When a person’s bowel movements are compromised it often results in bloating which makes the stomach appear larger than it normally is. When the gut is full of food, it can often give the appearance of a bloated stomach. Stomach bloating can be extremely uncomfortable and often annoying but luckily it does go away. There are several reasons for the bloat that are not worrying but there are also instances when it could be something serious and one should speak with their GP about the possible cause. What are the seven reasons why you are experiencing bloating?
You ate too much vegetables
Often the nutritious foods a person eats could be the culprit of a little extra air in the tummy.
Eating vegetables such as beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, or carrots can lead to bloating.
This is because these foods contain high amounts of lactose and fibre which lead to the release of bloating gasses hydrogen and methane.
Consuming too many “diet” foods
Diet sodas contain the sugar substitute sorbitol which is also present in certain sugar-free foods and drinks marked as “diabetic”.
These sorbitol’s can wreak havoc on the tummy and often cause bloating. Ingredients such as mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, lactitol, and maltilol are often what causes the stomach to bloat.
Too many bubbles in drinks
Drinks such as champagne, soda, and seltzer water are carbonated and the bubbly beverages will have the same effect on the stomach.
Bubbles expand in the gut and could lead to a slightly bulging belly.
Too many fruit smoothies
Certain fruits such as watermelon, apples, pears, and mangoes have a high ratio of fructose to glucose.
This causes gas and bloating and it is estimated that one in three people has difficulty digesting fructose.
Try sticking to fruits such as bananas or blueberries which cause less bloating.
Constipation
If a person is backed up this will cause extra gas and often leads to the stomach being bloated.
Ways to combat constipation include checking the foods one is eating, drinking more water, and keeping up with workouts which will all aid in better digestion and reduced bloating.
Holiday
Medical experts believe that almost 50 per cent of people become constipated when they travel.
This is due to bedtime and mealtime routines dramatically changing. Changes in the circadian rhythm also throws off the hormone that helps food and waste move through the gut.
Being under a lot of stress
If a person is under a lot of stress in their life they experience a fight-or-flight symptom which includes a racing heart.
When experiencing this a person’s body diverts blood flow away from the GI tract and often digestion is dramatically slowed down.
Heavy breathing, which occurs when there is stress also makes a person swallow more air than usual and this often leads to bloating.
If a person experiences persistent bloating, this could be a cause of worry and it is advised that you should speak to your GP as it may be something more serious.
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