7 Reasons Why You Might Be Bloated
We’ve all been there. You wake up in the morning and look in the mirror and think, “Why am I so bloated??” Or you’ve eaten pretty healthy that day and still feel like your belly is bigger than it should be.
Bloat is a problem that can be caused by many different issues, so getting rid of it isn’t easy. Here are 7 potential reasons why you might be bloated.
#1: You’re Not Drinking Enough Water
When you don’t drink enough water, your body doesn’t know what to do. It preps for future water insufficiency by retaining whatever water it does have. Water retention leads to bloat.
To make sure you’re getting enough water, divide your weight in half. That’s the number of ounces you should aim to drink each day.
Carrying a water bottle with you is one of THE best ways to up your water intake. So grab one and get drinking!
#2: You Have Another Health Condition
There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause bloat including:
- IBS or an inflammatory bowel disease
- Celiac disease
- Gastroparesis
It is always best to discuss your condition with your family physician so they can run tests to rule out a potential medical condition.
#3: Your Nutrition is Off
Certain foods you’re eating might be taxing your body too much. Common culprits include wheat, dairy, salt and fructose. If you’re feeling bloated all the time, try cleaning up your diet for a few weeks. Eating a more plant-based, less processed diet can help a lot with bloating.
#4: You’re Not Getting Enough Fiber
This isn’t the most comfortable topic, but it’s a necessary discussion. If you’re wondering why you’re so bloated and you’re not pooping much, the two are probably related.
Constipation is a major cause of bloating and there’s an easy way to address constipation and get your body’s processes moving the way they should: eat more fiber. The truth is that most Americans don’t get enough fiber, so this is a super common issue — and cause of bloating. Bump up your fiber intake and see if you notice a difference.
#5:You Gut Needs Some Love
If you’re bloated, an imbalance in your gut microbiome could be to blame. Other signs of a gut problem include fatigue and a regularly upset stomach, so be on the lookout.
If your gut does need some love, you can turn to prebiotics and probiotics to help out. Try to eat fermented foods to rebalance what’s going on inside your body too.
#6: You Eat Too Fast
Eating your food too fast can cause several problems. For starters, you usually eat more if you eat quickly because your body needs time to send you the signal that it’s full. But inhaling your food also means inhaling a lot of air. This can lead to gassiness, which can lead to belly bloat.
Slow down and really think about savoring each bite. Eating more slowly could be the easy change you need to stop feeling bloated!
#7: You’re Not Moving Enough
Bloat seems like it’s food-related, but exercise is also a piece of the puzzle. If you’ve made changes to your diet and are still experiencing bloating- the culprit could be that you’re not getting enough exercise.
Moving does a lot for your digestion, helping it work faster and better. So make it a point to work up a sweat most days of the week. And consider heading out for a walk after a big meal. The movement right after can help to kickstart your digestive processes, combating belly bloat before it even happens!
There are many causes of bloating which ultimately means that something is off in your body. I have listed 7 of the most common reasons why you might be bloated. Try these solutions and see what works for you! If you need help with your diet or exercise plan, contact me. I’m always happy to discuss both of these so that you are living your best life.