Why am I bloated and what can I do to help?

This month, we’re focusing on understanding bloating and why it happens. Many people experience bloating at some point, often alongside symptoms such as stomach discomfort, feeling full, or increased wind, but may not always understand the cause. Bloating is very common and is usually not serious, but it can sometimes affect daily life. We’ll be exploring the common causes and simple ways to manage it in this month’s blog.

What is bloating?

Bloating is when your stomach feels full or swollen, often due to a build-up of gas in the digestive system. You may also notice your tummy looks bigger than usual or feel discomfort after eating.

What causes bloating?

There are many possible causes of bloating. The most common cause is excess gas in the gut.

Other common causes include:

• Trapped gas from certain foods or fizzy drinks
• Swallowing air when eating or drinking too quickly
• Constipation
• Food intolerances (e.g., lactose)
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Stress

Did you know? Some foods like beans and certain vegetables can cause bloating because they are harder to digest.

What can I do to help?

There are simple lifestyle changes that can help reduce bloating:

• Eat slowly and chew your food properly
• Avoid fizzy drinks
• Increase fibre gradually to support digestion
• Drink plenty of water (6–8 glasses per day)
• Stay active – even light exercise such as walking can help move gas through the gut
• Identify and avoid trigger foods – keep a diary to help with this

When should I speak to a bowel specialist?

You should see us for a consultation if:

• You feel bloated regularly
• Bloating continues despite changing your diet
• You have unexplained weight loss
• You notice blood in your stool

If you’re worried about your gut, book to see one of our specialists for a consultation.

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