What is bloating?

A feeling of fullness after eating is an unpleasant physical sensation that occurs after a sumptuous, fatty or hastily consumed meal. It can manifest itself as bloating, a distended stomach (flatulence) or pain in the gastrointestinal tract. The feeling of fullness does not usually last long. As digestion progresses, the unpleasant feeling of fullness usually disappears by itself.

In addition to careless eating habits, gastrointestinal diseases, irritable stomach syndrome, gastritis or food intolerances can also be behind the symptoms. Genes also play a role in the development of a feeling of fullness or digestive complaints.

On the one hand, food intolerances can be genetic and trigger bloating, flatulence and other symptoms. On the other hand, genes intervene in the sensitive regulation of hunger and satiety. Genes that are responsible for the production of leptin, ghrelin, peptides and other proteins can act as appetite regulators. Leptin, for example, is a messenger substance from the fat cells that transmits the degree of filling of the fat reserves to the brain and may have a hunger-suppressing effect. Ghrelin, on the other hand, is produced in the stomach and increases the feeling of hunger. Genetic variations in these areas can significantly influence the feeling of hunger and satiety, including the feeling of fullness.

How well does your feeling of fullness work?

The feeling of fullness is a complex process that is controlled by various hormones and messenger substances. For example, the feeling of fullness is influenced by the hormone leptin from the fat cells and by the hormone ghrelin from the gastrointestinal tract. Genes also play a role in the development of a feeling of satiety and digestive complaints.

What to do about bloating?

The following tips can help to alleviate or prevent bloating in the future:

• Eat normal sized portions
• Chew sufficiently
• Eat light and low-fat meals
• Do not eat, drink and talk at the same time
• Fennel, caraway, coriander, peppermint or ginger have a digestive effect
• Comfortable clothing, especially around the stomach
• A walk after eating aids digestion
• Avoid stress

What does genetics have to do with it?