Introduction
If you’re constantly feeling bloated in your belly, it could be due to a variety of medical reasons. From food intolerances to digestive issues, there are many potential causes of bloating. Fortunately, there are also many ways to reduce or eliminate the discomfort. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common medical reasons why you’re always bloated in your belly and provide tips on what to eat and what to avoid to help reduce the bloating.
Medical Reasons Why You’re Always Bloated in Your Belly — Eat This Not That
If you’re constantly feeling bloated in your belly, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Here are some of the most common medical reasons why you may be feeling bloated and what you can do to help alleviate the discomfort.
1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a common digestive disorder that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. It is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including stress, diet, and genetics. Eating a diet low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) can help reduce symptoms of IBS. Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can also help reduce bloating.
2. Food Intolerances
Food intolerances can cause bloating and other digestive symptoms. Common food intolerances include lactose, gluten, and FODMAPs. If you suspect you have a food intolerance, it’s important to speak to your doctor or a dietitian to get tested and develop an elimination diet to help identify the offending food.
3. Constipation
Constipation can cause bloating and abdominal discomfort. Eating a diet high in fiber, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly can help reduce constipation and bloating. If these measures don’t help, your doctor may recommend a laxative or other medication.
4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a digestive disorder that can cause heartburn, chest pain, and bloating. Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, avoiding spicy and fatty foods, and avoiding lying down after eating can help reduce symptoms of GERD. If these measures don’t help, your doctor may recommend medications to help reduce symptoms.
5. Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and other digestive symptoms. Eating a gluten-free diet is the only way to manage celiac disease. If you suspect you may have celiac disease, it’s important to speak to your doctor to get tested.
Conclusion
If you’re feeling bloated in your belly, it’s important to speak to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly can help reduce bloating and other digestive symptoms.
Are you dealing with chronic belly bloat? “When someone feels bloated, it can be tricky because bloating is an umbrella term that can be used to describe the general feeling of tightness throughout,” says Matt Hoffman, FNP, clinical assistant professor with the Texas A&M College of Nursing. “Bloating and swelling can cause problems and be the cause of an array of other problems, so it’s best to know what kind of bloating we are dealing with.” Here are five reasons you’re always bloated in your belly, according to experts. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Eating more than is comfortable could lead to painful belly bloating. “Choosing a smaller plate can help you eat less in a sitting,” Hoffman says. “Also, slowing down when you eat gives your body an easier time digesting the food, and it can tell your body that you’re full.”
Sitting too much after eating can cause a bloated stomach. “[That’s why] I’ll often tell someone to go take a walk after lunch to help them to digest so they don’t feel so uncomfortable,” says Laura Manning, a registered dietician in the department of gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. “Exercise helps speed up your bowel transit and helps you to go to the bathroom more frequently.”
Celiac disease or gluten intolerance could cause bloating, doctors say, as well as dairy intolerance. “When I think of malabsorbers, I think of patients who are intolerant to dairy, fructose (high fructose corn syrup), and/or sucrose (artificial sweetener),” says Dr. Chad Gonzales.
Stress can cause bloat, according to medical experts. “We know that the gut is bidirectionally connected to the central nervous system via the brain-gut axis,” says Ashkan Farhadi, MD, gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. That’s why “when you’re stressed, you can have stomach discomfort and hypersensitivity.”
“Everyone is a little bit different, and what causes bloating in one person won’t always affect another person,” Hoffman says. “It’s really just about learning what foods cause you discomfort and limiting them in your diet. Foods heavy in starches—such as beans, legumes and bread—can help you feel fuller longer, but they can also cause someone to feel bloated. If you notice a drastic change in weight or changes in your bowel movements—such as changes in color or consistency—you need to tell your provider that as well, as they can be signs of an underlying condition. If you ate too much and are having trouble digesting your food, then you know that was the likely cause of your bloating and cramping, but if it’s come on suddenly with a healthy diet, you should err on the side of caution and visit your provider.”
Ferozan Mast