Bloating is a very common symptom, but it’s also a notoriously vague one; there are a lot of different health issues that could cause it, and it’s often hard for doctors to give direct instructions of how to treat it.
One of the first ways bloating is treated is by a change of diet, but before a person can go about adding or subtracting certain foods, they have to know what foods — if any — are causing their symptoms. That’s where a food journal comes in. If you find yourself experiencing bloating after meals, you may want to ask your doctor if creating a food journal is an advisable first step.
Creating a Food Journal
After speaking with your doctor about using a food journal to track your symptoms, it’s important to take it seriously. This means writing down everything you eat during the day and making a point to be descriptive. Instead of writing “a burger for lunch,” it’s much more helpful to write: “burger patty, four ounces / pretzel bun / two pieces of romaine lettuce / one slice of cheese / three pickles / a teaspoon of ketchup and mustard.”
It’s also important to write down the time of day, as well as any “extras” that can sometimes be forgotten (salad dressings, condiments, added sugar and cream in coffee, etc.). If you experience any symptoms like gas and bloating directly after eating, it’s also important to write those down.
The more detailed you are about your meals and your experiences, the easier it will be for you and your doctor to identify if there are any specific foods causing certain uncomfortable symptoms. Once these foods or food groups are singled out, you can work on eliminating them from your diet to see if that makes your stomach happier.
Alleviating Gas and Bloating
Whether you’re in the midst of creating a food journal, or just simply looking for ways to alleviate gas and bloating, trust Gas-X to relieve your pressure, bloating, and discomfort — fast. Gas-X Maximum Strength Softgels are not only easy to swallow, they contain 250 mg of simethicone, the strongest treatment available without a prescription.
