Bloating is a common condition characterized by a feeling of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdomen, often accompanied by visible abdominal distension.
Ranked by community outcomes, then evidence grade, Health Voice mentions, and recency.
Why it may help Bloating: Speeds gastric emptying and reduces bloat
Why it may help Bloating: A Low-FODMAP Diet reduces the intake of fermentable carbohydrates that can be poorly absorbed and fermented by gut bacteria, thereby decreasing gas production and bloating.
Why it may help Bloating: Digestive enzymes supplement the body's natural enzymes, helping to break down complex food molecules, which can reduce undigested food fermentation and subsequent bloating.
Why it may help Bloating: Artichoke extract stimulates bile production and flow, aiding in the digestion of fats and potentially reducing bloating by improving gut motility and nutrient absorption.
Why it may help Bloating: Fennel contains anethole, which has antispasmodic properties that relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing gas and alleviating bloating.
Aerobic and resistance exercise have RCT-grade evidence for depression, comparable to SSRIs in mild-moderate cases.
Why it may help Bloating: Eases constipation-related bloat
Why it may help Bloating: Calms digestive tract
Why it may help Bloating: Eases gas and intestinal spasms
Why it may help Bloating: Targets SIBO-related overgrowth
Why it may help Bloating: Rebalances gut flora that produces excess gas
Why it may help Bloating: Supports stomach acid for digestion
Bitter root supporting liver, bile flow, and digestion.
Community outcomes
Self-reported by community members · not medical advice.
Self-reported community outcomes. Not medical advice. Requires at least three reports per remedy to surface.
Community outcome data is still being collected for this ailment.
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Community Discussions
How global health authorities view Bloating.
The Mayo Clinic acknowledges that bloating is a common symptom with various causes, often related to diet and lifestyle. They suggest dietary changes, exercise, and over-the-counter remedies like simethicone. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that some herbal remedies, such as peppermint oil, have been studied for IBS symptoms including bloating, with some positive results. They emphasize the importance of discussing any complementary health approaches with a healthcare provider. The NHS advises on dietary and lifestyle modifications for bloating and gas, including eating slowly, exercising, and avoiding trigger foods.
Indexed studies for Bloating, grouped by source type and quality.
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Pooled analyses across multiple human trials.
Arif TB, Ali SH, Bhojwani KD, Sadiq M, Siddiqui AA, Ur-Rahman A · European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology · 2025
Functional gastrointestinal disorders impact 40% of the global population, with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) standing out due to its complexity, quality-of-life effects, and economic impact. Our meta-analysis explored the global prevalence of IBS, considering diagnostic criteria, subtypes, sampling methods, geographical variations, and risk factors. The literature search used databases like PubMed and Cochrane Library, focusing on IBS studies from 2006 to June 2024. Eligibility criteria included studies on individuals aged ≥18, based on Rome III/IV criteria, using random or convenience sampling. Data on IBS prevalence, subtypes, and sampling methods were extracted, and statistical analysis was performed using Open MetaAnalyst and the review manager. The study reviewed 96 articles on IBS prevalence using Rome III and IV criteria across 52 countries, revealing a global prevalence of 14.1%. Prevalence varied by subtype: IBS-C (26.1%), IBS-D (26.5%), IBS-M (31.4%), and IBS-U (8.3%
Khan Z, Muhammad SA, Amin MS, Gul A · Cureus · 2025 · n=8460
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is frequently observed in clinical practice and affects people from different parts of the world. The pathogenesis and aetiology are not well-defined or fully understood; however, altered bowel movements, psychological factors, and visceral hypersensitivity may contribute to symptoms via a pathway mediated by serotonin and other enteric neurotransmitters. Altered bowel movements, including diarrhoea and constipation, abdominal pain relieved by passing flatus, and bloating are the main salient features of this condition. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness and efficacy of a low-fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (low-FODMAP) diet in these patients. Systematic searches were conducted on PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), systematic trials and cohort studies that included keywords about IBS and a low-FODMAP diet were
Nie Y, Zhang Y, Liu B, Meng H · Obesity surgery · 2025 · n=1290
Suboptimal initial clinical response (SICR) and weight gain recurrence (WGR) are challenging issues following bariatric surgery. Recently, the promising weight loss effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have been applied to bariatric patients. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 RAs in the treatment of SICR and WGR after bariatric surgery. A literature search was performed across online databases. The primary outcomes were percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) and absolute weight loss. Secondary outcomes included changes in biochemical markers and adverse effects (AEs). Nineteen studies including 1290 patients were included. After at least 3 months of treatment, the pooled %TWL was 9.24% for liraglutide, 11.38% for semaglutide, and 15.50% for tirzepatide, with corresponding weight reductions of 8.56 kg, 11.62 kg, and 12.60 kg, respectively. Additionally, %TWL and weight
Controlled human studies with random assignment.
