What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
Finally, you should go to the ER if your stool is bloody or black, or if you cannot pee, poo, or fart. You should also go if you cannot breathe, or if you have chest pain.
Sources: (NHS)
See also: Easy ways to get more fiber in your diet
You should also seek urgent medical assistance if it hurts when you touch your stomach, you are vomiting blood, or your vomit looks like ground coffee.
Reach out to your doctor if you have a swelling or lump in your stomach, or if you have bloating along with other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, or blood in your stool.
The final circumstance in which you should see your doctor is if you find yourself unable to move properly or do your daily activities due to bloating.
However, there are certain circumstances in which you should visit your doctor. Firstly, you should see a doctor if you have been feeling bloated for three weeks or more.
You should also see a doctor if you feel bloated regularly (meaning more than 12 times per month), or if you have tried changing your diet but you still feel bloated.
Bloating may be uncomfortable, but it is not normally serious. For most people, it will pass quickly and not disrupt daily life.
For example, you can ask your pharmacist about laxatives to ease constipation, or even medicines like Buscopan to treat the bloating itself.
Additionally, you should try to avoid eating foods that are known to cause gas, such as cabbage, beans, or dairy. Overly processed, sugary, spicy, or fatty foods are also a no-go.
In terms of when you should be eating, it is best to avoid eating late at night. It is also important not to slouch when you are eating or drinking.
It is important not to drink a lot of fizzy drinks or drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol (such as wine, coffee, or tea).
If you do find yourself super uncomfortable due to bloating, there are things your pharmacist can do to help.
Finally, and this one goes without saying really, do not eat foods that you are intolerant to. Eating certain foods despite having an intolerance is a key cause of bloating.
You may also find it helps to eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals, and massage your stomach from left to right to release trapped gas.
So now you have some behaviors that are good to adopt if you want to beat bloating. But what about things that you shouldn’t do?
The first tip would be to exercise regularly, to improve your digestion and prevent bloating. Exercise can also help ease discomfort if you’re already bloated.
In terms of what you consume, it is important to drink plenty of water and eat plenty of foods that are high in fiber if you are prone to constipation.
Women sometimes experience bloating around the time of their period. Sometimes, however, persistent bloating can be a symptom of something more serious, like ovarian cancer.
There are also problems with digestion that can cause bloating. For example, if you struggle with constipation, celiac disease, or IBS, you are more likely to bloat.
Finally, if you are bloated you may find that you are more gassy than normal. So, there you have the symptoms, but what exactly causes bloating?
The most common reason that we experience bloating is having too much gas in our gut. This is often caused by certain food and drinks.
You may also experience tummy pain or discomfort, or your stomach may rumble or make more noises than it usually does.
There are a number of symptoms of bloating, but the main one is feeling like your stomach is fuller or bigger than usual.
Ever felt too full and uncomfortable, but you weren’t sure exactly why? It's likely you were bloated. Bloating is very common and there are several ways to ease it.
If you've ever felt overly full and uncomfortable, but you didn't just eat a huge meal, it's very probable you were bloated.
Bloating is extremely common and it's generally not serious, but it can be uncomfortable and irritating. Luckily, there are some things we can do both to prevent and reduce it.
Check out this gallery to learn all about bloating and some tips to prevent it.
What is bloating and how can we prevent it?
Simple tips to keep your tummy comfy
LIFESTYLE Health
If you've ever felt overly full and uncomfortable, but you didn't just eat a huge meal, it's very probable you were bloated.
Bloating is extremely common and it's generally not serious, but it can be uncomfortable and irritating. Luckily, there are some things we can do both to prevent and reduce it.
Check out this gallery to learn all about bloating and some tips to prevent it.