Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNatural RemediesOTC MedicinesPrescription Medications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Natural Remedies
OTC Medicines
Prescription Medications
Bloating happens when your gastrointestinal (GI) tract gets filled with air or gas.You may feel fullness, tightness, or pressure in your belly, and your abdomen might protrude or swell. About 10% to 30% of people experience abdominal bloating.
Some people experience constantGI tractsymptoms, especiallybloating after eating. The discomfort can interfere with everyday life. However, there are simple ways to help relieve bloating fast, such as with exercise, dietary changes, and more.
Svetlana Repnitskaya / Getty Images
Natural Remedies for Bloating Relief
Though not everyone will find relief from the same remedy, some simple strategies might be worth a try.
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Water and Tea
Water and herbal teas may help aid in the digestive process. Water is key to hydration and may actually add to the feeling of bloating right away but this improves after an hour or two.Popular teas that may relieve bloating includepeppermint, chamomile, and ginger.
Some studies suggest waiting to have a beverage for at least one hour after eating.
Exercise
Physical activity can promote regular bowel movements, releasing excess gas and improving constipation. Some research suggests that light exercise, such as a 10- to 15-minutewalk after meals, may lessen symptoms of abdominal bloating.
Probiotics
Peppermint
Peppermint Tea for Upset Stomach and Other Ailments
Fiber
Getting enoughfiberis important for preventing constipation, which triggers bloating. Gradually add fiber to your diet, but do not overdo it, as some fiber supplements can worsen symptoms.
Low-FODMAP Diet
Massage
Some people find that massaging the belly may help stimulate the bowels and relieve symptoms of bloating.You can try rubbing your abdomen just above the hip bone in a circular motion with light pressure. You shouldn’t perform a massage if it causes any discomfort or pain.
Yoga
Yoga may help relax muscles in the abdomen and encourage the release of excess gas. One study found that yoga lessened stomach pain and bloating in people with IBS.
Heating Pad
Heat can help relax muscles in the gut. Placing aheating padon your belly may relieve discomfort and swelling associated with bloating.Alternatively, a warm water bottle can be used in place of a heating pad. Either way, protect your skin from the heat with a cloth or other item.
Magnesium
Takingmagnesiumsupplements may help balance stomach acids and relax intestinal muscles, preventing constipation and relieving bloating.
Warm Bath
Taking a warm bath can help you relax and reduce stress levels, which may help your GI tract to function better.
Digestive Enzymes
Yourgut microbiomeconsists of all the microorganisms in your digestive system.Lactase, a digestive enzyme, is a common remedy for people diagnosed with lactose intolerance, which often leads to bloating.
In another example, some small studies reveal that taking digestive enzyme supplements may help relieve symptoms ofirritable bowel syndrome(IBS).
What to AvoidIf you want to stop the symptoms of bloating, you should avoid the following:Eating gas-producing foods, such as Brussels sprouts and beansChewing gumDrinking carbonated drinks, such as sodaSmokingEating too quicklyDrinking out of a strawOvereating salt, sugar, or fatKeep in mind that certain health conditions, includinggastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD), can lead to bloating symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider about potential causes.
What to Avoid
If you want to stop the symptoms of bloating, you should avoid the following:Eating gas-producing foods, such as Brussels sprouts and beansChewing gumDrinking carbonated drinks, such as sodaSmokingEating too quicklyDrinking out of a strawOvereating salt, sugar, or fatKeep in mind that certain health conditions, includinggastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD), can lead to bloating symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider about potential causes.
If you want to stop the symptoms of bloating, you should avoid the following:
Keep in mind that certain health conditions, includinggastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD), can lead to bloating symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider about potential causes.
When to Use Supplements for Bloating & Gut Health
Over-the-Counter Medicines
Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications can relieve gas, abdominal pain, and bloating. These drugs may include the following:
Healthcare providers may prescribe different medicines to help with bloating, such as:
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a prescription-strength laxative or antidiarrheal medicine to help with symptoms of bloating.
When to See a Healthcare ProviderBloating can be part of a complex health issue. If you’ve tried home remedies and OTC meds that don’t relieve bloating, you should see your healthcare provider. You also should see a provider if you have other symptoms, including a fever, bloody stools, or an inability to move gas or stool that may suggest a blockage.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Bloating can be part of a complex health issue. If you’ve tried home remedies and OTC meds that don’t relieve bloating, you should see your healthcare provider. You also should see a provider if you have other symptoms, including a fever, bloody stools, or an inability to move gas or stool that may suggest a blockage.
Summary
Quick relief from bloating can help with uncomfortable symptoms of a full, tight belly. Simple remedies, including added fiber and other diet changes, can help. So can comfort measures including exercise, massage, or a heating pad.
While you may not be able to completely eliminate symptoms of bloating, adopting appropriate lifestyle strategies along with taking effective medications could relieve your symptoms.
