What Causes Bloating And Gas?

Posted on Tue, 11 Nov 2014

Question: I AM A 49 YR OLD FEMALE AND I AM USUALLY SUPER FIT BUT LAST 6 MONTHS JUST LET MYSELF GO. 2 WEEKS AGO STARTED EXERCISING AND EATING HEALTHY AGAIN AND I AM GETTING SOOOOO BLOAT Y
AND HORRIBLE GAS.. WHAT IS GOING ON??? SCHEDULED A A HYDRO THERAPY

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please see description

Detailed Answer:
Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query. There are a number of conditions that may cause bloating. I would be in a batter position to guide you if you answer following questions:
1. Are you menstruating or menopause has been achieved?
2. Are you on any kind of medication?
3. Is there history of diarrhea, constipation, epigastric or chest pain?
4. Did such problem occur in past? If yes then how was it treated?
5. Is there history of cold or heat intolerance?
6. Do you feel lethargic or sluggish?
7. Did you suffer from any chronic illness like TB, hepatitis or any other disease?
8. Is there family history of any long term illness?
9. Has this problem association with food? e.g occurs more or less after or before taking food.
10. Any other symptom that you want to share?

I will be looking forward for the answer to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (34 hours later)

I STILL GET MY PERIOD REGULARLY.
I HAVE STARTED TAKING A MULTI VIT , MILK THISTLE, FISH OIL, COQ10,
ON A REGULAR BASIS. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE TO ME!!! AND THE ANSWER TO ALL OTHER QUESTIONS IS NO.... EXCEPT I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MINOR CONSTIPATION ISSUES. USUALLY I CHALK THAT UP TO TO MUCH PROTEIN AND NOT ENOUGH WATER. BUT I HAVE BEEN EATING SUPER CLEAN LOTS OF WATER.
I JUST GAINED 5 LBS SINCE LAST WEEK AND I HAVE BEEN EATING LOW CLEAN CALS AND 60 MINS ON AN ELLIPTICAL 7 DAYS A WEEK. SHOULD I BE WORRIED?

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Malabsorption

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for getting back with the answers. I have gone through them in detail. From then i would conclude that its simple malabsorption which may occur in healthy individuals. Sometimes body does not respond normally to a particular food which in return causes symptoms like bloating. So you should not worry. I would suggest you following things:
> Take high fiber diet like peas, beans & fruits.
> I would advise exercise but as you are already doing so keep it continue. It will keep you healthy & fresh
> Drink plenty of fluids.
> Take potassium supplements.(You can avoid them by taking banana, nuts, green leafy vegetable, milk & potatoes as they are rich in potassium)
> Go to bathroom whenever there is urge to defecate. Do not delay it.
> Eat yogurt daily.
> In case of constipation you can take lactulose suspension 30ml thrice a day

AVOID:
> High carbohydrate diet
> Alcohol
> Carbonated drinks

I hope the above mentioned things will help you in relieving the symptom. If problem continues 7-10 days after the therapy or there is appearance of some other symptoms then in that case i would suggest you to consult a gastroenterologist in your local hospital who will perform a detailed examination followed by some labs investigations to rule out any pathological cause.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj