Harvard gastroenterologist shares 4 tips to avoid bloating: ‘Eat kiwi or papaya to break down trapped gas'
Also Read | Nutritionist shares what happens when you start eating berries, beetroot, prunes and other purple foods
For the uninitiated, bloating is a condition where your belly feels full and tight, often due to gas. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it's usually a digestive issue, but hormones and stress also play a part. Let's find out the tips Dr Sethi shared to avoid bloating:
A post shared by Saurabh Sethi (@doctor.sethi)
The gastroenterologist suggested eating kiwi or papaya to help break down trapped gas. Per a 2013 study, people who took a papaya-based formula for 40 days had significant improvement in constipation and bloating. The papain enzyme in papaya can make protein easier to digest.
As for kiwi, it contains several key nutrients, including fibre, potassium, and actinidin, an enzyme that may help improve digestion and speed up stomach emptying, per Healthline. Therefore, eating it could reduce bloating.
Dr Sethi suggested taking a short walk to stimulate natural movement. According to a report by SRM Global Hospitals, walking helps the gas to pass and provides relief. Engaging in a brisk 10–15-minute walk to facilitate the movement of gas through your digestive system relieves built-up bloatng.
The gastroenterologist suggested considering simethicone to break up gas bubbles. Per the NHS, simethicone (or simeticone) is a type of medicine called an antiflatulent. It's used to treat farting (flatulence), trapped wind and bloating. People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sometimes take simeticone to ease their symptoms. Although they stated that there isn't enough certainty whether it really works for these symptoms.
Sipping peppermint tea can also help ease discomfort and cramping caused by bloating, Dr Sethi suggested. Studies show that peppermint relaxes the gut, which may relieve intestinal spasms and the bloating and pain accompanying them. Peppermint oil is also known for its antimicrobial properties.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
4 Skin Changes That Could Indicate Liver Disease: Top Liver Specialist Reveals
A healthy liver is crucial for your overall health and well-being. The liver primarily filters toxins from the blood, produces bile juice for digestion, stores essential vitamins and minerals and metabolises nutrients. However, the liver is vulnerable to several diseases and severe damage. Factors like unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, excess alcohol consumption and certain genetic conditions increase the risk of liver disease, such as fatty liver and even cirrhosis. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the signs and symptoms of an unhealthy liver as early as possible. Timely diagnoses and medical assistance can help manage and prevent the onset of serious liver conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Fatigue, abdominal swelling, changes in urine, nausea, and vomiting are a few symptoms of fatty liver disease. A few subtle signs of a fatty liver are visible on your skin. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a liver specialist and gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS and Harvard, shared a few subtle signs and symptoms of liver disease visible on the skin. 4 skin changes that could indicate liver disease 1. Yellowing of the skin Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels in the bloodstream is one of the earliest symptoms of liver problems. "This is a classic sign of liver disease as the liver is responsible for processing bilirubin," Dr. Sethis said in an Instagram video. 2. Spider angiomas "Small dilated blood vessels that resemble spider webs are typically on the face, neck or chest. These are caused by increased estrogen levels, which can occur in liver disease," he said. 3. Palmar erythema Palmar erythema refers to redness and inflammation of the palms, often accompanied by swelling. "This is due to increased blood flow and increased estrogen levels, which can be a sign of liver dysfunction," the expert explained. 4. Itching Itching without a clear cause, which often worsens at night, is often associated with liver problems. "This can be due to bile salts building up in the skin, which can occur in liver problems," Dr. Sethis said. Taking proactive steps can help ensure your liver remains healthy and functions efficiently. Eat a healthy diet, limit alcohol consumption, stay physically active, avoid exposure to toxins, drink enough water and get regular checkups to reduce the risk of liver diseases. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Harvard liver specialist shares 4 skin changes that indicate you have liver disease: ‘Itching without a clear cause'
Your liver is a large and powerful organ that performs hundreds of essential functions in your body. One of its most important functions is filtering toxins from your blood. Liver disease refers to a condition that damages your liver over time. Therefore, timely detection and treatment are important. Liver specialist shares 4 skin changes that could indicate underlying liver disease. (Adobe Stock) Also Read | Cardiologist says eating okra helps maintain blood pressure, diabetes; lists 6 benefits of the vegetable In an Instagram post shared on July 27, Dr Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH, board-certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and interventional endoscopist trained at AIIMS, Harvard and Stanford, listed 4 skin changes to look out for that could point out that you have liver disease. 4 skin changes that indicate you have liver disease Sharing the 4 skin changes that could indicate underlying liver disease, the liver specialist pointed out that you can easily check these symptoms at home. Let's find out what they are: 1. Jaundice Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels. This is a classic sign of liver disease, as the liver is responsible for processing bilirubin. 2. Spider angiomas Small dilated blood vessels that resemble spider webs, typically on the face, neck, or chest. These are caused by increased estrogen levels, which can occur in liver disease. 3. Palmer erythema Redness and inflammation of the palms, often accompanied by swelling. This is due to increased blood flow and estrogen levels, which can be a sign of liver dysfunction. 4. Itching without a clear cause Often worse at night. This can be due to bile salts building up in the skin, which can occur in liver problems. Stages of chronic liver disease According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic liver disease progresses in roughly four stages: hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Approximately 1.8 percent of US adults (4.5 million adults) have liver disease. Globally, it causes about 2 million deaths per year, or 4 percent of all deaths. Liver disease affects males twice as often as females. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Persistent stomach pain? 12 serious health conditions every adult should know about
