Bloating is an uncomfortable tightness in the abdomen that can interfere with daily activities. It can make you feel self-conscious and sluggish all day. While some foods, such as those high in fibre, are common culprits, some other causes of bloating may surprise you. Keep reading to learn about some unexpected causes of bloating and strategies to combat them.
1. The Gut-Sleep Connection
Your sleep cycle is intricately linked to your gut health. Sleep deprivation or poor-quality sleep may affect the production of hormones that regulate digestion. This can lead to reduced gut motility and indigestion, which can result in bloating.
Fight Back: Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep by creating a routine that helps you get to bed on time, allowing you to prioritise healthy sleep and, consequently, a happy gut.
2. Chewing and Eating Too Quickly
Eating too quickly and not chewing your food properly can result in swallowing a large amount of air, which becomes trapped in your digestive system and causes bloating and discomfort.
Fight Back: Savour your food, chew carefully, and properly chew each bite before moving on to the next. This improves digestion and prevents air from entering your system.
3. Medication and Side Effects
Antibiotics and heartburn medications may cause bloating as a side effect. This is caused by an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in your gut.
Fight Back: Talk to your doctor if you feel that your medication is causing bloating. They might change your dosage or recommend an alternative medication.
4. Stress
Stress can have an impact on the entire body and its systems, including digestion. When you are stressed, your digestive system’s ability to produce stomach acid and enzymes is compromised, which can cause bloating.
Fight Back: There are many ways to manage stress. Yoga, meditation, exercise, and being close to nature can help promote your mental health and digestion.
5. Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities caused by triggering ingredients, such as gluten or lactose, can induce bloating. This occurs when certain foods are unable to be properly digested by the gut.
Fight Back: Keep a food diary to identify trigger foods. Work with a doctor or a dietician to eliminate common trigger foods, such as dairy and gluten, to determine what works best for you.
Remember, if you are experiencing chronic bloating or severe discomfort, you should always see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical issues. By following these tips and being mindful of these unexpected causes, you can take back control of your gut health and avoid the dreaded bloating!
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