Reduce Bloating, the Ayurvedic Way

Having gas is common to all of us. Nonetheless, we feel ashamed to bring it up in casual discussions with healthcare practitioners and acquaintances. 10% to 20% of persons suffer digestive issues such as belching or gas. The good news is that bloating or gas does not always indicate a problem with digestion. However, the first areas to work on to decrease gas and associated shame are nutrition and eating habits.

Let us tell you how to Reduce Bloating, the Ayurvedic Way. 

What is Bloating?
 

Bloating is a sensation of tightness or fullness in the abdomen that is frequently accompanied by abdominal discomfort. The presence of intestinal gas is the most prevalent cause of bloating. According to Ayurveda, proper digestion is essential for good health and well-being. Occasional bloating is extremely common, but chronic bloating and gas are symptoms of poor digestion and the need for additional health care.

What Causes Bloating?
 

Bloating can be a complicated problem caused by one or many sources. Dietary intolerances, particularly dairy and gluten, are the most prevalent cause of bloating.

Unfortunately, you can be intolerant of almost everything you eat. Other probable intolerances are as follows:

• Beans
• Vegetables, such as lentils, cabbage, cauliflower, etc
• Fruits, such as prunes and apricots
• Carbonated drinks
• Products with lactose 
• Foods containing sorbitol, such as sugar-free candies

Bloating can also be induced by eating too quickly or sipping via a straw. Both of these might lead you to inhale more air when eating. That air ends up in your stomach, causing bloating.

Bloating can also be induced by an overly big meal. Your stomach is normally the size of a fist. However, after a hefty lunch or supper, it expands to make place for the extra food. You may feel especially full and bloated for a short period until your stomach has finished breaking down the meal.

Ayurvedic Management of Bloating
 

Vata can be worsened by a variety of situations. Bloating with distention (Adhmana) is a Vata imbalance. Improper eating habits, stress, sleep disruptions, failure to adhere to a correct daily or seasonal regimen, and forced repression of natural cravings can all increase Vata dosha.

Bloating is caused by vitiation of gas and faeces caused by exacerbated Vata (Adhmana). Samana Vata vitiation disrupts the function of the stomach and intestine, resulting in poor digestion, bloating, and gas production. Ayurveda treatments in Kerala offer natural remedies that combat the formation of gas in the intestines. 

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Bloating
 

• Drink plenty of water to flush toxins, reduce histamine reaction, and prevent bloating. Drink ginger tea instead. Ginger aids digestion and is an anti-inflammatory meal.
• Consume a banana. This may come as a surprise, but eating a banana can help you minimize bloat! A controlled study found that eating bananas daily can assist.
• Consume tiny amounts of food. If you eat a lot of large meals, you will feel bloated and full. Allow your digestive system to operate by eating modest meals throughout the day.
• Salt should be reduced (sodium chloride). Consuming a lot of salt will only make you feel bloated. Sodium causes water retention (as well as excess sodium in your system!).
• Choose your vegetables wisely: All vegetables are usually beneficial to your health, but if you are feeling bloated, avoid cabbage, cauliflower, and onions. These are included on the FODMAP list (remember fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols).
• Don't eat dinner too late: Eating too late at night might cause bloating. And no one enjoys going to bed on an empty stomach. Not to mention the pressure on your stomach!  

Ayurveda Treatments for Bloating

Panchakarma therapy is often regarded as the first-line treatment by the Ayurveda hospital in Kerala. As this is actually a cleansing therapy, there are promising results here in the case of bloating too. Herbal Paste massage (Udwartana), Herbal steam bath (Swedana), classical massage without oil and with pressure (Mardanam), different kinds of suppositories (Varti), enema, and intake of foods like appetizers such as Soups that ignite the metabolic fire (Deepana), promote digestion Pachana), and have a carminative action (Vata-Anulomana) are recommended. All of the above are used according to the severity of the condition.

Vamana (medicated emesis): In rare cases, mild Vamana, followed by the proper Deepana, can be administered to eliminate all biotoxins.

Snehana and Swedana: Applying warm Vata-balancing medicinal oils followed by a hot steam bath aids in the passage of gas and softening of the stomach.

Medicated Enema (Vasti): For adults experiencing severe discomfort or constipation, Aasthapana Basti (medicated decoction enema) is recommended for quick relief. It will assist with faeces and gas discharge.

Herbal Paste: To produce the same effect, apply a paste of Hing, Triphala, or Trikatu; alternatively, Ajamoda with Takra or warm water can be employed. Warm Hingu water 

In conclusion, bloating or flatulence is nothing to be ashamed of and has to be dealt with the right treatment at the right time to ensure the damage is limited. You can learn more about Ayurvedic treatments by enrolling in Ayurveda certification courses online at The School of Ayurveda & Panchakarma for more information.