Has anyone found anything that genuinely helps persistent bloating?

[PrincessofEuphrania]

I am 56 and am constantly suffering from bloating. I was diagnosed last year with mild diverticulitis after being referred to the hospital because of change in bowel movements, bloating etc.

My stomach is huge by the end of the day, embarrassingly so. I can’t wear anything remotely close fitting anymore.

The latest thing I’m reading about is apple cider vinegar but I’m concerned as it says it keeps you regular and I really do not need any help in that direction 😁.

Has anyone successfully beaten the bloat?

I never had any tummy problems until I started taking apple cider vinegar one summer @PrincessofEuphraniahaving read an article about good it was for you.
I stopped years ago but my tummy has never been right since.

I had the same. Got my thyroid tested and I was massively hypothyroid so I’m on medication for that which has improved things.
I cut out bread and pasta which made a huge difference.
I also cut out lactose. I drink lots of milk and love lattes. I switched to Arla lactose free milk which just tastes exactly the same as normal milk and doesn’t bloat. It’s a bit more expensive but worth it.

Right - I’m NOT going to try the apple cider vinegar as I absolutely can’t afford to make my stomach worse!

It seems to me that lactose and gluten are the main culprits so I am trying to cut them out.

I’ve made a start by having porridge made with water for breakfast (I’d love to add a banana but unfortunately I think that bloats me ) and only drinking peppermint tea or warm water. I’ve also stopped drinking my one and only cup of coffee per day.Very boring but at this point very necessary.
Thank you for all your suggestions. It seems to be a very common complaint.

@PrincessofEuphrania if you like milk in your coffee and porridge why not just switch to the Arla lactose free milk? It’s gorgeous and tastes 100% like normal milk. It’s just milk with lactase added to remove the lactose. It’s not oat milk or soya milk.
https://www.asda.com/groceries/product/lactose-free-milk/arla-lactofree-semi-skimmed-milk-drink-1l/1841793

I’ve also found the Arla milk @sociableintrovert123 posted very, very helpful as I really don’t care for plant milk in tea or coffee. (It is fine when required as a recipe ingredient). Their lactose free cream is a treat, too!

Yes peppermint oil is great.