<p>Does your stomach ever feel like a balloon about to burst? The tight, uncomfortable pressure in your abdomen may mean you are bloated. A bloating episode can strike after a seemingly harmless <a href="https://fluentinhealth.com/blog/nutrition-essentials-for-your-menstrual-cycle" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">meal</a>, leaving you self-conscious in your clothes and putting a dampener on your day. But what causes this inflated sensation? The reasons behind bloating can be varied. </p><p>Studies estimate that nearly <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37315866/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">18%</a> of the general population experiences<strong> </strong>bloating at least once a week. This translates to a large number of people worldwide dealing with this uncomfortable experience. Bloating prevalence appears to vary somewhat geographically. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37315866/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Studies</a> show a lower prevalence in Asian populations (around 11%) compared to Latin America (around 20%).</p>

What is bloating?

<h2>What is bloating?</h2><p>Bloating, medically known as abdominal distension or meteorism, is a condition characterised by the abnormal swelling or enlargement of the abdomen due to the accumulation of gas, fluid, or solids in the gastrointestinal tract. It can result from various factors such as excessive gas production, impaired digestion, gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation<strong>,</strong> or overeating. </p><p>Dr Sundeep Shah, MBBS, MD, and DM in Gastroenterology, says that bloating may lead to discomfort, pain, and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, frequently accompanied by a visible enlargement or distension in the abdominal area. </p><p>Studies estimate that nearly 18% of the general population experiences bloating at least once a week.</p>

Causes

<h2>What are the main reasons for bloating?</h2><p>A variety of factors can cause bloating. Here&#39;s a breakdown of some common ones —</p>

<h2>1) Excess gas:</h2><p>Aerophagia or air swallowing can occur unconsciously when you’re eating, drinking quickly, chewing gum, or smoking. This air gets trapped in your digestive system and contributes to bloating.</p><p>Our gut bacteria also break down certain foods, including vegetables and lactose-rich dairy products. This process produces gas as a byproduct, leading to bloating. Unlike much of the gas, which gets absorbed into the bloodstream in the small intestine, some swallowed air gets trapped in your stomach and intestines.</p>

<h2>2) Digestive issues:</h2><p>Dr Sundeep says, “Food can move slowly through your digestive system when your stomach muscles weaken or nerve signals are disrupted. This trapped food and gas can cause bloating. Also, difficulty passing stool can lead to a backup in your intestines, causing a feeling of fullness and bloating.”</p><p>Even Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause bloating along with cramping, diarrhoea, and constipation. Even though what exactly causes IBS is unknown, it&#39;s thought to involve <a href="https://fluentinhealth.com/blog/mind-your-gut-does-your-gut-affect-your-mood" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">gut bacteria</a> and nerve signalling issues.</p><p>Studies show lower bloating prevalence in Asian populations (around 11%) compared to Latin America (around 20%).</p>

<h2>3) Food intolerances:</h2><p>If your body struggles to digest lactose—the sugar found in milk and dairy products—it can cause bloating, gas, and other digestive issues. Individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease encounter bloating, among other reactions, upon ingesting gluten, a protein found in barley, wheat, and rye.</p>

<h2>4) Hormonal fluctuations:</h2><p><a href="https://fluentinhealth.com/blog/a-simple-guide-to-womens-hormones" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hormonal changes</a> during menstruation can cause fluid retention and bloating in some women. Also, as the uterus expands throughout pregnancy, it can put pressure on the intestines, resulting in bloating and various changes in digestion.</p>

MBBS, MD, and DM in Gastroenterology

High cortisol levels, a result of stress, can disrupt gut function by affecting intestinal motility and gut bacteria balance, leading to increased gas production and bloating.

Dr Sundeep Shah

<p>Bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort can feel similar, but they have distinct characteristics. Bloating is a feeling of tightness and fullness like a balloon inflating your belly. Gas is more about pressure and the urge to release it with a burp or fart.</p><p>Dr Sundeep explains, “Abdominal discomfort is a broader term for pain or achiness in your abdomen, potentially caused by gas, bloating, or other digestive issues. While bloating can sometimes make your abdomen look bigger, gas usually doesn&#39;t.” The key takeaway is that bloating feels full and tight, gas is about pressure and release, and abdominal discomfort is general pain that can have various causes.</p>

Bloating and stress

<h2>How does stress or anxiety contribute to bloating?</h2><p>Dr Sundeep explains, “High cortisol levels, a result of stress, can disrupt gut function by affecting intestinal motility and gut bacteria balance, leading to increased gas production and bloating.” <a href="https://fluentinhealth.com/blog/the-surge-in-womens-suicide-rates-among-homemakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stress </a>triggers the &#39;fight or flight&#39; response, resulting in blood being redirected away from the digestive system, slowing down the process and potentially causing bloating.</p><p>Unhealthy eating habits and chronic stress can further impair digestion, causing poor nutrient absorption and abdominal discomfort. Additionally, prolonged stress can reduce sensitivity to digestive issues, masking symptoms like bloating.</p>

Bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms

<h2>How does bloating differ from other gastrointestinal symptoms like gas or abdominal discomfort?</h2><p>Patients might perceive various gastrointestinal symptoms differently due to their subjective experiences. The feeling of bloating can be conveyed through different terms, such as feeling gassy, undergoing a sense of ballooning, tightness, or heaviness, explains Dr Sundeep. In medical terms, these symptoms are categorised under dyspepsia, which originates from the Greek word meaning ‘difficult digestion’ and is commonly associated with food intake.</p>

Bloating and weight gain

<h2>Will I gain weight if I am bloated?</h2><p>Bloating is a temporary sensation. Dr Sundeep says that it might make you feel heavier, but it doesn&#39;t translate to actual weight gain. Weight gain, on the other hand, happens when you consume more calories than what your body burns over time. This excess energy gets stored as fat, leading to a long-term increase on the scale. </p><p>Sometimes, bloating can be caused by water retention. This trapped water might show a slight weight increase on the scale, but it&#39;s not true weight gain. It&#39;s temporary and will dissipate once the cause of bloating is addressed.</p>

The red flags include unexplained weight loss, blood in your stool, significant changes in bowel habits, fever, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain.

