The Difference Between Bloating and Gas plus, Foods that Prevent the two!
Many people who struggle with poor digestion often experience gas and bloating. As such, these symptoms are commonly used interchangeably. Although these symptoms tend to go hand-in-hand, they are two distinct symptoms. Understanding the differences between the two can help you manage gas and bloating effectively. This article will explain the difference between gas and […] The post The Difference Between Bloating and Gas plus, Foods that Prevent the two! appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
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Many people who struggle with poor digestion often experience gas and bloating. As such, these symptoms are commonly used interchangeably. Although these symptoms tend to go hand-in-hand, they are two distinct symptoms. Understanding the differences between the two can help you manage gas and bloating effectively.
This article will explain the difference between gas and bloating, plus a list of foods that can help minimize digestive discomfort.
The Difference Between Bloating and Gas
The main difference between gas and bloating is that gas is the release of air, either through belching or the rectum, while bloating describes the feeling of pressure or fullness in the abdomen.
Both symptoms are closely related. For instance, one can feel gassy with or without feeling bloated. But on the flip side, bloating is usually a result of trapped gas in the colon.
Causes of Bloating and Gas
Typically, gas occurs when too much air is swallowed and accumulates within the digestive tract. Excess air can enter the body when eating or drinking too quickly, using straws, chewing gum, and sucking on candies. Wearing loose dentures and smoking can also introduce extra air into the body, leading to gas.
Gas also results from foods that are difficult to digest. When nutrients aren’t fully digested in the stomach and small intestine, bacteria in the colon are forced to break them down via fermentation. Fermentation then creates a build-up of gas, leading to abdominal pressure and often, bloating.
Foods that prevent gas and bloating
Though uncomfortable, these are are normal parts of the digestion process. In fact, according to an article in Harvard Health, most people pass gas about 14 times per day. Despite its normalcy, there are ways to minimize gas and bloating for a more comfortable digestion experience
One of the best ways to prevent gas and bloating is by limiting your intake of foods that are difficult to digest. Here’s a list of foods to avoid:
- Beans & Lentils (Pro Tip: soaking beans and lentils prior to cooking can help break down difficult-to-digest starches, making them easier to digest!)
- Cruciferous Veggies
- Dairy Products
- High Sodium/Highly processed Foods
Carbonated drinks like sparkling water and sodas can also cause gas and bloating.
Other Ways to Prevent Bloating and Gas
In addition to diet, there are other lifestyle modifications that can help prevent these two pesky problems.
One of the simplest ways is by adding a comprehensive digestive enzyme supplement into your supplement routine. Digestive enzymes aid in the breakdown of nutrients that are difficult to digest. By doing so, they help minimize the need for fermentation in the colon that causes gas and bloating in the colon.
HUM’s Flatter Me digestive enzymes are clinically studied and effectively helps reduce bloating as soon as 30 minutes after taking. In fact, a 2024 placebo-controlled clinical study found that people who took Flatter Me with a test meal experienced up to 2 inches less bloating.
Other tips to help prevent gas and bloating include:
- Avoid eating large or excessive portions
- Chew slowly
- Drinking plenty of water with and between meals
- Slowly increase your fiber intake
- Going on a post-meal walk
- Go straw-less
When to See a Doctor
Incorporating dietary and lifestyle changes should help provide relief from gas and bloating. However, these persistent symptoms can sometimes be indicative of a more serious condition.
Talk to your doctor about your digestion issues if you are experiencing:
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Fever
- Painful or persistent GI symptoms
- Poops that are bloody or dark in color
- Unintentional weight loss
In Summary
In summary, these two symptoms are common and interrelated digestive issues. Remember, gas is the release of air through belching or the rectum, whereas bloating is the sensation of fullness or pressure in the abdomen. Simple adjustments in your diet and lifestyle can significantly alleviate these symptoms. However, persistent or severe digestive discomfort may indicate a more serious condition that is best addressed by a doctor.
The post The Difference Between Bloating and Gas plus, Foods that Prevent the two! appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