21 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Family Physicians.Bloating.UNC Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders.Abdominal bloating: a mysterious symptom.Millard-Stafford M, Snow TK, Jones ML, Suh H.The Beverage Hydration Index: Influence of Electrolytes, Carbohydrate and Protein.Nutrients. 2021 Aug 25;13(9):2933. doi: 10.3390/nu13092933.Larijani B, Esfahani MM, Moghimi M, et al.Prevention and treatment of flatulence from a traditional persian medicine perspective.Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2016;18(4):e23664. doi:10.5812/ircmj.23664Hosseini-Asl MK, Taherifard E, Mousavi MR.The effect of a short-term physical activity after meals on gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with functional abdominal bloating: a randomized clinical trial.Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2021;14(1):59-66.Serra J.Management of bloating.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022;34(3):e14333. doi:10.1111/nmo.14333Cash BD, Epstein MS, Shah SM.A novel delivery system of peppermint oil is an effective therapy for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.Dig Dis Sci. 2016;61:560-571. doi:10.1007/s10620-015-3858-7MedlinePlus.Abdominal bloating.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fodmap diet: What you need to know.Michigan Medicine. University of Michigan.Abdominal self massage.Kavuri V, Raghuram N, Malamud A, Selvan SR.Irritable bowel syndrome: yoga as remedial therapy.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;2015:e398156. doi:10.1155/2015/398156OSF HealthCare.Why you’re bloated and how to get fast relief.Mount Sinai.Magnesium.Health Hub at Valley Oaks.How taking a bath can benefit your brain.Spagnuolo R, Cosco C, Mancina RM, Ruggiero G, Garieri P, Cosco V,et al.Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 Jun;21(2 Suppl):102-107. PMID: 28724171Moolla M, Dang JT, Shaw A, Dang TNT, Tian C, Karmali S, Sultanian R.Simethicone decreases bloating and improves bowel preparation effectiveness: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Surg Endosc.2019 Dec;33(12):3899-3909. doi:10.1007/s00464-019-07066-5UCLA.Does activated charcoal help with gas and bloating?MedlinePlus.Bismuth subsalicylate.Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al.ACG clinical guideline: Management of irritable bowel syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036Wilkinson JM, Cozine EW, Loftus CG.Gas, Bloating, and Belching: Approach to Evaluation and Management.Am Fam Physician. 2019 Mar 1;99(5):301-309. PMID: 30811160.Lacy BE, Gabbard SL, Crowell MD.Pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of bloating.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2011;7(11):729-739.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Family Physicians.Bloating.UNC Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders.Abdominal bloating: a mysterious symptom.Millard-Stafford M, Snow TK, Jones ML, Suh H.The Beverage Hydration Index: Influence of Electrolytes, Carbohydrate and Protein.Nutrients. 2021 Aug 25;13(9):2933. doi: 10.3390/nu13092933.Larijani B, Esfahani MM, Moghimi M, et al.Prevention and treatment of flatulence from a traditional persian medicine perspective.Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2016;18(4):e23664. doi:10.5812/ircmj.23664Hosseini-Asl MK, Taherifard E, Mousavi MR.The effect of a short-term physical activity after meals on gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with functional abdominal bloating: a randomized clinical trial.Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2021;14(1):59-66.Serra J.Management of bloating.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022;34(3):e14333. doi:10.1111/nmo.14333Cash BD, Epstein MS, Shah SM.A novel delivery system of peppermint oil is an effective therapy for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.Dig Dis Sci. 2016;61:560-571. doi:10.1007/s10620-015-3858-7MedlinePlus.Abdominal bloating.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fodmap diet: What you need to know.Michigan Medicine. University of Michigan.Abdominal self massage.Kavuri V, Raghuram N, Malamud A, Selvan SR.Irritable bowel syndrome: yoga as remedial therapy.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;2015:e398156. doi:10.1155/2015/398156OSF HealthCare.Why you’re bloated and how to get fast relief.Mount Sinai.Magnesium.Health Hub at Valley Oaks.How taking a bath can benefit your brain.Spagnuolo R, Cosco C, Mancina RM, Ruggiero G, Garieri P, Cosco V,et al.Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 Jun;21(2 Suppl):102-107. PMID: 28724171Moolla M, Dang JT, Shaw A, Dang TNT, Tian C, Karmali S, Sultanian R.Simethicone decreases bloating and improves bowel preparation effectiveness: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Surg Endosc.2019 Dec;33(12):3899-3909. doi:10.1007/s00464-019-07066-5UCLA.Does activated charcoal help with gas and bloating?MedlinePlus.Bismuth subsalicylate.Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al.ACG clinical guideline: Management of irritable bowel syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036Wilkinson JM, Cozine EW, Loftus CG.Gas, Bloating, and Belching: Approach to Evaluation and Management.Am Fam Physician. 2019 Mar 1;99(5):301-309. PMID: 30811160.Lacy BE, Gabbard SL, Crowell MD.Pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of bloating.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2011;7(11):729-739.