Bloated tummy,

[Malteser56]

Good morning, is anybody suffering with a permanent bloated tummy?

I look 9 months pregnant, and feel awful, any tips?

[jimh111]

Normally IBS and abnormal smooth muscle contraction causing a bloating senstation. Try taking a magnesium supplement as this relaxes smooth muscle. Can also use mebeverine hydrochloride (Colofac) although it is better to get to the bottom of the problem by using magnesium if it works.

[Jivedancer]

Hi try looking at certain foods that cause bloating also drink lots of water cut out salt as this retains water and also maybe a good probiotic

Sending best wishes

[BadHare]

Kefir for probiotics & a diet with lots of prebiotics (high fibre). Home fermented kefir from grains is far better than shop bought which isn't very live & doesn't have the range of tummy critters found in fermented grains. Kombucha might help but kefir is best as the microflora can withstand our stomach acid.

Take a little apple cider vinegar in water before meals. Choose the one with the live probiotic layer at the bottom of the bottle & jiggle it before you pour. I don't take this before kefir, just before or as salad vinegar on my main meal or as a sourdough dip.

Avoid processed foods that encourage toxic gut bacteria: highly processed foods with additives, artificial sweeteners margarine, etc. Chris Kresser has lots of good free advice o his website, Michael Moseley & Mark Hyman, too.

[Hillwoman]

I've had this embarrassing and very uncomfortable problem for very many years, and I've recently reached crisis point with it. I agree it's worth experimenting with increasing stomach acidity, pancreatic enzymes and the like, probiotics, ferments, magnesium supplements, and anything that could relieve abdominal fluid retention, whether herbal or pharmaceutical.

I've tried all these and also had referrals to gastroenterology. All to no avail, and the problem has recently been exacerbated by a long course of antibiotics for chronic infection. I think it's time I did the comprehensive stool analysis with parasitology (Genova), but first I have to save up for it, as money is very tight.

[Hidden in reply to Hillwoman]

Hi had the same symptoms for fifty years but only had a smart test from Germany through UK linked pharmacies in the UK which have specialist allergy screenings. They do sixty four foods which can affect you. I found I had multi grain allergies which include barley derivatives of malt in foods and drinks as well as wheat rye maize corn flour sorbitol corn syrup and banana. I also have dairy and egg but can take milk protein but not lactase in most cheeses excepting hard cheese. It has helped me lose weight and my health has improved dramatically from those days of having to be near a loo.

[Hillwoman in reply to Hidden]

I'm pleased you found an answer to your problem, though 50 years is a long time to live with such symptoms!

I've eliminated grains, but reintroduced dairy after cutting it out in the hope of improvement. I have a couple of other avenues left to go down, so here's hoping...

[Hidden in reply to Hillwoman]

Yes dairy and eggs are common allergens it is multi grain which is not accepted on nhs. Had gluten free results so did not realise that was growing intolerant for other substances in them besides gluten.

[Hidden]

Have you had a ultrasound? have you been properly examined by a doctor as various conditions can cause the tummy to swell and be uncomfortable. Ovarian cysts being one or liver issues. I would want to get to the bottom of it before assuming it was just wind ( which of course it could be)

[Gingernut44]

What medication are you on - I had horrendous bloating when taking Actavis (Northstar) and Mercury Pharma Levo. I now take Wockhardt and the bloating is less severe although I do still get some. I think it's the excipients in the tablets that caused mine. Today I started my NDT so I'll see if it improves 😀

[Hidden]

Food intolerance tests helped me. Very quick blood tests and years of trouble helped by removed foods from diet.

[snow22]

I agree with Gingernut, ever since being on Levo I had the same problem and it did go when I came of Levo and on NDT, now unfortunately had to go back on it and same problem!