Sunday, March 24, 2024

Why Does My Stomach Bloat So Much

Must read

Broccoli And Other Cruciferous Vegetables

“Why is my stomach so bloated?” (Common causes of bloating)

The cruciferous vegetable family includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts and several others.

These are very healthy, containing many essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron and potassium.

However, they also contain FODMAPs, so they may cause bloating in some people .

Cooking cruciferous vegetables may make them easier to digest.

What to eat instead: There are many possible alternatives, including spinach, cucumbers, lettuce, sweet potatoes and zucchini.

You Consume Your Kale Raw

Packed with essential vitamins, kale has a well-deserved reputation as a trendy salad superstar. Thing is, this cruciferous vegetable contains so much hard-to-break-down fiber and an indigestible sugar called raffinose that consuming it raw in a smoothie or salad may bring on gas and puffiness, says Middleberg. Kale is not the only veggie offender other cruciferous greens like Brussels sprouts and broccoli have the same effect. “Cut down on the bloating by eating less kale and cooking the kale you do eat by steaming or roasting it,” suggests Middleberg. You still get the nutrients, but cooking helps soften the fiber and shrink the volume of kale you consume, so it doesn’t take up so much gut-busting room in your small intestines.

How To Improve Your Gut Health

Finding the foods that work best for your unique body and your community of gut bacteria starts with understanding which bugs are living in your gut right now, and which foods will help them thrive.

Our gut microbiome test is the most advanced available on the market, using a deep level of sequencing to identify the microbes in your gut. Weâll tell you which bugs youâre hosting, together with an in-depth understanding of how your body responds to foods so you can take back control of your health and weight for good.

Want to learn more about your unique microbiome and discover your responses to food? Join the ZOE Program today and start your journey towards a healthier gut.

Also Check: Pregnancy Safe Diarrhea Medicine

How Can You Tell The Difference Between An Allergy And Intolerance To Food

Food allergies can be triggered by even a small amount of the food and occur every time the food is consumed. People with food allergies are generally advised to avoid the offending foods completely. On the other hand, food intolerances often are dose related people with food intolerance may not have symptoms unless they eat a large portion of the food or eat the food frequently. For example, a person with lactose intolerance may be able to drink milk in coffee or a single glass of milk, but becomes sick if he or she drinks several glasses of milk. Food allergies and intolerances also are different from food poisoning, which generally results from spoiled or tainted food and affects more than one person eating the food. Your health care provider can help determine if you have an allergy or intolerance, and establish a plan to help control symptoms.

You Chew Gum Or Suck On Candy

Why Do I Get So Bloated During And After My Period?

Gum and hard candy keep your mouth occupied, which can help you lose weight or quit smoking. But they too cause you to inadvertently gulp lots of excess air. And as with using a straw and eating too fast, excessive air can lead to belching and bloat. Try giving up the gum and suckers and instead take frequent sips of waterthat will keep your mouth busy too. There’s a bonus to H2O as well: plain water helps keep your GI tract moving, and that gets rid of excess air and water bloating out your system, Alissa Rumsey, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells Health.

Recommended Reading: Prenatal Vitamins Diarrhea

Afternoon And Evening Bloating And Gas

Do you ever have a problem with bloating in the afternoon or evening? Does it ever get so bad that it’s painful and you feel like your pants are suddenly too small? Does your distended belly make you look like you’re 5 months pregnant?

This problem is more common than you might think, but hearing that will probably not provide you with the relief you’re looking for. Fortunately, in most cases, identifying the source of the problem and getting to a solution is simpler than you might think. I talked to a friend who is an M.D. for his perspective, and his advice was really helpful.

Eat The Right Amount Of Fibre

Sometimes a low fibre diet is prescribed to people who suffer with bloating because of bowel problems.

Foods like lentils, beans, broccoli, asparagus, corn, wheat, potatoes, artificial sweeteners or too much fibre can cause bloating, says Mr Chophada. Keeping a food diary to see if any specific foods trigger your symptoms and trying an elimination diet can help.

Your gut bugs have a bit of a party when you feed them fibre, which can shake things up while your gut adjusts. So you might find yourself a little bloated or windy, adds The Gut Stuff team. Try to increase your fibre intake by 5g per day per week over a few weeks to reduce the risk of bloating, advises the team.

If you love bread, here are some breads that may not make you bloat.

You May Like: Food Poisoning During Pregnancy Second Trimester

What Causes Excess Gas

Many people who feel as though they have excess gas may have increased levels or just an increased sensitivity to it in the gastrointestinal tract. Passing gas, bloating, burping, and belly pain and discomfort are common sensations in those who feel like they have excess gas. These symptoms may be due to a variety of conditions. Health problems including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth , gastroesophageal reflux disease , irritable bowel syndrome , and difficulty digesting certain types of carbohydrates may all contribute to gas build up. Other conditions like abdominal hernias, masses in the GI tract, abdominal adhesions, and dumping syndrome can affect the way gas moves through the intestines.

Bad Eating Habits = Bloating

Why is My Stomach so Bloated in Early Pregnancy?

