We all have days when you’re so hungry that you end up eating more than what your body allows. While it may seem satisfying at the moment, practically inhaling your food like that can cause you issues later on, like causing you bloating. You may have noticed how you get bloated after you eat food like ramen noodles and other processed snacks like chips etc., but what is that? Basically, you get bloated because there is a lot of air in your stomach. Bloating is that feeling of fullness or swelling in your abdomen, is often caused by gas buildup in your gut. While everyone swallows some air while eating and drinking, excessive air intake can lead to bloating, burping, and discomfort. Certain foods and drinks can also contribute to gas. Bloating can sometimes make your belly appear larger (distention) and can be uncomfortable or even painful. Though usually more of a nuisance than a serious medical issue, bloating after eating is often preventable.

The Best Way To Avoid Bloating

The most effective way to combat post-meal bloating is to eat slowly and thoroughly chew your food. This helps prevent swallowing excess air, a common culprit behind bloating, especially for those who frequently burp. Thorough chewing also aids digestion by breaking food into smaller particles, making it easier for your gut to process.

This simple change can involve taking smaller bites, using smaller utensils, chewing your food more times before swallowing, or taking short breaks between bites to sip water or put down your utensils.

This practice offers additional benefits. Eating slowly can help you feel full with less food, which can be beneficial for weight management. It takes approximately 20 minutes for your brain to register fullness. Eating too quickly, on the other hand, is associated with weight gain.

Slowing down also helps you eat more mindfully. While it is understandable that sometimes you are eating because you have had a long day or no proper meal, when you are eating too quickly, not only are you not giving your body time to understand the amount of food it is consuming, causing you to overeat, but you are also not chewing properly, aiding to the inevitable bloating. Chewing properly allows you to focus on the aroma, flavors, and textures of your food. Mindful eating involves minimizing distractions and paying attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues without judgment. This practice can reduce stress and support healthy digestion by promoting relaxation.

More Ways to Prevent and Treat Bloating

Beyond slowing down, several other strategies can help prevent bloating. Eating smaller, more frequent meals prevents overloading your gut and reduces gas production. Remember to sit down and eat, avoiding eating on the go, which often leads to rapid eating and overconsumption. Regular exercise can also improve digestion and prevent bloating. Gentle activities like walking can be particularly helpful when you're feeling bloated. Massaging your stomach from right to left can also help release trapped gas.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like simethicone or charcoal capsules can provide relief. If you're also experiencing constipation, consult your doctor. While fiber is generally beneficial, insoluble fiber (found in the outer layers of plant foods like whole grains, nuts, and seeds) can sometimes exacerbate bloating and gas. Soluble fiber supplements, such as psyllium, are often better tolerated.

Several habits can contribute to bloating and should be avoided or limited. These include chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, drinking carbonated beverages, using a straw, and talking while eating or drinking. All of these can increase the amount of air you swallow. Certain carbohydrates can also trigger gas production in some individuals. When these carbohydrates reach the large intestine, bacteria break them down, leading to gas. Consuming too much fiber or high-fat foods can also contribute to bloating. If you suspect specific foods are triggering your bloating, consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Been feeling a certain tightness in your chest or out of breath when you walk up the stairs?

Dr Sharonne Hayes, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic US has revealed that low exercise tolerance or not being able to do physical activity for long or as intensely as in the past may be a sign of a future heart attack due to coronary heart disease.

The expert told TODAY.com, "I find as a physician, one of the most helpful questions when somebody comes in and says they’re breathless, I say, think back: Could you do that earlier this summer or last summer, and now you can’t?

"A substantial minority of patients will have some symptoms that, had they paid attention to them or sought an outpatient evaluation, they might have had a different outcome."

She explained that sudden tiredness, breathlessness and having to take a break while performing basic physical activities such as going on a walk may indicate narrowed arteries in the body which can suggest heart blockage. Over time, this can develop into coronary artery disease and pave the way for a heart attack.

Coronary Artery Disease: The Silent Killer

Despite being as a common heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD) develops over years and has no clear signs and symptoms apart from a heart attack. The illness begins due to a buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances known as plaque in and on the artery walls.

Over time, this can cause narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries and block the supply of oxygen-rich blood to heart which can lead chest pain (angina), shortness of breath and ultimately, heart attacks.

Typically, those above the age of 45, having a biological family member with heart disease, lack of sleep, smoking, consuming saturated fats along with other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of developing CAD.

Treatment options may include medicines and surgery. Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and not smoking can help also prevent CAD and the conditions that can cause it.

Nearly one in 10 Indian adults suffer from CAD and about two million people die from the disease annually. Apart from this, about 18 to 20 million American adults aged 20 and older are also affected about the disease.

How Much You Should Exercise To Prevent CAD?

Moreover, regular exercise can also reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s, several types of cancer. It can also help improve sleep, cognition, including memory, attention and processing speed.

