Stomach pain and bloating: Cutting down on these foods could prevent bloating says study

Trapped wind happens when there is a build-up of gases in the digestive system, putting pressure on the abdomen and leading to pain and bloating. To avoid any uncomfortable feelings, one study suggest reducing your intake of one particular food group.

Published in the Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology journal, a study found that participants who ate a protein-rich diet were 40 percent more likely to report bloating symptoms than those who ate a carbohydrate-rich diet.

There were 164 people who took part in the study, with the average age being 53 years old.

For six weeks, three groups were fed a diet either with a higher concentration of protein, carbohydrates or unsaturated fat composition.

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Then up to four weeks following that, when the volunteers resumed their normal diet, another six-week diet session would take place with another high-fibre diet, either comprised of more protein, carbohydrates or unsaturated fat.

For fairness, another break afterwards (where people went back to their normal diet) was then followed by another six-week diet experiment.

Participants would report the presence and severity of bloating at baseline levels (when they were eating their own diets) and at the end of each feeding period.

Results concluded that those who eat high-fibre diets are more likely to experience bloating if their high-fibre diet is protein-rich than if it’s rich in carbohydrates or unsaturated fat.

The co-author of the experiment, Noel Mueller said: “Notably, the protein in these diets was mostly from vegetable sources such as beans, legumes, and nuts.”

What are other sources of high-protein foods?

Eggs, chicken and cheese are all sources of protein.

Findings from the study suggest that incorporating more carbohydrates in a high-fibre diet (instead of protein) can help combat bloating.

Carbohydrates are the sugars, starches and fibers found in fruits, vegetables and milk products.

The co-author of the experiment, Noel Mueller said: “Notably, the protein in these diets was mostly from vegetable sources such as beans, legumes, and nuts.”

What are other sources of high-protein foods?

Eggs, chicken and cheese are all sources of protein.

Findings from the study suggest that incorporating more carbohydrates in a high-fibre diet (instead of protein) can help combat bloating.

Carbohydrates are the sugars, starches and fibers found in fruits, vegetables and milk products.

Regardless of which foods you choose to enjoy, eating too fast can contribute to bloating and stomach pains.

This is because excess air gets swallowed while we’re munching down on food.

This gas then goes into the large intestine or colon, where bacteria is already working away on breaking down undigested food (another gas-inducing process).

Too much gas building up in the intestine can lead to a crampy, painful belly and bloating.

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Treatment can include over-the-counter medication from a pharmacist, or even high-street medication.

Other ways to reduce the bloat is to walk it off, and massaging the lower abdomen to get wind moving.

Additionally, drinking warm water, whether it be mixed with peppermint oil, or infused with a herbal tea, can ease any discomfort.

Of course, there may be other health concerns if you suffer from persistent abdominal pain.

The NHS lists other possible causes as the following:

  • IBS
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • A urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Constipation
  • Period pain
  • Other stomach-related problems, such as a stomach ulcer, heartburn and acid reflux or gastritis

For a stomach ache that keeps returning, do visit your local GP to get it checked out.

Sudden and severe abdominal pain should be regarded as a medical emergency, the health body says, and it advises: “Phone your GP as soon as possible, or the 111 service if your GP is closed.”

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