Its no surprise that bad eating habits can contribute to bloating. Overeating or eating too quickly can cause that stuffed feeling because your digestive system slows down, trying to process a large or fast intake of food. When you talk while eating, drink through a straw or chew gum, you swallow air that can go into your digestive system, causing bloating.

Processed foods, such as hotdogs and chips, also can create bloating. Many processed foods are high in sodium, which makes your body retain water and can cause your stomach to feel bloated. Sugary foods and snacks break down in your body and can make you gassy.

Even what you drink can upset your stomach. Carbonated beverages like beer and soda contain bubbles with carbon dioxide, a gas that releases into your stomach.

Don’t Miss: Does Tramadol Cause Stomach Pain

Take A Warm Bath Soaking And Relaxing

The heat of the bath can provide relief for a sore abdomen. Relaxation can reduce stress levels, which may allow the GI tract to function more effectively and help reduce bloating.

Quick fixes are not always effective for some causes of bloating. However, people who have frequent bloating may find that certain lifestyle changes can tackle the causes and reduce bloating over time.

People can use these simple steps to try to prevent bloating in the long-term:

A More Serious Condition Such As Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common condition that causes abdominal pain with bloating, diarrhea or constipation. The cause of IBS is unknown, but it may be brought on by certain triggers, including:

  • Bacterial infections
  • Food sensitivity
  • Stressful events

If you think you may have IBS, reach out to your doctor for an evaluation. Many times, lifestyle modifications and medicines can help ease symptoms. You may also try some at-home techniques to relieve your bloating.

Recommended Reading: Does Tramadol Make You Constipated

Excess Fiber Leads To Bloating

If you recently upped the amount of carbs in your diet, you might experience some bloating caused by the increase in your fiber intake. Carbohydrate-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans all contain dietary fiber, which adds bulk to your stool but doesn’t get broken down into energy.

While some fiber is good, because it helps stool pass through your digestive tract, increasing your fiber intake too quickly can cause digestive distress, including gas, bloating and diarrhea.

If you think that’s the problem, try scaling back your portions of the most fiber-rich foods like beans and berries and increase your fiber intake gradually, by a few grams a day, so that your system has time to adjust.

Read more:The 10 Worst Foods for Bloating

How To Prevent Bloating

The WAHM

Typically, the first line of treatment for preventing gas and bloating is changing your diet. Research has shown that a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet can reduce the symptoms of gas and IBS. A low FODMAP diet avoids fermentable, gas-producing food ingredients, such as:

  • Oligosaccharides, which are found in wheat, onions, garlic, legumes and beans
  • Disaccharides, such as lactose in milk, yogurt and ice cream
  • Monosaccharides, including fructose , apples and pears
  • Polyols or sugar alcohols found in foods such as apricots, nectarines, plums and cauliflower, as well as many chewing gums and candies

The small intestine doesnt always fully absorb these carbohydrates, instead passing them to the colon, where they are fermented by bacteria and produce gas, Lee says. Not everyone gets gas and bloating from every FODMAP foods. You might start by cutting out FODMAP foods and then slowly bringing them back into your diet one at a time to pinpoint problem foods.

In the long run, the key to preventing bloating is understanding its cause. If mild constipation is the problem, a fiber-rich diet, water and exercise may help, but these steps wont always work for chronic constipation. Chronic constipation and other conditions, such as IBS or gastroparesis, require medical treatment, so its important to talk to your doctor about your bloating symptoms.

Feeling Bloated?

Also Check: Dannon Oikos Probiotics

How Common Is Stomach Bloating

Between 10% and 25% of otherwise healthy people complain of occasional abdominal bloating. As many as 75% describe their symptoms as moderate to severe. About 10% say they experience it regularly. Among those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome , it may be as much as 90%. Up to 75% of women experience bloating before and during their period. Only 50% of people who experience bloating also report a distended abdomen.

Causes Of Serious Bloating You Need To Know About And What To Do About Them

1. Ovarian cancer isnt the most likely, but it is one of the most lethal. Although ovarian cancer is only the fifth most common cancer in women, it causes more deaths than any other reproductive cancer mostly in women over 50. Risk factors include never having children or having them late in life, obesity, a family history of ovarian cancer, certain genetic abnormalities, and long-term treatment with hormone replacement therapy. Persistent bloating, feeling full faster, and pelvic pain are typical symptoms.

What to do if youre concerned about ovarian cancer:

A thorough pelvic exam or transvaginal ultrasound is the best way to diagnose ovarian cancer. The blood test CA-125 isnt a reliable screening test, but it can be helpful for following the course of treatment after diagnosis.

2. Uterine cancer. In addition to bloating, uterine cancer can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, a watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pain with intercourse or urination. But its important to know that sometimes bloating or a change in bowel habits may be the only initial signs of uterine cancer. Important risk factors include taking tamoxifen taking estrogen supplements that dont also contain progesterone radiation therapy a family history of uterine cancer or a family history of a form of inherited colon cancer called Lynch syndrome.

