10 Causes of Bloating and Stomach Pain & Home Remedies

July 16, 2024

10 Causes of Bloating and Stomach Pain & Home Remedies

Are you uncomfortable with the bloating and stomach pain that looks like a balloon? Or you may have a dull ache in your gut that just does not quit. Wondering why this type of abdominal problem happens to you? After that, the stomach looks like you are pregnant, even if you are still unmarried or a man.

Yes, listening is funny! But actually, those who have bloated stomachs know the problems they have to live with. A report shows that 4 out of 10 people may experience a bloating stomach (1) . But do you know what exactly causes this uncomfortable situation?

Don't worry, you are going to learn about all the causes of stomach bloating and pain. Also, we will inform you about how to get rid of the common symptoms of bloated stomach and its problems. 

So let's start by finding ways to get its relief using home remedies!.

10 Common Bloating and Stomach Pain Causes

You may experience a bloated stomach and pain during your periods or after eating. This is one of the most common problems for many people. Here are the 10 causes of stomach bloating and pain: 

Gas

Gas, or flatulence, is a natural byproduct of digestion. But how does it come into your gut? Bacteria break down certain foods and create gases in your gut. Some of these gases escape through burping. Then the rest of it moves through your intestines and exits your body (2) .

There might be upper abdominal bloating because of your proper digestion problem. Or you have gastrointestinal (GI) disease or food intolerance. Also, a few foods, like carbohydrates (sugars), drinks, beans, broccoli, etc. can produce gas.
Gastric Bypass – Mayra Health

Indigestion

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a common cause of bloating and stomach pain. It happens when you eat too fast or overeat fatty, spicy, or greasy foods. Also, smoking, alcohol, carbonated beverages, pain relievers, and iron supplements can cause this (3) .

Generally, stomach acid helps to break down food for digestion. But sometimes, too much acid or irritation in the stomach lining can cause indigestion. So these are the root reasons for indigestion, which leads to a bloated stomach and pain.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue that means being unable to digest lactose (the sugar) in dairy foods (4) . It occurs when your body lacks enough of a key enzyme called lactase. This lactase has the responsibility of breaking down lactose.
Lactose intolerance: Expert on signs and symptoms to identify it, managing  tips | Health - Hindustan Times

As a result of the lactase deficiency, you might have undigested lactose in your intestine. Then this can create gas, leading to bloating, cramps, and even diarrhea.

Carbonated Beverages (Drinks)

Carbonated drinks or beverages are one of the most common causes of bloating and stomach pain. These drinks contain too much carbon dioxide (CO2), which makes them fizzy (5) .
Beverage Market and Packaging Trends and Facts

When this gas gets trapped and expands, it stretches your stomach. As a result, you will feel discomfort, pain, and a bloated stomach.

Infection

Infections in your digestive system can cause a bloated stomach after eating unhealthy foods. A few bacteria (like E. coli), viruses (like norovirus), and parasites (like Giardia) can cause bloating and pain. Also, these can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (6) .

High-Fiber Foods

You may know that fiber is essential for a healthy diet, digestion, gut health, and weight management. But when you eat too much fiber too quickly, that can cause abdominal bloating.
30 High Fiber Foods to Up Your Daily Fiber Intake Diet | Metamucil

If you don't maintain eating good foods for gut health , then the gut bacteria need time to adjust to more fiber. As a result, these bacteria produce excessive gas that leads to bloating and discomfort.

Fatty or Greasy Foods

Do you love eating fatty foods like cheeseburgers, bacon, butter, ice cream, fatty meats, etc? These fatty foods might be a cause of bloating and stomach pain. Because these foods take a longer time to break down in your digestive system.
Greasy Food Images – Browse 136,912 Stock Photos, Vectors, and Video |  Adobe Stock

If you have a sensitive stomach or conditions like IBS , fatty and greasy foods can cause inflammation. This inflammation can manifest as stomach pain and cramping.

Chronic Disorders

Chronic disorders like IBS, IBD, GERD, Celiac Disease, etc can cause bloated stomach and pain (7) . These disorders affect the digestive system and cause abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, etc.

Food Intolerances

Food Intolerances can make it difficult to digest some foods like lactose, gluten, fructose, and FODMAPs. As a result, you might have a bloated stomach, gas, diarrhea, pain, and more issues. Remember that these symptoms also vary with different types of food (8)

Constipation

Constipation can occur due to dehydration, lack of fiber, certain medications, etc. This constipation causes bloating and stomach pain. Do you know how it happens inside your body? Stagnant stool dries out and gets hard, then it becomes difficult to pass (9) .
Constipation Remedies: 8 Tips That Can Help Relieve Constipation

After that, bacteria break down the waste in your colon, which creates gas. Also, constipation can block new stools and gas. So it is one of the most common causes of bloating, cramps, and stomach pain.

