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What are Home Remedies for Bloating?

By Shannon Kietzman

Updated: Mar 03, 2024

Bloating is a condition in which the abdominal area becomes swollen and increases in diameter. When a person experiences this, he or she feels a sensation of tightness or fullness in the stomach. It can also cause pain. When caused by an accumulation of liquid in the abdominal cavity, it is medically referred to as ascites.

There are a number of possible causes for bloating. The most common cause is liquids and intestinal gases accumulating in the stomach, although overeating or eating foods one is allergic to can also cause this condition. Similarly, a person with lactose intolerance may experience bloating after ingesting dairy products.

A person with the nervous habit of swallowing air, a condition called aerophagia, may also experience bloating. It is not uncommon in individuals with certain diseases and illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Alvarez’ syndrome, splenic-flexure syndrome, and diverticulosis. Menstruating women or those with ovarian cysts often have this symptom, as may those who are constipated or who have a partial obstruction of the bowels. Serious medical problems, such as intra-abdominal tumors and megacolon, can also cause it, so it's important for individuals who feel bloated for no apparent reason to consult with a medical professional.

Since there are so many possible causes for bloating, treating it usually requires addressing the underlying cause. If it's caused by constipation, for example, eating fruit can help loosen the stool. Exercising, drinking plenty of water, and consuming fiber can also help relieve this condition.

If gas is the cause of bloating, a person may find it helpful to take one to two tablets of betaine hydrochloric acid. In addition, carbonated water can encourage belching, which helps to eliminate gas and relieve the feeling of tightness. Chewing celery seeds and drinking chamomile tea can also be beneficial. Other helpful teas include fennel, ginger, and peppermint.

Activated charcoal pills can also help relieve gas and reduce bloating, though they should not be taken by anyone on birth control pills or other medication. In addition, charcoal should not be used on a long-term basis.

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Discussion Comments

By anon951939 — On May 19, 2014

I have and most of the woman in my family have a family history of bloating and discomfort in the epigastric region. I thought maybe it was hereditary but it can't be. I have been having problems with my stomach for a very long time.

I avoid gas forming foods and prefer not to indulge in them. My aunt went for endoscopies but they couldn't find the problem -- just gall stones which were removed. but she still suffers from the same stomach cramps, bloating, tiredness and abdominal pains. We have tried everything but nothing really helps. Eating is a nightmare. We have to watch what we eat at all times. What is the problem?

By anon330167 — On Apr 14, 2013

To reduce episodes of bloat, eat less, drink clean water (no chlorine), and walk at least 30 minutes several times a week, and remember apple cider vinegar in your water helps keep candida to manageable levels.

By candyquilt — On Jan 19, 2013

@anon43688-- Why do you get bloating? You have to find the reason first before you figure out how to fix it.

I have chronic bloating because I swallow air while talking. Many people say soda is bad but sugar-free soda is great for bloating. I have soda every day and it works really well for me.

I have my soda at home obviously because I can't belch in public. So this might not be the best remedy for everyone, but it's better than taking medicine.

By fify — On Jan 18, 2013

@anon88974-- If you're lactose intolerant, you shouldn't be having milk products with lactose. You need to get the lactose-free milk. That's the only bloating treatment for you.

By bluedolphin — On Jan 18, 2013

@anon297991-- That sounds like a great remedy. I love ginger. I wonder if this is also the reason that chai is drank after meals.

Indian chai is made with various spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. My Indian friends drink it all the time, especially before and after meals. It must help with digestion and bloating from food. Especially considering the number of lentils used in Indian cooking.

By discographer — On Oct 29, 2012

@turquoise-- I know what you mean, that's the worst part about menstruation for me. I feel so bloated and my pants feel tight all of the sudden.

There is no quick fix to bloating unfortunately because it's a part of the process. Menstruation really can't take place without some bloating. But you can make things easier for yourself by doing a couple of things.

A great remedy for menstruation bloating is a warm bath with Epsom salt. I learned this from my sister who is a nurse and it really works. I take a bath with Epsom salt in it in the first couple of days of my period and my bloating is not as bad.

The other thing I do is I try not to eat salty foods. Salt holds up water so it will make you even more bloated. Same goes for caffeine. Caffeine actually gets rid of water in the body but that means that you have to drink more water to replace what you lost and that leads to more bloating.

By turquoise — On Oct 28, 2012

Are there any remedies for bloating during menstruation?

This is the only time I get bloating and it's very uncomfortable.

By ysmina — On Oct 28, 2012

The best way to prevent bloating has to be avoiding foods that cause flatulence like beans, cabbage and cauliflower. These foods cause a lot of gas in the digestive system because they contain sugars that our body can't digest. It will cause intestinal bloating in everyone regardless of their overall health.

I do eat these foods but not very often. I also make sure to soak beans overnight before eating them and I always cook cabbage and cauliflower thoroughly. These tips decrease bloating somewhat.

By anon297991 — On Oct 18, 2012

You can have lukewarm water with some crushed ginger juice in it when bloating occurs. This helps relieve the gas trapped in the body causing bloating.

By JackWhack — On Oct 13, 2012

I think that water is one of the best bloating remedies. Most people just don't drink enough pure water every day to flush all the toxins out of their bodies, so gas builds up and causes pain.

I used to drink one or two sodas every day, along with sweet tea and coffee. After I replaced the soda and tea with several bottles of water per day, I stopped having bloating pains. It's a simple remedy that anyone with a faucet can try.

By cloudel — On Oct 12, 2012

@StarJo – Broccoli, almonds, and sunflower seeds have helped me resolve my bloating issues. However, some people get really bloated after eating broccoli, so anyone trying it for the first time should just eat a little bit and see what happens.

Raw broccoli is great with Italian dressing. Steamed broccoli tastes good without anything added to it, and it's so easy to make. It's the perfect side dish to just about any meal.

By StarJo — On Oct 12, 2012

@olittlewood – Back when I ate white bread, I had constant bloating. After I switched to whole grain bread, the bloating stopped.

I also switched to whole grain cereal, and I started eating granola bars for snacks. Even though you aren't supposed to add a whole bunch of fiber to your diet at once, just making one switch like this at a time is helpful.

I rarely ever experience bloating anymore. I have gradually incorporated other high-fiber foods into my diet.

By Kristee — On Oct 11, 2012

Apples can cause bloating in some people, but in others, they can actually provide bloating relief. I've experienced both, and I think that the timing was the difference.

I ate an apple for dessert once I was already almost full, and it gave me gas and stomach pains. However, I ate one on an empty stomach and washed it down with a glass of water, and it didn't hurt me at all.

In fact, it relieved my constipation. I had heard that apples were good for this, and it is true. Apple juice can work even faster, but don't drink too much of it, or you will get diarrhea.

By Abbyabbie — On Apr 19, 2011

I have the same problem and what can I do?

By anon88974 — On Jun 08, 2010

I am allergic to milk and milk products (lactose intolerance). What do I do in case of stomach bloating? Please help.

By anon56582 — On Dec 15, 2009

eating ripe paw paw (papaya) helps get rid of my gas problem. Eat at least a cereal bowl full in the morning and before going to bed.

By anon43688 — On Aug 31, 2009

is there anything else I can use at home to relieve my bloating? This gives me an idea but tea also makes me sick. Any help is appreciated.

By olittlewood — On Jan 25, 2008

are there any foods that you can add to your daily diet that can help reduce that abdominal bloating?

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