Bloating
Description
Bloating, in medical usage, refers to the accumulation of intestinal gas which causes the abdomen to become distended.
Casually, the term is also used for water retention, usually in conjunction with pre-menstrual stress (PMS).
Causes
Bloating is most commonly associated with an inability to digest a certain food e.g. milk. This is often associated with an enzyme deficiency: "lactose intolerance".
It may also indicate a more serious, underlying disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms commonly include flatulence, while, clinically, the abdomen will be distended and upon auscultation will emit a hollow, drum-like sound ("tympany").
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function:
Cardiovascular Support &
Intestinal Health
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
L-Acidophilus
Betaine HCl (or Apple Cider Vinegar)*
Digestive Enzymes*
*Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Certain foods commonly produce flatulence e.g. beans, greens (Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower) or green pickles. Some of these foods can be prepared in special ways to reduce these effects, or enzyme supplements may help.
Homeopathic Remedy
| Description | Remedy |
| From sweets, dairy, fatty, salty foods | Argentum nitricum tinct. |
| Excessive burping | Carbo vegetabilis |
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Astragalus
Mint
A more extensive list has been compiled by Newall (1996):
Agrimony, Artichoke, Boldo, Broom, Buchu, Burdock, Celery, Cornsilk, Couchgrass, Dandelion, Elder, Guaiacum, Juniper, Pokeroot, Shepherd's Purse, Squill, Uva Ursi and Yarrow.
Flatulence:
Angelica
Calamus
Caraway
Cardamom
Cinnamon
Cloves
Coriander
Fennel
Gentian
Ginger
The German Commission E recommends the following herbs for bloating, or abdominal fullness:
Angelica
Calamus
Caraway
Cardamom
Cinnamon
Fennel
Gentian
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Hoffmann, D: The New Holistic Herbal. Element, 1983. Third edition 1990.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Bloating, due to flatulence, rather than water retention, may be treated with a selection from the following oils (individually, or in blends):
Related Health Conditions
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Ulcerative Colitis
Water Retention
References
Briet-F: Symptomatic response to varying levels of fructo-oligosaccharides consumed occasionally or regularly. Eur-J-Clin-Nutr. 1995 Jul; 49(7): 501-7.
Hermans MM et al., The relationship between lactose tolerance test results and symptoms of lactose intolerance. Am J Gastroenterol, 1997 Jun, 92:6, 981-4.
Kajs TM et al., Influence of a methanogenic flora on the breath H2 and symptom response to ingestion of sorbitol or oat fiber. Am J Gastroenterol, 1997 Jan, 92:1, 89-94.
Koch A et al., Symptoms in chronic constipation. Dis Colon Rectum, 1997 Aug, 40:8, 902-6.
Koonsvitsky BP et al., Olestra affects serum concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and carotenoids but not vitamin D or vitamin K status in free-living subjects. J Nutr, 1997 Aug, 127:8 Suppl, 1636S-1645S.
Olson, BR et al: Relation between sodium balance and menstrual cycle symptoms in normal women. Ann Intern Med 1996 Oct 1;125(7):564-7.
Rettammel-AL: Oral supplementation with a high-fat, high-energy product improves nutritional status and alters serum lipids in patients with cystic fibrosis. J-Am-Diet-Assoc. 1995 Apr; 95(4): 454-9.
Saltzman-JR & Russell-RM: Nutritional consequences of intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Compr-Ther. 1994; 20(9): 523-30.
Suarez-FL: A comparison of symptoms after the consumption of milk or lactose-hydrolyzed milk by people with self-reported severe lactose intolerance [see comments]. N-Engl-J-Med. 1995 Jul 6; 333(1): 1-4.
Toskes-PP: Calcium polycarbophil compared with placebo in irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment-Pharmacol-Ther. 1993 Feb; 7(1): 87-92.
Vesa-TH: Tolerance to small amounts of lactose in lactose maldigesters. American-Journal-of-Clinical-Nutrition (AM-J-CLIN-NUTR) 1996 Aug; 64(2): 197-201 (14 ref).
Webster-RB et al: Lactose maldigestion and recurrent abdominal pain in children. Dig-Dis-Sci. 1995 Jul; 40(7): 1506-10.
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