Do you struggle with feeling bloated after eating? or drinking? Feeling distention in your stomach full of gas?
Let's talk a bit about bloating.
WHAT IS BLOATING?
Bloating is characterized by an abnormal response to normal stretching of the digestive organs or "tubes", including your stomach, small and large intestine. These tubes are pliable. These tubes can stretch to accommodate food and squeeze or contract to propel food down the digestive tract.
It is a normal response for your "tubes" to stretch to accomodate food, water, and gas in your digestive system. However, when people experience bloating, their digestive system is hypersensitive, and experience abdominal discomfort to this normal stretch.
WHAT IS NORMAL?
When you eat or drink, the bolus (the mass of chewed substance) makes its way through the esophagus and stomach. The bolus is propelled throughout the digestive system by smooth muscle contractions. Each of the digestive organs are made of smooth muscles, which have the ability to involuntarily contract and relax to propel food. However, in people who experience bloating, instead of the smooth muscles contract and pushing the gas, food or water forward into the "tubes," the muscles just relax. When muscles relax, the organs or tubes distend or relax even more, causing a bloating sensation.
If you're struggling with bloating, my professional and personal recommendation is to see a pelvic floor physical therapist! Pelvic floor physical therapy works towards optimizing your overall health and supporting your body, rather than chasing your symptoms, so that you can enjoy food and drink without worrying about your gut!
Book a 15 minute consultation below to learn more!
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