Have you ever wondered why your stomach always seems to be bulging out after you just had food? It could be a sign of heavy bloating, and this is what you should know.
Do you feel bloated nearly after every meal, regardless of what you are eating? The occasional bloating is normal, but if you experience persistent bloating after a meal, it may be the way your body is telling you that your gut health is not in balance. The digestive system is a vital part of the general well-being, and bloating is usually among the first signs of an ailing system. The bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal tract is filled with excess gas or air. Although some foods are known to cause this, chronic bloating is in many cases associated with more profound digestive problems, such as Poor gut bacteria balance, Low stomach acid, food intolerances, slow digestion and Inflammation in the gut. When the intestine is not working well, food might not digest well, and thus it ferments, resulting in gas, stomach pain and a swollen belly.
The Gut Health And The Role Of The Gut In Digestion
Trillions of bacteria that help in the breakdown of food, nutrient absorption and the regulation of inflammation can be found in your gut. A healthy intestinal microbiome maintains a healthy, smooth and efficient digestion. This process can, however, be derailed by imbalanced gut bacteria, which results in bloating, gas and abdominal pain following meals. Here are some typical Intestinal Causative Factors of Persistent Bloating.
Food Sensitivities
Reactions to other foods such as dairy, gluten, and high-FODMAP foods are unknowingly reactive to many people. These are hard to digest and after eating they may lead to bloating.
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Low Stomach Acid
Low stomach acid can in fact slow down the digestion process, so that food stays longer in the stomach and ferments to produce gas just like people think.
Poor Chewing And Fast Eating
Eating in a hurry or failing to chew the food causes additional air in the digestive system and strain the gut.
Stress And Gut Health
Chronic stress has a bad impact on digestion, as it lowers the levels of enzymes produced and slows the gut transit, hence increasing the chances of bloating.
How To Maintain A Healthy Gut ?
With the help of better gut health, you can reduce bloating caused by food consumption. The following evidence-based strategies may be tried:
- Take food gradually and grind slowly.
- Restrict ultra-processed food and sugar.
- Add probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir and fermented vegetables.
- Add more fiber few whole foods.
- Remember to be hydrated in order to help with digestion.
- Deal with stress by exercising, breathing, or meditating.
- In case the bloating continues, a food and symptom can be considered in order to detect certain triggers.
When To See A Doctor?
When your bloating is extreme, painful, or includes unexplainable weight loss, bloody diarrhoea, or chronic changes in your digestive system, it is necessary to seek medical care to eliminate such conditions as IBS, SIBO, or food intolerances. It is not normal to get bloated after every meal. It is usually an indication that your gut is not doing so well and requires reinforcement.
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Overall, If you follow a proper lifestyle and maintain a healthy diet, then it is possible you can make your gut healthy again, and hence, without compromising on your diet, you can maintain your health.