Our 5 home remedies for bloating

Aerophagia is a digestive disorder that affects many people on a daily basis. It manifests as the involuntary swallowing of large amounts of air, which can lead to abdominal pain and discomfort. According to the Department of Health, an adult swallows 2 to 4 litres of air per day, which is considered the “normal” amount. Anything beyond that is classified as aerophagia.

Typically occurring after meals, aerophagia can become debilitating and interfere with daily activities when it is recurrent. 

We often hear about bloating and flatulence, but a bit less about aerophagia. So, what is the difference between aerophagia, bloating, and flatulence? While these three terms may seem similar, they do not refer to the same conditions and do not all have the same causes.

• Bloating refers to a sensation of swelling and distension in the abdomen. It is characterised by a feeling of a large, tight or even hard stomach. Bloating is often the result of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, but this gas does not always manifest as burping (eructation) or farting (flatulence). 

• Flatulence, or “gas,” refers to the expulsion of gas stored in the stomach through the anus. This gas may be odourless or, conversely, very unpleasant. Flatulence is considered normal because it results from the fermentation of food in the stomach, but in excessive amounts it can cause discomfort. 

Bloating is a condition of abdominal distension, whereas flatulence is the result of an excess of gas in the stomach. Aerophagia is ultimately nothing more than one of the causes of these symptoms. 

Aerophagia is a completely natural phenomenon that also affects animals. It occurs when small amounts of air enter our esophagus along with food. This air then passes into the esophagus and throughout the digestive system. 

The causes may seem dietary, but in reality they are more related to how we eat than to the foods themselves. 

• Talking while eating and eating quickly. When we eat quickly and talk while chewing, we tend to swallow more air. Repeated swallowing and poor chewing send conflicting signals to our stomach, which hasn’t been prepared to receive food. It therefore stores the air in the intestines and will have more difficulty initiating digestion. 

• Consumption of carbonated beverages (sparkling water, soda, beer, sparkling wine, etc.). By ingesting more air than usual, you increase the risk of aerophagia and belching.  

• A sedentary lifestyle. Although a sedentary lifestyle is not directly linked to aerophagia, it can contribute to its onset by causing digestive problems. Moving around can stimulate digestion; conversely, when sitting still, our stomach has a harder time digesting and breaking down food. The more you move, the more your digestive tract will empty! 

• Stress. It is often said that the stomach is the body’s second brain. In the case of aerophagia, this is particularly true. If you regularly find yourself in stressful situations, your stomach will contract abnormally, making it difficult to digest food and leading to gas and bloating.

Before treating a symptom, it is essential to identify its cause in order to provide the appropriate treatment. But here are 5 100% natural home remedies that could help you reduce your aerophagia problems.

Tip 1: Massage to relax the abdominal muscles and reduce bloating: Take 15ml of macadamia nut oil and warm it up. Add 10 drops of Exotic Basil essential oil. Mix everything together and gently massage your stomach in circular motions for at least 2 minutes. No more rumbling or bloated stomach—you’ll finally feel light on your feet! Recipe by: M. Faucon

Tip 2: A blend of essential oils to reduce bloating and gas: Mix in an opaque bottle:

• 1 ml of Exotic Basil essential oil

• 2 ml of meadow cumin essential oil

• 1 ml of tarragon essential oil

• 2 ml of sweet fennel essential oil

Before each meal, add a drop of the mixture to a teaspoon of honey. You’ll feel lighter right after the meal. Recipe by: D. Baudoux;

Tip 3: After a meal: ginger tea: In a large cup of hot water, mix in a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger or, if unavailable, ginger powder. Let it steep for 10 minutes before straining and enjoying.

Tip 4: Baking soda: Baking soda works in your stomach to block acid reflux and aid digestion. You can take it as a preventive measure 15 minutes before a meal by dissolving one teaspoon of baking soda in a large glass of water. Or as a remedy for discomfort, 15 minutes after a meal.

Tip 5: A large glass of apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is known to help stimulate the production of gastric juices and thus aid digestion. To reap its benefits, before or after a meal, you can dilute one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water. For even greater effectiveness, opt for apple cider vinegar with the “mother.” Be careful, however, as vinegar is highly acidic and therefore not recommended for people with peptic ulcers.

While these natural remedies are effective, they are no substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. If your digestive issues persist, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.