Aerophagia is an accumulation of air in the esophagus and in the stomach. This symptom is of no consequence for general health but it is disabling when it causes bloating, sometimes painful spasms and burping. Several factors can be responsible: food, stress and anxiety. It is on them that we must already act.
We start by changing our eating habits
Eat quietly: and chew slowly, calmly, and seated around a table. It’s best not to talk too much while eating and put your work concerns aside. It is also recommended to limit its portions and avoid snacking, which causes a permanent swallowing of air. Salads or raw vegetables should be taken at the start of the meal; fruits or sweet desserts rather in the morning or in the afternoon.
Avoid carbonated drinks : iced or alcoholic, carbonated drinks promote belching. To avoid during the crisis: chewing gum, spicy dishes, fried foods. Foods containing yeast (bread, pastries, cheeses) are not welcome. A walk after meals is always beneficial. Stress preventing good digestion, it is advisable to relax by doing yoga, meditation, sophrology.
See a doctor if aerophagia persists.
Homeopathy calms bloating
To calm the troubles:
- Carbo vegetabilis 9 CH, 5 granules before the two main meals for a fortnight if you suffer from bloating after the meal
- Asa foetida 9 CH, 5 granules before lunch and dinner in case of inability to burp and feeling of a lump in the stomach
- Lycopodium 9 CH, 5 granules twice a day if you experience bloating in the late afternoon
- Ignatia 9 CH, 5 granules twice a day if your aerophagia attacks are due to stress.
Plants play a regulatory role
Infuse the herb of your choice and drink a hot cup after each meal.
- Tarragon fights spasms
- Star anise or star anise prevents aerophagia
- Caraway facilitates digestion
- Peppermint stimulates the functions of the stomach
- Lovage excels in bloating
- Angelica regulates digestion.
In case of stress, prepare yourself an infusion of fresh basil after meals.
Essential oils improve digestion
You can use your choice of essential oil (EO) of tarragon or bay laurel or ginger. Be careful, essential oils should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women!
Place 1 drop of EO of your choice on a bread ball or a neutral tablet or a little sugar, to take in the middle of the meal. If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, it is preferable to use EO in massages: massage your belly counterclockwise with 2 drops of EO of your choice, diluted in a small amount of your milk body or vegetable oil.
- If you prefer to take your EO after the meal, you can opt for the EO of basil, dill or rosemary, 2 drops of EO of your choice in honey. Your sauce is digestible for salads and raw vegetables: add 2 drops of cardamom EO in a teaspoon of vegetable oil.
- If you are stressed, diffuse 15 drops of essential oil of officinal lavender or tangerine or sweet orange (your choice) twice, per day in the living rooms for about twenty minutes.
- If you are anxious, relax in an aromatic bath in the evening, before going to bed: dilute 10 drops of essential oil of officinal lavender in a capful of your bath product.
Gemmotherapy acts on stress and anxiety
Fig tree buds are great regulators of the digestive system and have a soothing effect on stress: take 10 drops in the morning and 10 drops in the evening for 21 days. Repeat a cure if necessary with a week off.
Thanks to Dr Jacques Labescat, general practitioner, phyto-aromatherapist, to Dr Monique Berion, homeopathic general practitioner and to Thierry Morfin, naturopath.
Read also :
- Bloating: how to use charcoal?
- The anti-bloat tips of the stars
- Swollen belly: 12 foods to avoid
