Beat the bloat

Two-girls-holding-bloated-stomachs

Bloating is a common digestive complaint characterised by abdominal distension, discomfort or pain. Occasional bloating may not be a concern, however, if bloating is a frequent symptom, it may signify an underlying digestive issue.

Causes of bloating

Bloating can be attributed to several common causes, some of which include irregular bowel movements, poor digestive function or intolerance to certain foods (including gluten or lactose). Irregular bowel movements and poor digestive function can generate bacterial fermentation within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) leading to retention of gas, another common cause of bloating. Bloating is not a normal part of healthy digestive function and can be avoided.

Beating the bloat

General advice to minimise bloating includes regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, avoiding problematic foods, carbonated beverages, foods high in fructose or sorbitol and maintaining good eating hygiene. Certain herbs, enzymes and nutrients can support digestive function:

  • Digestive enzymes, such as protease, bromelains, amylase, lipase, cellulase and lactase, can support healthy digestive function and help to break down proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fibre and lactose found in the diet. Microbial derived enzymes, including protease, amylase, cellulase and lactase, are highly stable and active throughout a wide pH range, making them more active and functional for a longer distance through the digestive tract, when compared to pancreatic enzymes. See Digest-Zymes.
  • Gentian is a bitter herb traditionally used in Western herbal medicine (WHM) to support healthy digestive function and to relieve symptoms of indigestion, including abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, abdominal distension and feelings of fullness. See Digest-Zymes.
  • St Mary’s thistle supports healthy digestion and liver function. It also has a long history of traditional use in WHM to relieve digestive discomfort, including abdominal bloating, distention and a feeling of fullness, and to relieve flatulence. See St Mary’s Thistle 35 000.

Products you may be interested in

all products antioxidant supplements ashwagandha supplements b2b items b2b test best-selling supplements bone & joint supplements calcium supplements capsules chewables children's health supplements collagen supplements coq10 supplements dairy-free supplements digestive enzyme supplements drawn from goodness energy supplements everyday health eye health supplements fish oil supplements focus & concentration ginkgo supplements gluten-free supplements gut & liver supplements hair, skin & nails supplements heart health supplements home page immune support supplements inflammation & pain supplements iron supplements l-theanine supplements latest special offers liquids magnesium supplements make this winter golden memory & concentration supplements men's health supplements metabolics mood support multivitamin supplements multivitamins muscle health supplements new & improved supplements nutritional oils nutritional supplements oregano oil supplements powders pregnancy & reproductive health supplements premenstrual tension support probiotic supplements sea buckthorn oil supplements sleep, stress & mild anxiety supplements spray st mary's thistle supplements sublingual tablets tablets topical cream trending supplements turmeric supplements urinary health support vegetarian & vegan supplements vitamin b complex vitamin b supplements vitamin c supplements vitamin d supplements women's health zinc supplements Liver & Digestion
Vegan

Activated B Complex

$31.50

Vegan

Magnesium Forte

$34.50

Vegan

Magnesium Citrate 900

$34.50

Vegan

Vitamin D3 1000

$29.95

Vegan

Quercetin Complex

$53.50

Vegan

Wormwood Clear

$19.50

Vegan

Vitamin C 1000 Plus

$28.95

Read more articles and recipes