Dr Hayes recommends opting for a cardiac evaluation such as an electrocardiogram, or EKG; stress test; a cardiac MRI or CT scan to generate images of your heart if you notice changes in your ability to exercise or cannot perform consistent levels of exercise.

Wegovy pill is launched on Monday and the starting dose is now available at pharmacies around the US. Higher doses will arrive by the end of the week. The Food and Drug Administration approved the pill for obesity on December 22. The pill has also been approved to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke among patients who are obese or overweight.

How Effective Is The Wegovy Pill?

After injection by Novo Nordisk, of the same name, Wegovy, which has been on the market since 2021, its popularity grew so much that it was in short supply until February 2025. The pill version has now come out, which many experts believe will expand its accessibility. As the monthly supply of pill is expected to be cheaper than the monthly supply of the weight loss injection.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine show that a 25 milligram Wegovy pill led to 13.6% reduction in weight on average over 64 weeks. When compared to placebo, the result was only 2.2% of weight loss. Novo Nordisk says that those who stayed on the treatment and reduced their calorie intake, it would lead to a loss of 16.6% of their weight.

How To Use The Weight Loss Pill?

The first step lies in buying the correct and safe weight loss pill. Make sure the weight loss pills are clinically proven option for people to use to reduce their weight.

Take the pill with a glass of water. Make sure to always have the pill prescribed and follow the instructions that you GP has told. Store the pill in a cold place, however avoid freezing the medicine. Keep the medicine out of a child's reach. In some weight loss pills, if you miss your dosage, you can take it within 1 hour, however, clarify these doubts from your GP. A pill can usually be consumed within an hour of a fat-containing meal up to three times a day., however, the Wegovy pill must be taken on an empty stomach. Patients are advised not to eat, drink, or take other medicines for at least 30 minutes afterward. Thus, one must follow what is being prescribed for the best result, as the administering of the pill could vary based on the medication.

Most importantly, a healthy balanced diet, and a regular workout routine is also important will the person is on the pill.

Read: Wegovy Starter Dose Now Available As Daily Pill, Replacing Weekly Injections

What Are The Side Effects Of Wegovy Pill?

Digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting remain the most common side effects of GLP-1 drugs. These issues were also reported in studies of the pill versions. Around 7 percent of participants taking the Wegovy pill stopped treatment because of side effects, compared with 6 percent in the placebo group. In orforglipron’s trial, up to 10 percent of patients discontinued treatment, compared with 3 percent on placebo.

One key difference lies in how the medications are used. The Wegovy pill must be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water. Patients are advised not to eat, drink, or take other medicines for at least 30 minutes afterward. Doctors say this requirement has limited the use of Rybelsus, the pill form of semaglutide approved for diabetes, compared with Ozempic.

Eli Lilly highlights that orforglipron was taken once daily in trials without restrictions on food or water, which may make it easier for patients to use consistently.

Anyone who has purchased omeprazole will have noticed a clear NHS warning advising against using the drug for longer than two weeks due to its possible impact on the body. Omeprazole belongs to a group of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, and is commonly used across the UK to treat conditions such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

How Omeprazole Works and How It Is Prescribed?

Omeprazole works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It comes in several forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid preparations. While some versions can be bought directly from pharmacies or shops, the medicine is most often prescribed by a GP.

Although it is effective at easing symptoms linked to excess stomach acid, health experts caution against long-term use. Taking omeprazole for extended periods has been linked to a higher chance of developing certain side effects, which is why routine, prolonged use is usually discouraged.

What NHS Guidance Says About Duration of Use

The NHS clearly advises people who buy omeprazole without a prescription not to take it for more than two weeks. Its guidance states: “Do not take omeprazole for longer than 2 weeks if you bought it without a prescription. See a GP if your symptoms get worse or do not get better.”

In cases where symptoms are more severe or ongoing, a GP may recommend continuing the medication for longer under medical supervision. However, anyone worried about the risks of taking omeprazole beyond a fortnight is advised to discuss this with their doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.

Possible Side Effects of Omeprazole

Like all medicines, omeprazole can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. According to NHS information, some side effects are more likely to appear if the drug is taken continuously for 12 months or longer.

Common Side Effects

Milder and more common side effects associated with omeprazole include:

• Constipation
• Headaches
• Diarrhoea
• Feeling sick
• Excess wind
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

More Serious Risks to Be Aware Of

Less common but more serious side effects linked to omeprazole use include weakened bones, which may increase the risk of fractures. In rare cases, people may experience anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can cause swelling of the tongue or throat, an itchy raised rash, and difficulty breathing.

Other reported risks include a form of lupus that can lead to joint pain and skin rashes, as well as low vitamin B12 levels, which may result in tiredness, muscle twitching, and dizziness.

When to Seek Medical Help?

The NHS also advises calling 111 if you are taking omeprazole and believe you may be experiencing serious side effects. This list does not cover every possible reaction, and individual responses to the drug can vary.

For full guidance, patients are encouraged to read the leaflet included with their medication. More detailed information on how to take omeprazole safely, along with a complete breakdown of potential side effects, is available on the NHS website.