Imagine attending your friend’s wedding — along with all the fun and celebrations, you also get to enjoy the delicious wedding feast. However, shortly after eating, you might start feeling a bloated sensation in your stomach, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable and uneasy throughout the event.

Many of us have probably experienced something similar, right?

Bloating often occurs when we eat large quantities of food or eat too quickly. It can also result from consuming unhealthy foods or dishes made with baking soda.

Interestingly, some people might even feel bloated despite eating relatively healthy meals!

Stomach bloating is a condition where the stomach feels swollen both inside and out due to excess gas buildup. This happens when the intestines produce too much digestive acid, leading to an accumulation of gas in the abdomen.

While bloating is usually not a serious medical issue, it can cause significant discomfort. In severe cases, it may be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, acidity, excessive belching, flatulence, difficulty breathing, and fatigue.

Severe bloating can also cause noticeable abdominal swelling until the gas is expelled.

Because bloating can make you self-conscious about your appearance—especially when wearing certain clothes—it’s important to try to avoid it as much as possible.

Here are some helpful tips to prevent bloating after meals.

# Limit Fluid Intake During Meals

Try to avoid drinking large amounts of fluids, such as juice or water, while eating. Drinking too much can lead to excess gas buildup in the stomach, causing bloating.

# Eat Slowly and Chew Thoroughly

Take your time to eat slowly and chew each bite well before swallowing. This helps food break down more easily in the stomach, reducing the need for excessive digestive secretions and preventing gas accumulation.

# Exercise Regularly

Daily exercise is important to prevent excess gas buildup and reduce bloating. Even a 15-minute walk after meals can make a noticeable difference.

# Choose Low-Salt Foods

Eating foods low in salt can help minimize bloating, as high salt intake can contribute to gas retention in the stomach.

# Avoid Carbonated Drinks

Steer clear of soft drinks and energy drinks during meals. The carbonation in these beverages can trigger increased acid and gas production, leading to bloating.

# Reduce High-Fiber Intake

If your diet is rich in fiber, consider cutting back a bit. While fiber is healthy, consuming too much can sometimes cause bloating.

# Limit Dairy Consumption

Avoid excessive intake of dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter, since they can lead to fat accumulation and contribute to bloating.