Striving4Zen

Abdominal bloating is a very common symptom with a wide variety of causes, from something as simple as gas to something as serious as cancer. The list of common causes is long and includes overeating, gas, constipation, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy, and premenstrual stress syndrome.

There are as many as 413 possible causes for bloating! Most causes are simple and can be treated with dietary or other lifestyle changes like avoiding gas causing foods, eating smaller meals, or recognizing lactose intolerance.

Gas causing foods include beans, dairy, spinach, potatoes, fatty or rich foods, carbonated beverages and many more. For a more complete list, check out the Gas Prevention Diet, which also provides strategies for avoiding the gas inducing culprits. One of the most importantly under recognized conditions in adults is lactose intolerance, which can cause bloating, gas, and/or diarrhea.

Serious causes of bloating are by far less common, but should not be forgotten, especially in cases of long standing bloating that is not improved with simple changes in diet or lifestyle. Serious causes of bloating can include a variety of tumors, parasitic infections, celiac disease (gluten intolerance), and inflammatory bowel disease. Long standing bloating or bloating with other symptoms such as weight loss, weight gain, pain, nausea, or vomiting should certainly raise concern.

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Labels: bloating, gas, healthy diet, holistic healing

Your body's enzyme production drops off after you hit age 30, foods high in fat and carbohydrates become more difficult to digest — potentially leaving you with bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.

Taking enzyme supplements regularly (or eating enzyme-rich foods like pineapple) helps break down foods so that nutrients can be absorbed. They can also help ease symptoms of lactose or gluten intolerance. Never take enzymes, though, if you have open stomach ulcers — the results can be painful.

When buying supplements for digestion, look for plant-based products that combine several enzymes — they are more likely to work across the gastrointestinal tracts' broad range of pH levels. And be sure to take the pills with food; try them with two meals a day for at least three months; after that, you may be able to go with your gut and cut back.

Look for combos of the following enzymes:

ENZYME	HELPS DIGEST
Amylase	→ Starch
Cellulase	→ Cellulose from plant foods
Lipase	→ Fats
Lactase	→ Lactose in dairy
Phytase	→ Grains and legumes
Protease (bromelain)	→ Protein
Sucrase and maltase	→ Complex sugars

Source

Labels: bloating, digestion, digestive enzymes, eating healthy, enzymes, living holistically, supplements

1-Legged Seated Spinal Twist can help get things moving in your belly. It's also a great pose to do after sitting for a long period of time. Bend one knee and cross your opposite elbow over to the outside edge of your knee and look over your back shoulder. As you breathe, continue to deepen the twist. Stay here for five breaths or more, then do the other side.

If you're bloated, having gas pains, or are constipated, bend both knees into your chest and give yourself a big hug. This is affectionately called Wind-Relieving Pose, if you catch my drift. It'll help to massage your abdominal organs.

Another great stretch for digestion is Wide-Legged Forward Bend. This is great at helping relieve gas pains and that uncomfortable bloated feeling.

This is a pretty intense stretch when it comes to aiding digestion so ease into this one called Wide Squat. If you're bloated, this pose can bring relief, but you may want to do this in private.

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Labels: benefits of yoga, bloating, digestion, gas, yoga