Occasional bloating is an entirely natural part of healthy digestion and often goes away on its own. But if swelling and discomfort are constant, it may indicate an underlying condition. To relieve bloating, it often helps to determine the cause behind it.
Digestive Issues
Stomach bloating most commonly occurs from excess intestinal gas. When we eat, the gut bacteria digest carbohydrates in a fermentation process. If there’s too much fermentation, it can cause excess gas. This may be caused by eating too quickly, carbohydrate malabsorption, IBS (or functional dyspepsia), SIBO, or ‘Visceral hypersensitivity’, meaning you may feel bloated even if your gas levels are normal.
Build-up
Sometimes solids, liquids, and gas build up in the digestive system. This can be caused by a backup or restriction in the digestive tract, or by impaired muscles used in the digestive process. Basically, the buildup leaves less room for gas to pass through and less room for circulatory fluids.
Hormones
Abdominal bloating is a common and unpleasant effect of PMS, menstruation, and perimenopause. It’s especially common to feel bloated during menstruation, as the uterus increases in volume.
Female hormones impact many aspects of bloating. Of note is Estrogen, which causes water retention and results in bloating from excess fluids. Estrogen in the GI tract also increases visceral sensitivity, making you feel more bloated than you may actually be.