Clinical Trial: Rifaximin Versus Low FODMAP Diet in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Chuah KH, Loo QY, Loh AJC, Leong JY, Chan WL, Khoo XH · Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics · 2026 · n=100
Rifaximin and the low FODMAP diet (LFD) are suggested as second-line therapies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Direct comparative data are limited. To compare the efficacy of rifaximin and LFD in IBS. In this single-blind, randomised controlled trial, we allocated adults with IBS to rifaximin or LFD. The primary outcome was composite symptom improvement (abdominal pain/discomfort and stool consistency/frequency) at Week 4. Secondary outcomes included individual symptom improvement, ≥ 50 point reduction in IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) eradication, adherence and adverse events. We randomised 100 patients equally (median age 50 years; 52% female; 68% IBS-D; 17% SIBO). Based on the composite symptom assessment, response rates were similar between groups (rifaximin 56.0% vs. LFD 48.0%, p = 0.423) at Week 4. Howe
Singh P, Dean G, Iram S, Peng W, Chey SW, Rifkin S · Neurogastroenterology and motility · 2025
Mediterranean diet (MD) has been proposed as a dietary therapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but its efficacy remains unclear. We compared the efficacy of MD to a diet low in fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols (LFD). In this pilot-feasibility, randomized controlled trial (RCT), adult patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) or mixed bowel pattern (IBS-M) were randomized to MD versus LFD for 4 weeks. Meals were provided for both groups (ModifyHealth, GA). Daily variables included abdominal pain intensity (API) and bloating, while IBS symptom severity score (IBS-SSS) and IBS adequate relief (IBS-AR) were scored weekly. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with ≥ 30% decrease in API for ≥ 2/4 weeks. Of 26 randomized patients, 20 finished the study (10 per group). Seventy-three percent of the MD group met the primary endpoint compared to 81.8% of the LFD group (p = 1.0). Although not stat
Singh P, Chey WD, Takakura W, Cash BD, Lacy BE, Quigley EMM · Gastroenterology · 2025
Personalized dietary therapies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are needed and an immunoglobulin (Ig)G-antibody-based elimination diet presents a potential solution. However, existing studies have serious methodological limitations. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an elimination diet by using a novel IBS-specific IgG assay. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial enrolling subjects with IBS from 8 centers. Subjects positive for ≥1 food on an 18-food IgG assay and an average daily abdominal pain intensity score between 3.0 and 7.5 on an 11.0-point scale during a 2-week run-in period were randomized to either an experimental antibody-guided diet or sham diet for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was a ≥30% decrease in abdominal pain intensity for ≥2 of the last 4 weeks of the treatment period. Among 238 randomized subjects with IBS, 223 were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. A significantly greater proportion of su
Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.
Corsetti M, Shin A, Lacy BE, Cash BD, Simrén M, Schmulson MJ · Gastroenterology · 2026
Bowel disorders (BDs), previously termed functional bowel disorders, are highly prevalent disorders worldwide. These disorders affect individuals across all demographic and socioeconomic groups and have substantial economic consequences, in addition to significantly reducing quality of life. Since the Rome IV publication in 2016, research in the basic and clinical sciences has provided new insights in epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of BDs, creating the need to revise the diagnostic framework of BDs. This article presents the updated Rome V classification of BDs in 6 distinct categories: irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, functional diarrhea, functional abdominal bloating, unclassified BD, and opioid-induced constipation. Each disorder is defined, followed by sections on epidemiology, rationale for changes from prior criteria, clinical evaluation, pathophysiology, and treatment. It is in hope that the Rome V BD Committee will assist clinic
Greer KB, Sultan S · Annals of internal medicine · 2025
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder, with a prevalence of 4% to 10%. It is a chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain in conjunction with altered bowel habits, abdominal distention, or bloating. IBS can present with 3 different defecation patterns: IBS with constipation, IBS with diarrhea, or mixed IBS. Recent advances in IBS include a positive diagnosis based on symptom-based criteria and a treatment plan based on IBS subtype and bothersome symptoms. In addition to diet and lifestyle modifications, this article discusses the role of new pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment options for the management of IBS.
