Bloating does not occur randomly; it is one of the first symptoms our bodies exhibit to show us that something is not right with our digestive system. If each meal is accompanied by discomfort, it isn’t digestion that is going wrong; it is a signal being conveyed about possible interference with gut function, from microbial imbalance to enzyme deficiency. Instead of accepting these symptoms as normal, it is necessary to find out their underlying cause.

Bloating is not normal

Bloating has been characterized as a feeling of abdominal fullness, pressure, or bloating, frequently associated with visible discomfort. For most of us, it may be a normal outcome of eating too much, but growing findings in medical sciences indicate that recurrent bloating is not a normal response of the body; it is a symptom of something being wrong with the digestive system.From “Prevalence and Associated Factors of Bloating: Results From the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study“, approximately 18% of the worldwide study population experienced bloating (from 11% in East Asia to 20% in Latin America). Prevalence among women declined with age, and women were roughly twice as likely as men to experience bloating. Over half of survey participants who experienced weekly epigastric pain (71.39%), nausea (59.7%), or abdominal pain (61.69%) also indicated weekly bloating at least once.

If it is not bloating alone, what else could it be

Temporary bloating can be due to overeating or problems with the digestive tract, but frequent or chronic bloating usually indicates a more significant problem, such as

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

A Research paper titled “Bloating in irritable bowel syndrome” (2011) stated that bloating is among the most prevalent and bothersome symptoms suffered by patients with IBS. From 18180 research subjects, 198 subjects fulfilled diagnostic criteria for the irritable bowel syndrome based on the criteria ROME III-61.6% of them complained about bloating symptoms. In one study, bloating was the most distressing symptom, rated by 60% of patients with IBS.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, is when there’s an abnormal increase in bacteria in the small intestine. It’s often responsible for symptoms like chronic diarrhea and poor absorption of nutrients. This happens when food isn’t moved along properly and stays in the small intestine for too long, giving bacteria a chance to grow. The buildup of gas from this overgrowth causes bloating, showing that bloating isn’t just about overeating; it can be part of a more serious digestive issue.

Celiac disease

Celiac is an autoimmune illness that is provoked by gluten. It disrupts the functions of the small intestine and hinders nutrient uptake in our bodies, causing symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue. Celiac Disease is a rare but crucial cause of elevated intestinal gas (bloating), and without diagnosis, the patients risk complications like malabsorption, anemia, osteoporosis, and even intestinal lymphoma.

Hormonal changes

Most women suffer from bloating due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or hormonal imbalances, which can and might affect the way that fluid or gas is stored in our bodies.

What helps relieve bloating