Some quick bloating and gas relief

Some quick bloating and gas relief

Bloating is one of the most upsetting - and stubborn - IBS symptoms. But lots of things can help...

I know the frustration.

Bloating is one of the most upsetting - and stubborn - IBS symptoms.

Hang in there, it can be helped.

IBS bloating stems from trapped intestinal gas.

That gas is trapped by the irregularly timed bowel contractions that underlie IBS.

But IBS bloating is made even worse by our dysfunctional guts' hyper-reaction to that gas. I call that insult on top of injury.

To help quickly relieve bloating, try these tricks:

1. Super easy on-the-floor yoga pose:

Lie on your back. Gently bring one bent knee up to your chest, keeping your head and your other leg relaxed on the floor. Hold your knee with your hands as close to your chest as is comfortable. Breathe deeply. Repeat with your other leg. This is called the wind relieving pose for a reason!

2. “Overwhelm your gut” with medicinal strength, high volatile oil, hot fennel tea. It should brew brown or it's not strong enough!

That fennel seed tea is a carminative, which means it prevents the formation of gas, and aids in its expulsion.

3. Take an easy walk around the block, or even just around the house. Moving your body stimulates the smooth muscles of your gut, which in turn encourages rhythmic contractions of your bowel.

Rhythmic contractions = no trapped gas = no bloating

And some quick tips to prevent bloating in the first place:

1. Avoid chewing gum, which can cause you to swallow a lot of air.

2. No carbonated beverages. They're a major IBS trigger for bloating and other symptoms. You’re literally adding air bubbles to your GI tract with every sip.

3. No inulin, FOS, GOS, oligosaccharides, chicory, or artichoke extract. Read ingredients on EVERYTHING you are eating and drinking, and ALL supplements, and avoid these like the plague.

They are all rapidly fermenting prebiotics - also known as FODMAPS - and they can cause extreme bloating and gas in people who do not even have IBS. Imagine what they will do to you.

4. Psyllium, a partly insoluble fiber (as in Metamucil) often causes bloating. I do not know why on earth doctors continue to recommend Metamucil to people with IBS. Choose a 100% soluble fiber instead.

Tip Takeaway: Watch your diet to help prevent IBS bloating. Use gentle physical movement plus strong fennel tea to help relieve IBS bloating.

You are not alone.

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P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone. If you need immediate help please join my private IBS coaching.

XOXO

Heather

Heather Van Vorous Over 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here