Persistent stomach pain means discomfort in your belly region that sticks around for weeks, months, or even longer. Unlike an occasional cramp or a brief stomachache, this pain doesn't fully go away and often comes and goes in a pattern, or it might gradually get worse. The abdomen holds a ton of important organs, your stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, kidneys, reproductive organs, and more, so pinpointing what's wrong can be tricky. Common and uncommon reasons why your stomach won't quit hurting According to Mayo Clinic, a major trusted US healthcare resource, abdominal pain causes stretch from the simple and harmless (like indigestion or muscle strain) to the complex and serious (such as cancer or organ disease). Studies in primary care settings show that about one in ten patients with abdominal pain actually have acute or urgent medical issues that need immediate attention. Here's an easy-to-scan breakdown of notable conditions that often underlie persistent abdominal pain: Digestive issues Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) IBS is like that annoying roommate who never leaves. It messes with your gut, especially the large intestine, causing cramping, bloating, gas, and unpredictable bathroom runs. There's no obvious damage in your intestines, but the pain and discomfort feel very real and very frequent. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) If you constantly feel like your lunch is trying to climb back up, GERD might be the culprit. It's when stomach acid flows the wrong way into your esophagus, leaving a burning feeling in your chest or throat. It's not just heartburn it can become a daily struggle if left untreated. Gastritis and peptic ulcers Your stomach lining isn't invincible. Inflammation (gastritis) or open sores (ulcers) can cause sharp or burning pain in your upper belly. Often caused by an H. pylori infection or too many painkillers like ibuprofen, these conditions also bring nausea, bloating, and that gnawing empty-stomach feeling. Celiac disease This autoimmune condition means your body goes to war with gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Eat it, and you could end up with stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. It's more than a trendy gluten-free diet; it's a serious medical issue. Inflammatory & infectious causes Diverticulitis Little pouches can form in your colon (called diverticula), and sometimes they get infected. When that happens, welcome to diverticulitis. It usually causes pain in the lower left side of your belly and might come with fever, nausea, and even constipation. Crohn's disease & ulcerative colitis Both are forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and they love to stir up trouble. Think chronic pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and sometimes weight loss. Crohn's can affect any part of the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis sticks to the colon and rectum. Either way, it's a painful and ongoing battle. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) For women, lower abdominal pain could be caused by PID, a serious infection of the reproductive organs. It often stems from untreated STIs and can bring fever, unusual discharge, and pain during sex. If not treated early, it can lead to long-term issues like infertility. Structural & functional problems Gallstones These tiny troublemakers form in your gallbladder and can block the flow of bile. When that happens, you might get hit with sudden, intense pain in your upper right abdomen—pain that often shows up after a fatty meal and sticks around for hours. Kidney stones If you've ever felt like your body is trying to pass a jagged rock, that's a kidney stone. The pain usually starts in your back or side and radiates down to your lower belly or groin. It comes in waves and is often brutal. Hernias When an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in your abdominal wall, it's called a hernia. You might notice a bulge and feel pain when you cough, lift, or even laugh too hard. It's not just annoying—it can become serious if not treated. Serious conditions to watch for Cancer Ongoing belly pain that doesn't go away could point to something serious like cancer. Tumors in the pancreas, liver, or intestines often don't show symptoms early on, but when pain shows up, especially if it gets worse over time, it's time to see a doctor. Vascular problems Chronic mesenteric ischemia is a rare but serious condition where blood flow to your intestines gets restricted. You'll often feel cramping pain after eating because your digestive system isn't getting enough oxygen. It's sneaky but dangerous if missed. Appendicitis Starts as a dull ache around your belly button and then suddenly shifts to the lower right side—that's the classic sign of appendicitis. It can come with nausea, fever, and a sense that something's not right. It's a medical emergency, so don't wait it out. A 2014 systematic review published in Family Practice highlighted that about a third of abdominal pain cases have no definitive diagnosis after initial evaluation, underscoring the complexity and diagnostic challenge clinicians face. Still, the most common diagnoses among U.S. primary care patients presenting with abdominal pain were gastroenteritis (7-19%), irritable bowel syndrome (3-13%), urological causes like kidney infections or stones (5%), and gastritis (5%). More recent gastroenterology research emphasizes the need to consider less obvious causes like vascular diseases—for example, median arcuate ligament syndrome (a rare compression of an artery) and chronic mesenteric ischemia, both of which can cause persistent or recurrent abdominal pain. These are less common but can be overlooked, especially if a patient has risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or heart disease common in US populations. Why is it important to know this? In the US, where lifestyle factors such as high-fat diets, obesity, and sedentary living are prevalent, risks for digestive and vascular causes of abdominal pain may be higher. For instance, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can cause liver pain, is on the rise and can lead to more serious liver damage if left unchecked. Similarly, obesity and diabetes increase risk for gallstones and vascular issues that cause chronic abdominal symptoms. If your abdominal pain is persistent, worsening, associated with symptoms like unintentional weight loss, vomiting, blood in stool or urine, jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin), fever, or changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks, seek medical help. These could be signs of serious underlying diseases needing prompt diagnosis and treatment. Primary care physicians often use a combination of detailed history, physical exams, lab tests, imaging (ultrasound, CT scans), and sometimes endoscopies to find the cause. They may refer you to gastroenterologists, surgeons, or other specialists for more advanced care. Lifestyle and prevention tips Though causes can be varied, there are some general tips for better gut and abdominal health: Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Stay hydrated and exercise regularly. Limit excessive use of NSAIDs, alcohol, and smoking. Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Report new or persistent pain to a healthcare provider.
