Bloated Betty's Stomach - Just Jill

Ugh … bloating … gas … and more bloating!! Discomfort is an understatement!!

How is it that when I get dressed in the morning my jeans fit perfectly but by the end of the day I am busting out of them regardless of how much I have eaten.

I feel so good in the morning. By evening my middle section has expanded to the point where I can barely keep my pants done up. If I go out to a restaurant it is even worse. The minute I walk out the gas comes and boy does it ever come!

Is there something I can take? Should I change my diet? Do I see a doctor or a naturopath? Is this what happens at my age?

Any other Sole Sisters experience this? How are you coping?

Sole Sister Advice & Comments

• I understand that pain all too well, and it definitely seems to get worse the older I get. Fifteen years ago, I went gluten-free, which has helped tremendously, but my family has celiac and gastrointestinal issues: no more constipation and fewer attacks of cramping, bloating, and gas. I think limiting your intake of bread products, white starches, and less processed food is a big help.
  
  
• Some yoga poses definitely help with finding the release of excess gas. Happy baby, tabletop to child's pose flow, bringing knees to chest, and stretching out flat flow are good.
  
  
• All sugar substitutes except for aspartame do that to me. Even one Halls will give me horrible gas. Eating or drinking sugar-free candy or gum might be part of the problem.
  
  
• Yes! Yes! Yes! I must return to basics to reset my diet - bananas and apple sauce are my friends. When my tummy is upset (which is often), I eat like a baby for a few days. One thing that made a huge difference overall for me was giving up on carbonated drinks. I loved soda water and the flavored bubbles. I switched to cold caffeine-free green tea, made by the gallon with just a tiny bit of maple syrup and lemon. We make it every morning and drink it all day. Spicy food is also sadly becoming a no-go for me. I also find that probiotics help.
  
  
• When I removed gluten and dairy from my diet, I could cinch my belt two extra notches! I also found that where I was in my menstrual cycle also played a factor. I no longer menstruate, but I still go through the hormonal cycles, albeit not on a regular 28-day cycle, so I never know where I am in my cycle LOL. Try keeping a food/symptom journal to see if you can identify your triggers.
  
  
• I am trying a breathing technique called the Stomach Vacuum. It does help me.
  
  
• Probiotics for a healthier digestive system reduce cholesterol and increase the immune system. Bio-k is highly recommended; they were the first on the market on probiotics.
  
  
• I used to love and feel proud I could eat anything! But, in my 50's, I started getting major bloating. I finally figured out that dairy and soy no longer agree with me. It has been ten months dairy free, and it has helped my bloating so much. I also take a good daily probiotic for my digestive health.
  
  
• I have found HRT - estrogen causes bloating. A known side effect apparently.
  
  
• Eating gluten-free makes a big difference for me. It seems hard while you get the hang of it, and then suddenly, it's easy. There are so many GF breads and pasts, and restaurants - at least here - almost always have gf options. And although I haven't entirely given up dairy (because of cheese), I switched to lactose-free milk and cottage cheese, removing most or all of the lactose from my diet most of the time. Apparently, parm and cheddar don't have it, and the occasional good soft cheese still seems worth it. Getting the daily lactose out of my morning coffee helped. If you try even that one thing, it might make a difference.

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