Bloating and hormonal fluctuations

<h2>Can hormonal fluctuations like menstruation cause bloating?</h2><p>Hormonal fluctuations may cause bloating, especially during menstruation and pregnancy. Our digestive system is influenced by hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate throughout the <a href="https://fluentinhealth.com/blog/a-guide-to-exercising-during-and-after-your-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">menstrual cycle.</a> Higher oestrogen levels can slow down digestion, leading to bloating and constipation. Progesterone can also contribute by relaxing intestinal muscles. Additionally, hormonal shifts can cause the body to retain more fluid, which can accumulate in the abdomen and create a bloated feeling. This is particularly common during PMS, when bloating often occurs a week or two before the period.</p><p>Pregnancy brings its own set of bloating triggers. As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the intestines, slowing digestion again. The <a href="https://fluentinhealth.com/blog/the-impact-of-resetting-hormones-in-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">hormonal changes<strong> </strong></a>throughout pregnancy also play a role. While bloating due to hormones is common, do see a doctor if it&#39;s severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms of a bloated stomach, as it could indicate an underlying medical issue.</p>

Complications

<h2>Can bloating lead to any serious condition?</h2><p>Dr Sundeep emphasises that bloating usually isn&#39;t a cause for alarm. Common culprits like excess gas, fluid retention due to hormones or medication, and constipation can all lead to that uncomfortable feeling of abdominal fullness. However, in some cases, persistent bloating can be a sign of a more serious condition.</p><p>If your bloating is severe or lasts for weeks, see a doctor to rule out any underlying issues.</p><p>Dr Sundeep says, “The red flags include unexplained weight loss, blood in your stool, significant changes in bowel habits, fever, vomiting, and severe<strong> </strong>abdominal pain.”</p>

Tips to prevent bloating

<h2>Are there any lifestyle changes I should adopt to prevent bloating?</h2><p>Dr Sundeep shares some remedies to manage bloating — </p>

<h2>1) Increase fibre intake</h2><p>Eating a fibre-rich diet, about 25-30 grams daily, can facilitate consistent bowel movements and decrease bloating. Make sure that your diet comprises plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. But remember that excessive fibre consumption can cause bloating and loose stools.</p>

<h2>2) Stay hydrated</h2><p>Consuming 8-10 glasses of water every day is recommended to avoid dehydration and constipation while reducing bloating.</p>

<h2>3) Eat less of gas-producing foods</h2><p>Foods like beans, broccoli, cabbage, onions, and fizzy drinks can lead to increased gas and bloating. Limiting<a href="https://fluentinhealth.com/blog/is-your-love-for-ramyun-good-for-your-gut" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> these foods</a> may help reduce bloating.</p>

<h2>4) Eat smaller meals</h2><p>Eating large meals can strain your digestive system and lead to bloating. To help prevent this, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.</p>

<h2>5) Avoid chewing gum and drinking through a straw</h2><p>Aerophagia is a medical term for when a person excessively and repeatedly swallows air. Smoking, using a straw for drinking, chewing gum or eating food in a hurry may result in you swallowing excess air, which could lead to bloating. Try to avoid the abovementioned habits to reduce bloating.</p>

<h2>6) Limit salt intake</h2><p>Consuming salt excessively can cause water retention in your body, which may result in bloating. Aim to decrease your consumption of processed foods and those high in sodium.</p>

<h2>7) Make exercising a habit</h2><p>Being physically active regularly can help your digestion and reduce bloating. Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.</p>

<h2>8) Handle stress smartly</h2><p>Stress can impact your digestive process and cause bloating. To help reduce bloating, practise stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or spending time outdoors<strong>.</strong></p>

<h2>9) Go for probiotics</h2><p>Probiotics are helpful bacteria that can support a healthy gut microbiome and alleviate bloating. Consider adding probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi to your diet</p>

<h2>10) Keep a food diary</h2><p>Monitoring what you eat and its impact on your bloating enables you to recognise trigger foods and make the necessary changes to your diet.</p><p>Don&#39;t hesitate to talk to your doctor if you&#39;re experiencing bloating. Early diagnosis and treatment can benefit your health immensely. </p>

NLM: Prevalence and Associated Factors of Bloating: Results From the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study

NLM: Meteorism

Healthline: What’s Causing My Abdominal Bloating, and How Do I Treat It?

NLM: Epidemiology of aerophagia in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Jama Network: Lactose Intolerance

Mayo Clinic: Lactose intolerance

Cleveland Clinic: Functional Dyspepsia

Healthline: Causes that affect women only

Healthline: What Bodily Changes Can You Expect During Pregnancy?

Healthline: What Causes Gas Before My Period and What Can I Do About It?

Why Am I Always Bloated?

Explore bloating causes, symptoms, and expert relief strategies on Fluent Health. From gas to hormonal changes, get insights and solutions for fast relief.

Bloating: Causes, Symptoms & Expert Insights | Fluent Health

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