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Diet

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What are the Most Common Causes of Constant Bloating?

By Alex Terris
Updated: Mar 03, 2024

There are many potential causes of constant bloating, but in general the problem can be attributed to either diet or the way the body digests. For example, some people find that certain foods cause bloating more than others. In some cases simply eating too much in one sitting go can cause bloating and reducing portion sizes will solve the problem. There are, however, other causes of constant bloating which need to be considered such as a reduction of digestive enzymes in the body.

Constant indigestion and bloating can be uncomfortable and cause a range of different symptoms. For example, the gut will feel swollen and there may be pain, indigestion and flatulence. Although bloating usually only occurs for a short period of time, for some people it is a constant problem. Treating bloating usually focuses on working out the underlying problem and then attempting to fix it.

The most common cause of constant bloating is a person regularly eating too much at meals. Over time, it’s possible to become used large portions and not realize that this is what is causing the bloated feeling. Aside from meals, indigestion may also be caused by consuming a large amount of junk foods that are high in sugar and salt. In this situation solving the problem is a matter of reducing portion sizes to a level that the body can deal with effectively.

Another common cause of bloating is drinking too much during a meal. Not only will liquid fill a up a person’s stomach but it also dilutes the enzymes that are responsible for digestion. This can lead to the food being digested slower than usual and hence cause bloating.

There are a number of other potential causes of constant bloating. For example, some people are intolerant to specific kinds of foods while others don’t chew food correctly. There is also evidence that over time the repeated use of certain medications can cause bloating to occur. Also, as people get older the amount of digestive enzymes in the stomach naturally declines.

To try and reduce the effects of constant bloating a person should initially examine his or her diet. By eliminating foods that are known to cause bloating it is possible to quickly discover whether a certain food is the problem. Not only will this help to reduce the chance of indigestion, but it will often also provide a healthier and more balanced diet.

The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon340782 — On Jul 05, 2013

I was browsing the net and I found one video in twitter that talks about leakygut. But the symptoms line up with mine. Can all natural resources cure me?

By anon329124 — On Apr 08, 2013

My mum had constant bloating over three months and it was advanced ovarian cancer. Three doctors and a specialist missed it. If you're a woman please don't ignore a constantly bloated stomach; it can be the only symptom.

By burcinc — On Aug 08, 2011

@alisha-- I have the same problem. I've heard that wheat in general causes a lot of bloating and a lot of veggies do too. I love veggies but cabbage and broccoli are my nightmare!

Someone told me that I might also be swallowing a lot of air when I'm eating. Apparently, that's really common. I'm trying to eat more slowly during meals and I'm also not chewing gum anymore to avoid that.

I get bloated a lot but I have a cousin who has it even worse because she has irritable bowel syndrome. She has even been hospitalized several times from it. I think what I'm experiencing is pretty normal because these foods cause gas for everyone. If it is constant, there is probably another underlying reason. It's definitely worth seeing a doctor for.

By ddljohn — On Aug 08, 2011

My mom was also suffering from constant bloating. She is lactose intolerant and we know that bloating is a side effect of that. She avoids regular milk and only has lactose free milk. Despite this, her bloating continued and her doctor said that it's probably a side effect of her medicine that she is taking for type 2 diabetes.

We would have never thought that the bloating was caused from medicine, but apparently it can happen. I guess it's always a good idea to ask about the side effects when there is a symptom like this that you can't find an apparent cause of. The doctor has now switched her medicine and the bloating has gone away.

By discographer — On Aug 07, 2011

I've noticed that I have bloating when I eat certain kinds of foods, especially foods that tend to absorb a lot of water in the stomach.

Broken wheat rice pilaf is definitely one of these foods. I think the rice absorbs the liquid in my stomach which basically means that I am bloated until I digest all of it. I tried having this rice a couple of times because I heard that it is very healthy and high in fiber. But it gives me so much bloating that I cannot handle it anymore, it ruins the whole day for me.

I have the same problem with many lentils and even yogurt. I can't seem to find a solution other than avoiding these foods.

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