fainting. If you have an issue of chronic bloating, always avoid lying down for at least an hour following meals.
Mindless bingeing while being on screen
If you eat meals in front of the television or your phone, you are likely to feel discomfort and bloating more than ever. Doctors say distracted eating, mostly associated with screen time, leads to faster eating and swallowing more air, which directly causes indigestion and bloating.
Additionally, it also makes it harder to recognise fullness cues, potentially leading to overeating and subsequent bloating.