How to Reduce Bloating and Stomach Pain

You can reduce bloating and pain in your stomach by following a few home remedies. Here we have added a few habits and home exercises that can help you to prevent pain and bloating.

Home Remedies for Bloated Stomach

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

You can take the Apple Cider Vinegar with water, tea, smoothies, salads, or lemon juice. One tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water after a meal, once or twice per day, is ideal (10) . But if you are taking medicines or irritating your skin, then you should get a consultation from a doctor.
Karkuma Organic Apple Cider Vinegar - Organic Nutrition Limited

Hydrate
Researchers suggest drinking 3.7 liters of fluids for men and 2.7 liters for women per day (11) . Proper hydration keeps things moving smoothly in your digestive system.

Warm Compress or Heating Pad
Especially, if you have extreme bloating during the period, you can use a heating pad. You need to apply it on low heat for 15-20 minutes to your stomach. Also, eating functional foods can help you to reduce this pain.

Healthy Diet (Eat Slowly)
Fiber is essential for digestion, but you should give enough time to your gut bacteria for digestion. So don't intake high-fiber fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains much or quickly.

Reduce Gas-Producing Foods
Certain foods like beans, cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli), and onions can increase gas. So avoid or reduce these types of foods that can cause your stomach to bloat or cause pain.

Avoid Dairy and Sugar
A few foods like lactose (milk sugar), gluten (protein in wheat), or sugary foods take time for digestion. Also, you should avoid taking carbohydrate drinks that increase gases. If you avoid these foods, you can get rid of the bloating and stomach pain (12) .

Additionally, many foods and practices can relax digestive muscles and reduce gas production. Daily exercise, simple yoga, eating fennel seeds, or drinking fennel tea, lemon juice, etc are common. But be careful about the gas-producing foods that can increase bloating and pain. 

Get a Consultation From a Doctor

Home remedies and lifestyle changes are often helpful for bloating and stomach pain. But sometimes these don't work for several reasons. One of the most common reasons is that everyone's body and digestive system are different.

However, are you struggling with severe stomach bloating and pain? And if you have symptoms like fever, vomiting, or bloody stools, then you should get personalized medical help . Early diagnosis can identify any serious issues and help to get relief.

Conclusion

Finally, you have reached the end of the 'bloating and stomach pain' blog. Here you have found common causes of bloating, and different home remedies to get relief. So, we believe that this blog has helped you to reduce your stomach bloating and pain.

You can try home remedies like exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding fat, carbohydrates, and lactose to reduce the pain. Also, staying hydrated, using a heating pad, and avoiding gas-producing foods may help you.

Remember that your health is your invaluable wealth, so don't take it lightly. If you have issues with the digestive system, your body won't get nutrients and other needs. So, you should get medical help and a diagnosis as early as possible. 

FAQs

What are the Four Types of Stomach Pain?

Although there are many different types of stomachs, we have included 4 common types here. Sharp pain, dull ache, cramping pain, and burning pain are the most common, and you may have them often.

Why Does My Stomach Feel Like a Balloon and Hurt?

The bloating sensation often occurs due to several reasons, like gas buildup, food intolerance, or constipation. Sometimes, the side effects of a few medications can cause bloating and stomach pain. Then your stomach may feel like a balloon and hurt.

How Do I Get Rid of a Stomach Ache Fast Without Medicine?

You may get rid of a stomach ache by drinking more water, taking a warm compress, and exercising. Also, avoiding lactose fluids (milk), carbohydrate drinks, or gas-producing foods may help. You can follow these tips for short-term relief without medicine.

How Do I Know if My Stomach Pain Is Serious?

When you have symptoms like persistent pain, vomiting (may have blood), fever, and bloody stools , you can consider it serious pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor right away for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

References

  • https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/symptoms/bloating-and-distension/
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21740-bloated-stomach
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/symptoms-causes/syc-20352211#:~:text=Often%2C%20indigestion%20is%20related%20to,Fatty%2C%20greasy%20or%20spicy%20foods .
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lactose-intolerance/symptoms-causes/syc-20374232
  • https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-foods-that-cause-bloating#carbonated-drinks
  • https://www.verywellhealth.com/abdominal-swelling-and-bloating-514429#:~:text=coli%20infection%3A%20Escherichia%20coli%20
  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321869#:~:text=Chronic%20disorders,a%20specific%20course%20and%20treatment .
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21688-food-intolerance
  • https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/bloating-causes-and-prevention-tips
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/apple-cider-vinegar-bloating#how-to-use
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256#:~:text=So%20how%20much%20fluid%20does,fluids%20a%20day%20for%20women
  • https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-foods-that-cause-bloating

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