15 Best Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bloating

Introduction

Bloating is a common yet uncomfortable condition characterised by abdominal fullness, distension, pressure, and a sensation of trapped gas. It is often accompanied by visible abdominal expansion and, in many cases, symptoms like pain and constipation. Bloating is particularly frequent in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation, though its underlying mechanisms are still being studied.

Causes of Stomach Bloating

• Gas accumulation in the intestines
• Constipation and faecal retention
• Swallowed air (aerophagia)
• Fluid retention in the abdomen
• Weak abdominal or pelvic floor muscles
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Food intolerances (lactose, fructose, gluten)
• Hormonal imbalances, especially in hypothyroidism
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Abdominal or gastrointestinal malignancies
• Psychological stress and psychiatric disorders

The five Fs usually refer to causes of abdominal bloating:

• Fat
• Faeces
• Foetus
• Flatus (the air that is passed through the rectal opening)
• Fluid

Diagnosis of Bloating 

Symptom-based diagnostic tests for abdominal bloating include the following.

A clear clinical history and physical examination are vital to understanding the cause of bloating and distention.

1. Breath Tests

Breath tests are a safe and non-invasive way to measure carbohydrate malabsorption. Breath tests are of two kinds:

• Lactose Breath Test: This test has excellent sensitivity and specificity.
• Fructose Breath Test

2. Testing for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

SIBO may present with bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. While jejunal fluid aspiration is the gold standard, hydrogen breath tests are commonly used in practice.

3. Celiac Serological Examination

Blood tests for anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and IgA antibodies can screen for celiac disease. A positive test is followed by endoscopic biopsy for confirmation.

4. Upper Endoscopy

Recommended if alarming symptoms are present, such as unexplained weight loss, anaemia, or vomiting. It allows visualisation and biopsy of the stomach and small bowel.

5. Abdominal Imaging

CT scans and MRI enterography are useful for diagnosing conditions like bowel obstruction, Crohn’s disease, or complications from past surgeries.

6. Gastrointestinal Function

Bloating is prevalent in patients with gastroparesis (a condition where abdominal muscles do not function normally or spontaneously). A four-hour scintigraphic gastric emptying study is used to test gastroparesis.

7. Anorectal Function Testing

Patients with severe bloating, constipation, and a characteristic rectal exam will be advised to undergo an anorectal function test. Anorectal manometry with balloon expulsion is the test used for anorectal disorders.

Remedies for Immediate Relief in Bloating 

• Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil (180 mg, taken three times daily) consumption has shown a significant decrease in symptoms of bloating and distention.
• Physical exercise improves intestinal gas clearance and also reduces symptoms of bloating.
• A mixture of fennel seeds and rock salt aids in the digestion process. One teaspoon of fennel seeds mixed with one teaspoon of rock saltis also used to relieve acidity and heartburn.
• Traditional Spices: Spices like ginger, garlic, cumin (jeera), and asafoetida (hing), when used during cooking, will help in the digestion process, thereby preventing bloating.
• Activated charcoal tablets help in reducing flatulence.

Treatment for Bloating 

Treatment options for bloating include:

• Diet
• Exercise and Posture
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Probiotics
• Antibiotics
• Smooth muscle antispasmodics
• Osmotic laxatives
• Prokinetics
• Chloride channel activators
• Tricyclic Antidepressants

1. Diet

A study has shown that reducing fermentable carbohydrates in the diet significantly reduced bloating and improved irritable bowel syndrome. Some patients reported significant improvement after reducing their intake of wheat and carbohydrates.

2. Over-the-counter medicine or immediate relief remedies

Simethicone, an anti-foaming agent, helps reduce bloating; apart from this, alpha-galactosidase helps improve flatus and gas production.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics, like Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium lactis, help rebalance gut flora and reduce bloating, especially in IBS.

4. Osmotic Laxatives

Osmotic laxatives like PEG (polyethylene glycol) are best for treating chronic constipation.

5. Prokinetics

Neostigmine is a potent cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat acute colonic obstruction.

6. Other Drugs  

The other drugs prescribed selectively and with imitations are domperidone, cisapride, metoclopramide, and Tegaserod. 

7. Chloride channel activators

Lubiprostone is the most effective drug indicated to improve the symptoms of bloating.  

Linaclotide is effective against abdominal bloating, pain, and strain. It also helps with the frequency of passing stool.  

Risk Factors for Bloating

Bloating may be more common in individuals with a history of:

• Gastrointestinal surgery
• IBS or IBD
• Chronic constipation
• Autoimmune diseases like hypothyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis

If bloating is severe, recurrent, or associated with weight loss, anaemia, vomiting, or blood in stool, consult a gastroenterologist. These could be signs of underlying pathology such as malignancy or bowel obstruction.

Specialist to Visit 

Gastroenterologists can treat the underlying cause of bloating.

Conclusion

While bloating is often temporary and manageable with home remedies, it can occasionally signal more serious health concerns. Early lifestyle changes—such as dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and better hydration—can offer significant relief in most mild cases. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to seek professional advice. With the right blend of home care and medical guidance, bloating can be effectively managed and prevented.

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References

• Seo, A. Y., Kim, N., & Oh, D. H. (2013). Abdominal bloating: Pathophysiology and treatment. Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 19(4), 433–453. https://doi.org/10.5056/jnm.2013.19.4.433
• https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(20)30433-X/fulltext#secsectitle0060
• Abdominal distension and bloating. (2023, September 28). https://patient.info/doctor/abdominal-distension-and-bloating