Bloating is a ‘multefaceted’ issue influenced by numerous factors
A doctor has revealed a tip that could help relieve bloating – and it won’t cost you a penny. NHS surgeon and health educator Dr Karan Rangarajan shared his insights in a recent video that delves into the complexities of our digestive tracts.
While bloating is a ‘multifaceted issue’ influenced by numerous factors, including diet and even hormones, the specialist stressed that one solution is perhaps worth a try. “If you want to reduce bloating, this one thing is free, easy to do, doesn’t involve supplements, and in many cases, is highly effective,” he said on Instagram.
“Inside your digestive tract, you have your very own internal garbage collectors known as the migrating motor complex. Think of it as a biological Roomba. It is a wave-like muscle contraction that sweeps through your digestive tract between meals, removing leftover food particles and bacteria.
“It is your own personal housekeeper that ensures your gut remains clean and efficient. This process is crucial for preventing bacterial overgrowth and the buildup of food debris, both of which can lead to bloating and discomfort.”
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Dr Rajan explained that your migrating motor complex – or internal housekeeper – is generally most active when you are not eating food. So, if you always nibble on small snacks throughout the day, you might be preventing the activation of this clean-up crew.
This, in turn, could leave your gut a bit ‘untidy with undigested food particles and bacteria’, perhaps worsening the unpleasant feeling of an enlarged or overly full belly. “When you snack frequently, you are essentially leaving the lights on, signalling that it is always mealtime,” Dr Rajan continued.
“This constant stimulation prevents activation of the cleanup crew. So, the cleanup crew skip work and your gut gets a bit untidy with undigested food particles and bacteria lingering in your gut, which equals more bloating due to bacterial fermentation.”
In light of this, Dr Rajan recommended avoiding snacks and timing meals carefully to support the function of your migrating motor complex. Even still, this method isn’t foolproof, as several different factors can influence bloating.
The health specialist continued: “Bloating is a complex, multifaceted issue influenced by various factors, including your diet, gut microbiome, and even hormonal changes. But if you are a snacking demon and you experience a lot of bloating, try spacing your meals three to four hours apart to let your gut do its thing.”
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What’s the NHS advice on bloating?
Bloating, often describing an enlarged or overly full belly, is frequently the result of excess stomach gas or digestive problems. Common culprits often include various foods, like fizzy drinks and vegetables, as well as food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome, and even periods.
However, just sometimes, it can also be the sign of something more serious, like ovarian cancer. With this in mind, the NHS advises people to seek GP advice if they experience:
- Bloating for more than three weeks
- Regular bloating (more than 12 times a month)
- Diet changes aren’t reducing the bloating
- A swelling or lump in the tummy
- Bloating, along with sick, diarrhoea, constipation, weight loss, or blood in stools
- Difficulty moving or going about day-to-day life
More information can be found at the NHS website.