Bloating just feels really uncomfortable. One week your clothes fit perfectly, and the next week, they鈥檙e too tight. Food feels like it just sits in your stomach like a big rock. You might wonder if it鈥檚 something you ate.
The discomfort doesn鈥檛 go away - standing, sitting or even lying down feels off. And then there is the stress of someone mistaking the bloating for a pregnancy! If you鈥檝e ever just wanted to slip into your loosest pair of pants to find some relief, you鈥檙e not alone.
I鈥檝e been there too. Through my own journey, I learned that the key to dealing with bloating is understanding what鈥檚 causing it. Here鈥檚 a bit about what I discovered along the way.
What didn't work for me?
1. Cutting out more foods:
I tried eliminating different foods, hoping it would help, but it only made me feel restricted and unhappy.
2. Stressing over it:
The more I worried about my bloating, the worse it seemed to get. Stress was definitely making things worse.
3. Ignoring it:
Pretending it would go away on its own didn鈥檛 work. Ignoring symptoms just delayed my relief.
4. Following generic advice:
I tried all the general tips and attended webinars, but they didn鈥檛 address my specific needs or offer long-term solutions.
What worked for me?
1. Reducing stress:
Stress was a major factor for me. Deep breathing, yoga, and daily walks helped calm my system and reduce bloating.
2. Identifying the root cause:
For me, the problem wasn鈥檛 just food鈥攊t was my gut health. Understanding that made all the difference.
3. Getting professional help:
Working with a health professional allowed me to address the root cause rather than just treating symptoms.
What Could Be Causing Your Bloating?
There are many reasons why you might feel bloated. These are some of the most common causes I see in my practice:
1. Swallowing excess air from:
-Eating too fast
-Drinking carbonated drinks
-Chewing gum
2. Food sensitivities or intolerances:
-Sensitivities can cause inflammation.
-Intolerances, like lactose or gluten issues, interfere with digestion.
3. Constipation:
-A lack of fibre and water can slow digestion, leading to bloating.
4. Low digestive juices:
-Insufficient stomach acid or enzymes can leave food undigested, causing bloating.
5. Gut health imbalances:
-Conditions like dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) or leaky gut can trigger bloating.
6. Stress:
-Stress slows digestion, contributing to that bloated feeling.
7. Hormonal changes:
-Many women feel more bloated around their period.
Simple Tips to Get Started
-Slow down and chew your food thoroughly.
-Cut back on carbonated drinks.
-Increase your fibre intake and stay hydrated.
-Try stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation.
When to Seek Help
If you鈥檝e already tried these tips and your bloating isn鈥檛 improving, it might be time to reach out for professional support.
Finding the root cause is key to lasting relief. Don鈥檛 let bloating control your life鈥攃lick the link above to set up a call. Let鈥檚 chat more about what might be causing your bloating and how we can work toward relief
