How to Control Stomach Bloating

Stomach, or abdominal, bloating is caused by excess air in the stomach that is not all removed by flatulence or belching, according to Mayo Clinic. This distension can have several causes, including excess intake of air, eating fatty, greasy foods, stress and smoking. There are several ways that stomach bloating, and the flatulence associated with it, can be controlled to help give you a little relief.

Things You'll Need

• Over-the-counter simethicone medication
• Over-the-counter enzymatic digestive aid

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Instructions

• 1

  Avoid eating foods that can lead to abdominal bloating. According to the Mayo Clinic, these foods can include beans, cauliflower, carbonated sodas, lettuce and fruits such as peaches and apples.

• 2

  Take an over-the-counter medication that contains the ingredient simethicone. These medications can help break up the gas bubbles in the stomach that can lead to painful bloating.

• 3

  Eat your meals more slowly. When a person eats too quickly they take in more air. According to WebMD, this may help prevent stomach bloating before it begins.

• 4

  Eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. According to WebMD, this can reduce the discomfort of stomach bloating that can be caused by overeating.

• 5

  Avoid fatty, greasy foods. According to the Mayo Clinic, foods with a high fat content can slow down the digestive process, which can lead to bloating, gas and pain.

• 6

  Avoid smoking, chewing gum and eating hard candy. All of these activities can increase air intake in to the body, which will lead to stomach bloating.

• 7

  Take an over-the-counter enzymatic medication before eating meals that are high in fiber, such as grains, beans and spaghetti. According to the Mayo Clinic, these enzymatic digestive aids can help reduce the amount of gas that is produced by foods that are high in fiber.