I haven't heard that before about ab exercises. They have had no effect on my bloat other than that any exercise helps move things around. I am supposed to walk after dinner every night to prevent bloat. But the thing with bloating is that it is a mystery. Studies show IBSers don't have more gas in their tract making them bloat but it has to do with how their irritable gut reacts to the gas and how it is distributed. Sometimes people get really bloated without ultimately having gas come out so that shows other factors are at work (I think like spasms and cramping). My chiro palpated a place on my right side tummy that felt so strange (speaking of ab exercises again) and afterward I gurgled a lot but not in a bad way-it was like everything was moving around. But bloating will always be benefitted I believe by exercise (and tummy tea!)
-------------------- IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!