A bloated stomach is an indication of an underlying medical condition. There are a number of causes for bloating and they vary from individual to individual. To treat this problem in an appropriate manner, it is very important to properly diagnose the underlying issue. A bloated stomach causes a lot of discomfort and might even cause weakness. It also makes you feel full even without eating much.
A bloated stomach is often an indication of some problem in the small intestine. Indigestion that causes the production of more gas than normal is the most common reason for bloating. Eating disorders can cause poor digestion and result in a bloated stomach. Some of the major causes of a bloated stomach are discussed below.
Certain Food Items
There are some foods that can cause a bloated stomach. Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbages, sprouts, garlic, and onions are known to cause bloating. A few dairy products and wheat may also lead to a bloated stomach. Consuming excess amounts of those foods that contain gluten also contributes to this problem. It is also recommended to avoid a diet that is very high in fiber. Although fiber intake is important for the body, you should not consume too much of it if you want to prevent bloating.
Flatulence
Flatulence is a very common problem, especially in people who spend a lot of time sitting at one place. To prevent flatulence, you should limit your consumption of cabbage, pulses, prunes, apples, and broccoli. This is because these foods can slow down the digestion while passing through the gut.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome are more prone to bloating. IBS has an adverse effect on the functioning of the gut. Many IBS patients experience a bloated stomach in the evening or at night time. Avoiding cereal fibers like oats, whole bread, and muesli can help to control bloating.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Women often complain about experiencing fullness and bloating during their periods or during early part of pregnancy. This happens because of a rise in the levels of progesterone in the body during such times, which affects the mobility of food through the gut. Bloating and constipation are two of the most common symptoms of slow movement of food through the gut. To avoid this kind of problem, increase your fluid intake and eat more fiber-rich foods.
Overeating or Eating too Fast
Eating too fast and failing to swallow the food properly are among the main causes of a bloated stomach. Overeating, on the other hand, puts too much burden on the digestive system and leads to bloating.
Gastric Distention
Often a result of overeating, gastric distention leads to the creation of pockets of air inside the intestine. These pockets are a result of gas caused due to overeating.
Candida
Candia is yeast that leads to gas formation. It grows in the intestines and is more common in people who have problem with bowel movements. Consuming fast food contributes to the growth of yeast inside the body.
Constipation
Constipation is another common cause of a bloated stomach. Constipation causes fermentation of food inside the stomach and gives rise to gas, which then moves into the digestive tract and exerts a lot of pressure on the stomach.
Aerated Drinks
Fizzy drinks contain gas that can fill the stomach and cause distention. Consuming a lot of aerated drinks can cause bloating and might even lead to weight gain.