Understanding bloating and its causes

Understanding Bloating: When Your Body Sends Signals

Dr. Manu Das | Digestive Health

Bloating is a common and uncomfortable condition where your abdomen feels full, tight or swollen - often due to excess gas, fluid retention or digestive dysfunction. Causes can vary depending on your diet, lifestyle, gut health and underlying medical conditions.

Here is a breakdown of the major causes of bloating:

Gas Accumulation

Gas accumulation in the intestines due to fermentation of poorly digested carbs, beans, legumes, raw vegetables (specifically cabbage, cauliflower etc)

Sluggish Digestion

Sluggish digestion due to less fibre intake, lack of exercise, late and heavy dinner, untimely meals, excessive snacking etc.

Constipation

Lack of proper bowel movement can cause bloating.

Food Intolerances

Lactose, gluten, FODMAPs (fermentable carbs) trigger bloating.

Imbalances in Gut Bacteria

Overgrowth of gas producing bacteria (SIBO): Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a prime cause of bloating.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances in women can trigger bloating.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can alter the vagus nerve activity and gut motility and causes bloating.

Gas. Bloating. Burping. Discomfort. But all tests are normal.

We hear this everyday. Ayurveda sees what your reports miss.