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12 Reasons You Feel Bloated Much Of The Time (#7 Is Unbelievable!)
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Feeling bloated much of the time is not a comfortable thing to live with. The good news about it, however, is that it is almost always the result of something that can be treated and not something you have to live with the rest of your life!
Some of the following problems can be tested for at your doctor’s office, others you can simply try the elimination method and see if it works.
Bloating and excessive gas are very common complaints so don’t be embarrassed to speak to your doctor about the problem. He’s most likely heard it dozens of times before.
If you want to avoid bloating and get the root of the problem, keep reading! We have 12 of the most common reasons people feel bloated and uncomfortable and what you can do about it!
1. Hormones
Ladies, did you know that you can suffer from bloating because of the hormonal changes in your body? A little bloating before and after your menstrual cycle is normal. This is because gas and stools pass more slowly through the body during this time of the month. Even post-menopausal women can suffer from bloat. You can’t do much about hormonal changes, but try consuming more probiotics, such as eating more yogurt. This can help the digestive system work at its optimum level.
2. Yeast Overgrowth
Intestinal yeast overgrowth is very common and is generally caused by either frequent or long-term antibiotic use. Antibiotics severely alter the natural balance of good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract by killing everything. This allows yeast to take over the landscape, so to speak. When the body is overrun by yeast, you will be gassy and feel bloated almost all the time. You will also find that you crave sugar or simple carbs, such as pasta or bread, because the yeast is literally screaming at you for more food. Other symptoms of yeast overgrowth are fatigue, brain fog, fungal skin infections, and vaginal yeast infections. Try removing sugar and simple carbs from your diet for a time and rebalance your natural gut flora with probiotics supplements.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Many people who have constant bloating and gas find that they suffer from a condition called irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. This is a common but long term condition of the digestive tract that often results in diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating and stomach cramps. Although there is no cure at this time, you can learn ways to manage this condition. Avoid foods that set off this condition (frequently called triggers), limit stress and learn ways to relax, such as yoga or meditation.
4. Food Intolerances
There is a difference between food allergies and food intolerances, although both can cause bloating. Food allergies tend to be more severe in nature, causing swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat or causing the skin to break out in hives, for example. Food intolerances cause an immune system stress response and inflammation. This acts like an irritant to the intestinal tract, which causes bloating. The most common food intolerances are gluten, dairy, eggs, peanuts, almonds, corn, and some fruits including pineapple, banana, and citrus fruits. Try an elimination diet, removing one food at a time for 2 weeks to see if you can identify the problem. If you cannot, see your doctor for a blood test to determine the problem.
5. Certain Foods
The truth is that no matter how healthy a food might be it can still cause bloating. Some of the worst offenders are probably beans and lentils, which contain a compound called oligosaccharides. This is a type of sugar that our body can only partially digest. Other offenders are cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts or cauliflower. These vegetables contain starches which cause gas. Whole grains, although healthy, are high in a type of indigestible fiber which can cause bloating and excessive gas. If one or two certain types of food cause you to feel bloated, or gassy, limit your consumption of these foods.
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