Why bloating is more than just a digestive issue

Bloating is a common digestive issue, with causes ranging from a sedentary lifestyle to an unhealthy gut. But some other every day habits can make you feel bloated, too.

“Bloating is nothing but gas which gets stuck in the abdomen making it look bigger (sometimes bloat like a balloon or even look like a pregnant tummy). But it can also be extremely uncomfortable and painful .. common cause of #stomachpain in kids and adults both,” Dr Akshat Chadha, a lifestyle consultant, shared while listing some top reasons that can make one feel bloated often.

While feeling bloated once in a while is fine if it happens too often then you must get yourself checked for some possible causes. However, even after correcting these issues, bloating persists, you might need to get a check-up done with the doctor, added Dr Chadha.

According to the Dr Chadha, the common causes of feeling bloated are:

Long sitting
Tight clothes, especially pants
Chewing gum
Eating fruit with cooked meals
Gulping or drinking water fast
Talking while eating, or eating with your mouth open
Drinking lots of water while eating food
Eating fast
Lack of probiotics in food
Alcohol, especially beer (and smoking in all forms)
Constipation

Dr Nadendla Hazarathaiah, Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist, Gi Oncology , HPB and bariatric surgery and advanced laparoscopic surgeon, Gleneagles Hospital, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad, artificial sweeteners and substances like sorbitol and aspartame can ferment in the gut, causing gas and bloating. “While healthy, excessive fibre from beans, lentils, and whole grains can cause gas and bloating in some individuals,” shared Dr Hazarathaiah.

Concurring Dr Rashmi Shetty, cosmetic dermatologist, Ra Skin and Aesthetics in Mumbai and Hyderabad said bloating is more than just discomfort; it’s often an early indicator of irritation or inflammation in the gut which, if left unchecked, can escalate into more serious issues like chronic inflammation, leaky gut, or even acid reflux. “Bloating is essentially a signal from your body that something isn’t agreeing with you,” said Dr Shetty.

Intolerance often shows up as bloating, and it can be triggered by various food substances that are unique to each individual.

According to Dr Shetty, an overgrowth or imbalance in your gut microbiome, the friendly gut bacteria, can contribute to this. “This imbalance can happen when people take prebiotics, probiotics, or other supplements without proper guidance, or when their food habits drastically differ from what their gut is used to. Stress, as well as lack of sleep, can further disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to bloating,” said Dr Shetty.

Are you facing skin issues? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Dr Shetty further noted that the gut-skin axis is an important connection between the health of our gut and that of our skin.

 

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“When my gut is off balance, it can manifest in my skin, potentially causing issues like eczema, flare-ups of psoriasis, acne, or just generally sensitive or inflamed skin. This connection is why I’m so focused on maintaining gut health; it directly impacts my skin’s health and overall well-being,” said Dr Shetty.

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