Causes of Bloating

Bloating is an uncomfortable feeling in the abdomen area that causes the stomach to swell or protrude. The reasons for bloating are different for everyone and can be monitored if the reason is obvious. However, sometimes the reason is not so obvious and the irritating and painful bloating continues. The answer is often found with time as well as trial and error.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, is a condition where there is constipation, diarrhea, bloating, cramping and tenderness around the abdomen area. People who struggle with IBS will begin to recognize a pattern of what triggers the discomfort, such as eating large meals and or certain foods, taking certain medications, drinking caffeine, or dealing with a lot of emotional stress. IBS is not a life-threatening condition and can be managed by learning what triggers it. Oftentimes a health care professional will prescribe a medication for the condition if it is serious enough. If you think you might have IBS or would like to learn more about it, visit the reference below.

Fat

Fatty foods, such as fried foods, can be difficult for some people to digest, especially if they do not eat a lot of fatty foods on a regular basis. Fatty foods also take more time and work for the body to break down and digest. This can cause bloating and cramping until everything has been digested and passed.

Dehydration

Drinking a lot of water can help soften the food that the body is trying to digest. Water also helps the body make bile and stomach acids that aid in the digestive process. If you are dehydrated, the body is pulling the water from other places to help get the digestive work done. This can be painful and cause bloating and cramping. Staying hydrated is very important.
Water also rids the body, and especially the digestive track, of toxins. If there is stuff backed up inside of you that should not be there, then you will feel bloated and cramped. Drinking plenty of water will help keep you cleaned out.

Dairy

Dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and ice cream can be difficult for many people to digest. These people are normally known as lactose intolerant. Symptoms of lactose intolerant sufferers are bloating, cramping, constipation and diarrhea fairly soon after eating the dairy. For many people the only way to avoid getting sick is to not eat dairy. Many people who struggle with dairy also struggle with fatty foods.

Beans

It is very common for beans, such as pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans and other types to cause bloating and gas. These beans are high in fiber and certain sugars that the body struggles to break down. However, beans are not the only food that is difficult for the body to digest. Broccoli, cauliflower, wheat and barley are a few other examples of difficult foods.

Breathing

Yes, breathing can cause you to bloat. If you take in more air than your stomach can handle, then your abdomen will expand. This often happens with gum chewing, nasal congestion and smoking. This type of bloating is not nearly as painful, nor does it last for a long time. It usually works itself out with a belch.