What to do if youre concerned about uterine cancer:

What to do if youre concerned about colon cancer:

See More

You May Like: Who Sells Align Probiotic

You’ve Been Eating A High Fodmap Diet

In case you’re not familiar with them, FODMAPsaka, fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyolsare a type of carbohydrate that’s not easily digested. Because of that, they can lead to stomach pain and bloating, Cohen says. There are a bunch of different high FODMAP foods, but some of the biggest culprits include apples, legumes, milk and dairy products, mushrooms, honey, and even garlic. Given how many foods are FODMAPs, it can be tough to follow a low FODMAP diet, Cohen points outso talk to your doctor or a nutritionist for guidance.

To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter

Having An Undiagnosed Condition

Why You’re Bloated | My Bloating Experience | Health Update Part 4

There are a few conditions that can cause bloating. Heart and liver disease and venous insufficiency can cause excess fluid in the abdomen or limbs. These conditions come with more prominent and tell-tale symptoms, and your health care provider can help you identify them and other illnesses that can cause bloating.

Chronic conditions can cause swelling and bloating in certain areas, Hoffman said. If you have a history or concern of these conditions, then its best to talk with your primary care provider.

Other gastrointestinal conditions can also cause bloating and stomach ailments. Conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease and irritable bowel syndrome can all cause bloating. Acid reflux, and the medications to treat it, can cause bloating and a feeling of increased gas in the abdomen, leading to belching.

You May Like: Does Pickle Juice Help With Heartburn

Why Does My Stomach Bloat After Eating Or Drinking Anything

Gas and bloating are two of the top complaints when it comes to dietary issues. Do you find that you always have a lot of gas after eating, or that your stomach feels so distended after a meal that it could burst?

The thing is, the term bloat can mean different things to different people. While some would say that yes, they would say they feel bloated if they are experiencing either of these symptoms, others see bloating as purely an appearance thing like when you say youre having a food baby when you look a little pregnant after eating.

The Story Behind Bloating And Gas

  • Bloating happens when air or gas gets trapped in your gut
  • It can be caused by taking in air when you eat and drink, or from gas produced by your gut microbes
  • Gas and bloating after eating can be triggered by certain foods, as well as some health conditions
  • Simple changes to how and what you eat can help cut down on bloating and gas

Also Check: Diarrhea And Dizziness During Pregnancy

Summer Food Favorites That Bring The Bloat

Certain foods and drinks just scream summer fun. Unfortunately, that same fare may also cause bloating. If your gastrointestinal tract doesnt move certain foods through efficiently, gas can build up in the intestines. The results are bloating and discomfort.

Here are some examples:

  • Cocktails. Alcohol has a diuretic effect, meaning it can cause you to pass more urine, which can lead to dehydration and water retention, followed by the dreaded bloating. Alcohol also has an inflammatory effect on the body, which tends to make the body swell. Hoping to bypass the sugar by drinking a skinny version of a mixed drink? Calorie-cutting artificial sweeteners may only add to the bloated feeling. Sorbitol, a sweetener used in some drinks, can be hard for the body to absorb and that leads to bloating.
  • Ice cream. Ah the perfect summer treat. But this treat may make you feel bloated. Fructose in the dessert isnt always easily absorbed in the body and instead travels to the colon. There, bacteria ferment the fructose, which releases gases that cause bloating. The other culprit is dairy lactose, which is hard for many people to digest and may cause bloating, gas and overall discomfort.

Sparkling water, seltzer and sodas you find so refreshing contain a lot of fizzy bubbles that may get trapped in your belly, causing a buildup of air, which brings on the bloat.

Remedies For Stomach Bloat

Bloated stomach causes: Why is my stomach bloated ...

Sometimes a simple diet change might be all you need. Sticking to foods that are high in protein or complex carbohydrates can help. Drink plenty of water and stay away from carbonated drinks. Making your meals last longer can help keep you from overeating so be sure to try eating slower and chewing your food more.

Another remedy is to try, in place of three meals a day, eating more frequent, smaller meals. This prevents the bloating that typically follows large meals.

Recommended Reading: Can Turmeric Give You Diarrhea

How Do You Know If Youre Bloated Or Just Fat

Gently press your stomach specifically around the swollen area. If your abdomen feels hard and tight, it means you are bloated. Generally, our stomach is soft and spongy and it remains the same even after gaining weight. If you can easily gasp an inch of your stomach, it can be due to excess of fat.

Prevent A Bloated Stomach

Some medical conditions are more prone to bloating, but water bloat is manageable and may even be preventable. Simply keep in mind some ways to prevent it:

  • Avoid sparkling water whose air bubbles can cause the GI tract to become filled with air.
  • Don’t drink water through a straw. This allows more air to enter the stomach.
  • Sip rather than chug your water.
  • Spread your water intake throughout the day instead of drinking a lot of water at once.

Your body needs water to function, so don’t cut back on your water intake to prevent having a bloated stomach. Even when you do experience water bloat, just be patient it’ll go away.

Read Also: When To Take Align Probiotic

More articles

Popular Articles