Bloating happens when gas, fluid, or stool builds up inside your digestive tract, or when your gut becomes more sensitive to normal amounts of it.
Most gas comes from two places: air you swallow while eating, drinking, or chewing gum, and gas made by bacteria fermenting carbohydrates in your colon. Constipation makes it worse because gas has less room to move past backed-up stool. Ongoing bloating is often tied to irritable bowel syndrome, lactose or fructose intolerance, celiac disease, or hormone shifts around your period. Eating more slowly, cutting back on carbonated drinks, adding fiber and water gradually, and walking after meals help many people within a couple of weeks.
Why bellies bloat
Common questions
Why does Abdominal bloating happen?
Bloating usually comes from gas, fluid, or stool building up in your digestive tract, or from your gut wall stretching and becoming more sensitive. Swallowed air, carbonated drinks, and foods your gut bacteria ferment, such as beans, onions, wheat, and sugar alcohols, all add gas. Constipation slows transit, so gas has less room to move. Frequent causes of repeated bloating include irritable bowel syndrome, lactose or fructose intolerance, celiac disease, and hormonal changes around your period. See a clinician if bloating comes with weight loss you did not plan, blood in your stool, vomiting, trouble swallowing, or pain that does not let up.