Rexwinkel R, Vermeijden NK, Zeevenhooven J, Kelder J, Groeneweg M, Hummel T · European journal of pediatrics · 2025 · n=81
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) in adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain-not otherwise specified (FAP-NOS) in a non-guided setting, resembling clinical practice. This prospective multicenter cohort study conducted in 13 centers included patients aged 12-18 years diagnosed with IBS or FAP-NOS. Patients received educational material on FODMAPs, including extensive lists of high and low FODMAP foods and additional online information. They were instructed to replace high FODMAP foods with low FODMAP alternatives for the duration of 4 weeks. No dietician was consulted. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with treatment success (≥ 30% reduction of abdominal pain intensity) at 4 weeks. The key secondary outcome was adequate relief of IBS/FAP-NOS symptoms. Of the 325 included patients, 81
Preclinical animal research — not a substitute for human evidence.
Aniebo Umoh E, Obembe AO, Ikpi DE, Ekpenyong Eniang-Esien O, Okon Asuquo J, Effiom-Ekaha OO · Heliyon · 2023 · n=19
Recent researches suggests magnesium as an adjuvant medication for COVID 19 patients. Magnesium relaxes skeletal muscles, an effect when prolonged in intestinal smooth muscles can cause severe discomfort such as bloating, vomiting, constipation and nausea. The objectives of this study was to ascertain if magnesium will cause relaxation of the intestinal (ileum) smooth muscles as it does in skeletal muscles. Also, this research seeks to find out the receptor pathway through which magnesium will alter motility in the gut using acetylcholine, atropine and propranolol. Ten male albino wistar rats (100-150 g) were randomly assigned into two groups (control and magnesium treated) (n = 5). Animals were acclimatized for two weeks before treatment which lasted for 6 weeks. Magnesium treated animals received oral magnesium glycinate (1600 mg/70 kg) daily while control group receive normal saline of equal volume. All animals had free access to food and water ad libitum. Result
Public-health agencies: NCCIH, NIH, CDC, NHS.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
NIDDK, part of the NIH, offers comprehensive information on gas in the digestive tract, which is a frequent cause of bloating. The page discusses causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.
Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Antidepressant Therapy for Functional Dyspepsia
n=292 · NCT00248651 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED
Functional dyspepsia is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Symptoms can include stomach pain or discomfort, bloating, fullness after eating meals, and nausea. These symptoms often interfere with school and work, and weight loss may occur due to dietary restrictions. The hypothesis of this study was that antidepressant therapy is more effective than placebo in relief of the symptoms of functional dyspepsia, adjusting for psychological and psychiatric co-morbidity. The study also examined if antidepressant therapy reduces disability and improves quality of life in functional dyspepsia.
n=80 · NCT05595980 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effect of an oral probiotic (Bacillus sp. spore preparation) on abdominal bloating, flatulence, and burping in generally healthy adults. Secondary outcomes include intestinal barrier integrity and fecal microbiome properties (taxonomical structure, diversity, and function).
n=96 · NCT04789967 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED
65% of the general population reported experiencing moderate to severe bloating symptoms. Bloating could be disturbing to patients and frustrating to the physicians as an effective treatment is still lacking. Guided Imagery (GI) involves the structured visualisation of mental images with somatic sensory; whereas Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) focuses on tightening and relaxing the body's specific muscle groups. The development and validation of GI or PMR interventions to treat patients with functional abdominal bloating are relatively novel.
Curated cross-source summaries (TRIP Database and similar).
TRIP Database
TRIP Database is a clinical search engine that allows healthcare professionals to quickly find high-quality research evidence, including guidelines and systematic reviews, related to bloating. It provides a platform for evidence-based decision-making.
Cochrane Library Search: Bloating
Cochrane
The Cochrane Library provides high-quality, independent evidence to inform healthcare decision-making, offering systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials related to bloating. It is a key resource for understanding the efficacy of interventions.
Conventional care for bloating typically involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause. This may include dietary counseling, medications to reduce gas (e.g., simethicone), prokinetics to improve gut motility, or treatments for specific conditions like IBS or SIBO. A healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan.
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This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Persistent or severe bloating, especially with red-flag symptoms, warrants immediate medical evaluation.
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