Feeling like a walking balloon? NHS surgeon explains what causes bloating, shares simple hacks to ease discomfort

Bloating is one of the most common stomach complaints, and is influenced by several factors. Dr Rajan shares a simple hack to ease discomfort.

Feeling bloated after meals is a common struggle, and for many, it happens far too often. Bloating can be triggered by several factors - from diet and gut imbalances to hormonal changes and underlying digestive conditions - but sometimes, everyday habits play a bigger role than we realise.

Bloating can be caused by several factor including diet, poor gut microbiome, and hormonal factors.(Pixabay)

Dr Karan Rajan, a UK-based NHS surgeon and health content creator, has shared a simple hack to manage bloating, which is not only highly effective but also simple, free and does not involve any supplements. In an Instagram video posted on July 26, the gut health expert highlights why snacking constantly can be detrimental for your gut health and can lead to bloating and discomfort, suggesting a simple hack that can help if you get experience frequent bloating.

The gut health expert highlights, “When you snack frequently, you're essentially leaving the lights on, signaling that it's always meal time. This constant stimulation prevents activation of the cleanup crew. So, the cleanup crew skip work and your gut gets a bit untidy with undigested food particles and bacteria lingering in your gut, which equals more bloating due to bacterial fermentation.” He further explains that bloating is a complex, multifaceted issue that can be influenced by several factors including diet, gut microbiome and hormonal changes.

How to prevent bloating?

Dr Rajan recommends spacing out meals three to four hours apart, in order to allow your digestive system to complete its natural cleaning cycle and prepare to receive more food - to reduce bloating and discomfort. This practice may also support healthier gut movement and promote a balanced microbiome. He also adds, “Bloating has many causes (IBS, intolerances, SIBO, hormones etc), so this isn’t a magic bullet and it’s always worth identifying the underlying cause for the bloating…but it’s a simple, low-effort habit to try if you feel like a walking balloon!”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.