A dietician has shared five causes of bloating and they’re not food related (stock image) (Image: Getty)
A dietician has revealed five triggers for bloating that aren’t linked to food intolerances. Bloating is a widespread issue, characterised by a full and uncomfortable feeling in the stomach.
The NHS explains: “The most common reason for bloating is having a lot of gas in your gut. This can be caused by some food and drinks, such as some vegetables and fizzy drinks, or by swallowing air when you eat. It can also be caused by a problem with your digestion.”
Lots of people experiencing bloating start eliminating particular foods from their diets in a bid to banish the discomfort they’re feeling, believing food to be the culprit – but a dietician has cautioned this approach could potentially create more problems.
Olivia, a specialist registered dietitian “with expertise from both NHS and private healthcare settings”, used TikTok to highlight alternative causes of bloating while offering advice on what to avoid when experiencing it.
The professional said: “What if I told you that your bloating doesn’t automatically mean you have a food intolerance?
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“As a gastro-dietician, I see this in clinic all the time – someone feels bloated, immediately cuts out gluten, dairy or half their diet but bloating is usually about how your gut is functioning, not just what you ate.”
She then outlined five common causes of bloating. Olivia added: “Bloating can be caused by things like constipation, eating too quickly, stress, hormonal shifts, or simply eating more fibre than your body’s used to.
“It doesn’t always mean that your body’s intolerant to the food you just ate. So, before you start eliminating foods, instead it’s important to figure out what’s actually driving the bloating.
“By cutting foods too soon can sometimes make your gut symptoms worse.”
The NHS corroborates these causes and further suggests bloating could be a symptom of other health issues.
These might be coeliac disease, “a condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten”, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common, usually chronic disorder “that affects the digestive system” resulting in “stomach cramps, bloating and diarrhoea”.
Women may also encounter bloating around their menstrual cycle. The NHS warns: “Sometimes, bloating that does not go away can be a sign of something more serious such as ovarian cancer.”
Some bloating can be eased by regular physical activity and exercise which can help improve your digestion, along with chewing with your mouth closed to minimise air intake while eating.
It’s also important to drink plenty of water and “eat foods high in soluble fibre if constipated, such as oats or linseed”. Opting for smaller, more regular meals over larger portions can also be beneficial.
The NHS also advises bloating sufferers to “massage [their] stomach from right to left to release trapped wind”.
If you’re worried about bloating, or the symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your GP for an evaluation and personalised treatment plan.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
