Stomach bloating is often the result of too much gas clogging up your digestive system. When gas builds up in your digestive system, it has nowhere to go but out, hence the stretching sensation often experienced in the stomach area. Eliminating gassy foods is the default advice but this may not cut it.
If stomach bloating persists, it may call for more specialist interventions, such as supplementation.
One of the most promising supplements for relieving stomach bloating symptoms is activated charcoal.
As Holland and Barrett explains, charcoal tablets (or capsules) contain ‘activated charcoal’ that’s made by heating charcoal to a high temperature.
“This combines the charcoal with oxygen to open up the millions of tiny pores between the atoms the charcoal is made up of, increasing its absorption abilities.”
READ MORE: Fatty liver disease: The two warning signs of the condition found in your abdomen
Wind passage and abdominal bloating was noted after oral intake of activated charcoal over an eight hour period in both controls and patients.
The results showed that activated charcoal was effective at expelling wind and reducing bloating symptoms.
“If you are taking other medication, then you should take activated charcoal tablets either two hours before or one hour afterwards,” advises Holland and Barrett.
The health body adds: “If you have a medical condition involving your intestine, always consult your doctor first.”
Other key self-help tips
Another key self-help tip is to try not to swallow too much air.
According to the NHS, you can achieve this by not talking and eating at the same time, sitting down to eat (sitting upright and not slumped over) and reducing the amount of fizzy drinks you consume.
The health body also says to stop chewing gum and chew with your mouth closed so that you’re not taking in excess air.
If your bloating persists, it may signal you have a food intolerance.
According to the NHS, food intolerance can lead to bloating when:
Your bowel does not empty properly
The food causes gas to be trapped
Too much gas is produced as a reaction to the food.
“The most common foods to cause problems are wheat or gluten and dairy products,” explains the health body.
As it explains, the best approach if you have a food intolerance is to eat less of the problem food or cut it out completely.
“But do not get rid of food groups long-term without advice from your GP.”