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Bloating.UNC Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders.Abdominal bloating: a mysterious symptom.Millard-Stafford M, Snow TK, Jones ML, Suh H.The Beverage Hydration Index: Influence of Electrolytes, Carbohydrate and Protein.Nutrients. 2021 Aug 25;13(9):2933. doi: 10.3390/nu13092933.Larijani B, Esfahani MM, Moghimi M, et al.Prevention and treatment of flatulence from a traditional persian medicine perspective.Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2016;18(4):e23664. doi:10.5812/ircmj.23664Hosseini-Asl MK, Taherifard E, Mousavi MR.The effect of a short-term physical activity after meals on gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with functional abdominal bloating: a randomized clinical trial.Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2021;14(1):59-66.Serra J.Management of bloating.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022;34(3):e14333. doi:10.1111/nmo.14333Cash BD, Epstein MS, Shah SM.A novel delivery system of peppermint oil is an effective therapy for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.Dig Dis Sci. 2016;61:560-571. doi:10.1007/s10620-015-3858-7MedlinePlus.Abdominal bloating.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fodmap diet: What you need to know.Michigan Medicine. University of Michigan.Abdominal self massage.Kavuri V, Raghuram N, Malamud A, Selvan SR.Irritable bowel syndrome: yoga as remedial therapy.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;2015:e398156. doi:10.1155/2015/398156OSF HealthCare.Why you’re bloated and how to get fast relief.Mount Sinai.Magnesium.Health Hub at Valley Oaks.How taking a bath can benefit your brain.Spagnuolo R, Cosco C, Mancina RM, Ruggiero G, Garieri P, Cosco V,et al.Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 Jun;21(2 Suppl):102-107. PMID: 28724171Moolla M, Dang JT, Shaw A, Dang TNT, Tian C, Karmali S, Sultanian R.Simethicone decreases bloating and improves bowel preparation effectiveness: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Surg Endosc.2019 Dec;33(12):3899-3909. doi:10.1007/s00464-019-07066-5UCLA.Does activated charcoal help with gas and bloating?MedlinePlus.Bismuth subsalicylate.Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al.ACG clinical guideline: Management of irritable bowel syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036Wilkinson JM, Cozine EW, Loftus CG.Gas, Bloating, and Belching: Approach to Evaluation and Management.Am Fam Physician. 2019 Mar 1;99(5):301-309. PMID: 30811160.Lacy BE, Gabbard SL, Crowell MD.Pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of bloating.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2011;7(11):729-739.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Bloating.
UNC Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders.Abdominal bloating: a mysterious symptom.
Millard-Stafford M, Snow TK, Jones ML, Suh H.The Beverage Hydration Index: Influence of Electrolytes, Carbohydrate and Protein.Nutrients. 2021 Aug 25;13(9):2933. doi: 10.3390/nu13092933.
Larijani B, Esfahani MM, Moghimi M, et al.Prevention and treatment of flatulence from a traditional persian medicine perspective.Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2016;18(4):e23664. doi:10.5812/ircmj.23664
Hosseini-Asl MK, Taherifard E, Mousavi MR.The effect of a short-term physical activity after meals on gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with functional abdominal bloating: a randomized clinical trial.Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2021;14(1):59-66.
Serra J.Management of bloating.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022;34(3):e14333. doi:10.1111/nmo.14333
Cash BD, Epstein MS, Shah SM.A novel delivery system of peppermint oil is an effective therapy for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.Dig Dis Sci. 2016;61:560-571. doi:10.1007/s10620-015-3858-7
MedlinePlus.Abdominal bloating.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fodmap diet: What you need to know.
Michigan Medicine. University of Michigan.Abdominal self massage.
Kavuri V, Raghuram N, Malamud A, Selvan SR.Irritable bowel syndrome: yoga as remedial therapy.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;2015:e398156. doi:10.1155/2015/398156
OSF HealthCare.Why you’re bloated and how to get fast relief.
Mount Sinai.Magnesium.
Health Hub at Valley Oaks.How taking a bath can benefit your brain.
Spagnuolo R, Cosco C, Mancina RM, Ruggiero G, Garieri P, Cosco V,et al.Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 Jun;21(2 Suppl):102-107. PMID: 28724171
Moolla M, Dang JT, Shaw A, Dang TNT, Tian C, Karmali S, Sultanian R.Simethicone decreases bloating and improves bowel preparation effectiveness: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Surg Endosc.2019 Dec;33(12):3899-3909. doi:10.1007/s00464-019-07066-5
UCLA.Does activated charcoal help with gas and bloating?
MedlinePlus.Bismuth subsalicylate.
Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al.ACG clinical guideline: Management of irritable bowel syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036
Wilkinson JM, Cozine EW, Loftus CG.Gas, Bloating, and Belching: Approach to Evaluation and Management.Am Fam Physician. 2019 Mar 1;99(5):301-309. PMID: 30811160.
Lacy BE, Gabbard SL, Crowell MD.Pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of bloating.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2011;7(11):729-739.
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