9 reasons why you feel bloated all the time

Being bloated is no fun, and we’ve all been there. Whether it was an ice cream sundae bar or Chinese buffet, there’s been a time that we just ate too much and had to loosen the belt a few notches just to get some extra relief. However, bloating can happen for a number of reasons—some not related to food—and Matt Hoffman, FNP, clinical assistant professor with the Texas A&M College of Nursing, breaks down why you’re feeling uncomfortable and a little extra “puffy” in your midsection.

What is bloating?

Bloating may feel different person-to-person, but it’s typically described as feeling full or larger to an uncomfortable degree. Generalized bloating can be throughout the body where the body is holding on to a bit more water than normal, but there is also localized bloating that can happen where organs have become swollen and are causing discomfort.

“When someone feels bloated, it can be tricky because bloating is an umbrella term that can be used to describe the general feeling of tightness throughout,” Hoffman said. “Bloating and swelling can cause problems and be the cause of an array of other problems, so it’s best to know what kind of bloating we are dealing with.”

The bloating can be swelling, gaseous pressure or water weight, and the causes of bloating can be serious, or—more times than not—trivial.

Overeating

When you think of bloating, Thanksgiving dinner is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. Overeating is probably the most common cause of bloating, and there are tips to help you manage your portion sizes.

“Choosing a smaller plate can help you eat less in a sitting,” Hoffman said. “Also, slowing down when you eat gives your body an easier time digesting the food, and it can tell your body that you’re full.”

Having a food intolerance

Typically, if someone is feels bloated, it is because of their food or water intake, but even if you haven’t eaten too much, you may have eaten the wrong thing. Certain food intolerances or sensitives to spicy or acidic foods can cause the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to have a more difficult time than usual.

“An undiagnosed intolerance to foods can cause a lot of bloating,” Hoffman said. “The body is trying to break down the foods for the body to use, and a lot of gas can be the result of that work.”

If you experience a lot of bloating, try keeping a food journal to track what you eat, when you notice bloating and the amount of discomfort you experience.

Enjoying a high-starch or high-sodium diet

Diets high in sodium can cause water retention, and foods high in starch can increase the amount of gaseous bloating.

“Everyone is a little bit different, and what causes bloating in one person won’t always affect another person,” Hoffman said. “It’s really just about learning what foods cause you discomfort and limiting them in your diet. Foods heavy in starches—such as beans, legumes and bread—can help you feel fuller longer, but they can also cause someone to feel bloated.”

Certain over-the-counter medications, such as antacids, can be used to treat bloating caused by foods. These drugs work by enabling gas build up to pass more easily through the body and reduce the amount of bloating. Not all over-the-counter medications work the same, so talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about your symptoms so you can choose the right type of medication.

Consuming packaged foods

Packaged foods are a convenient snack, and you can easily fall into the habit of building your meal plan around them. However, packaged meals—which are notoriously high in sodium—tend to also be high in a chemical called monosodium glutamate (MSG), which can cause you to feel like you just ate an entire day’s worth in a single sitting.

“MSG has been known to cause bloating in some people, and it’s a common ingredient used to preserve freshness,” Hoffman said. “It’s common to see MSG in buffets, Chinese food and packaged meals.”

Eating too late

An old myth states that eating too close to bedtime can cause weight gain, but that’s not necessarily true. Eating more calories than you burn causes weight gain. Still, having a heavy meal before bed can cause you to feel as if you’ve gained a lot of weight overnight.

When you sleep, your digestive system isn’t working as hard as when you’re awake, and being in a reclined position can cause some discomfort during the night and in the morning—when you’re supposed to feel at your leanest.

Drinking too much soda

Carbonated beverages, such as soda or sparkling water, are a common reason for bloating. The fizz in your favorite sodas (even diet ones) can cause gas to get trapped in your stomach, which can lead to bloating and belching.

Try limiting the amount of soda you drink and switch to a healthier alternative. Water with cucumber or lemon can offer a flavorful drink with your meal, and black tea can provide the caffeine kick you may need in the early afternoon. If you’re already feeling bloated, peppermint tea is a common remedy that can be used to help reduce the discomfort.

Swallowing too much air

Most people think of taking in air when they inhale, but it can also be done a number of other ways. Common daily habits—such as drinking from a straw, chewing gum and eating too quickly—are ways to add air into your digestive tract instead of your respiratory system.

“When you swallow too much air you can start to feel bloated,” Hoffman said. “If it’s becoming a problem, start cutting out gum and straws and see if that helps eases your symptoms.”

Having an undiagnosed condition

There are a few conditions that can cause bloating. Heart and liver disease and venous insufficiency can cause excess fluid in the abdomen or limbs. These conditions come with more prominent and tell-tale symptoms, and your health care provider can help you identify them and other illnesses that can cause bloating.

“Chronic conditions can cause swelling and bloating in certain areas,” Hoffman said. “If you have a history or concern of these conditions, then it’s best to talk with your primary care provider.”

Other gastrointestinal conditions can also cause bloating and stomach ailments. Conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome can all cause bloating. Acid reflux, and the medications to treat it, can cause bloating and a feeling of increased gas in the abdomen, leading to belching.

Taking certain medications

In addition to the drugs for acid reflux, other medications can also cause bloating. Medications like stool softeners can leave someone feeling bloated with gas, and birth control hormones—whether in pill, patch or implant form—can leave women feeling swollen and heavy.

Other medications, such as aspirin, antacids, diarrhea medications, narcotic pain medicines and fiber or iron supplements can also cause bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms. “If you think your medication is causing bloating, call your health care provider to find out if you may need to change your regimen, but don’t ever stop taking prescribed medications without checking with your provider,” Hoffman said.

When to talk to your health care provider

Bloating can be normal, but it can also be a sign of serious conditions. It’s important to keep track of what foods cause you to feel bloated, but also note if you experience other symptoms that have accompanied bloating.

“If you notice a drastic change in weight or changes in your bowel movements—such as changes in color or consistency—you need to tell your provider that as well, as they can be signs of an underlying condition,” Hoffman said. “If you ate too much and are having trouble digesting your food, then you know that was the likely cause of your bloating and cramping, but if it’s come on suddenly with a healthy diet, you should err on the side of caution and visit your provider.”