What do bloating mean

It can certainly help you to track your symptoms after eating certain foods known to cause bloating, but remember that a bloated stomach is caused by your entire lifestyle, not just the food on your plate. More often than not, some of these foods might be the culprit:. Being active helps your digestive system function optimally, since it can fight constipation, keep circulation moving and move lymphatic fluid throughout your body.

Try to get the most benefits from exercise by doing something active most days of the week for at least 30—60 minutes.

And skip the sugary sports drinks afterward! Wondering if your workout can ever make you more bloated? In some cases it can, especially if you overdo it. Overtraining causes the body to go into a stressful state.

This causes the the adrenal glands to release more of the stress hormone cortisol. Make sure your exercise routine supports your overall health and makes you feel better , not the opposite, causing disturbed fluid levels, poor digestion and added stress.

What relieves bloating fast? Fluids also help make sure fiber can do its job correctly. Staying hydrated is essential for beating bloating, but when it comes to beverage choices, choose wisely.

Alcohol can also make you bloated, and caffeinated drinks, too, for some people. Your best bet is plain water, water infused with fresh fruit slices or herbs like lemon, grapefruit, basil, etc.

Stress and anxiety impact digestion in a big way. Within the lining of your gastrointestinal tract lives a network of circuitry tissue that communicates via hormonal and chemical messages to your central nervous system, called the enteric nervous system ENS. Your brain triggers the ENS to produce enzymes, saliva and secretions to help with digestion, along with controlling hormones responsible for your appetite. Being anxious or sad can cause changes in this line of communication.

Your brain then diverts attention away from proper digestion in an effort to conserve energy and use it elsewhere. High amounts of stress increase cortisol levels. It can be uncomfortable or painful. Your stomach may actually look bigger.

It can make your clothes fit tighter. Common symptoms of bloating include stomach pain, discomfort, and gas. You may also burp or belch frequently or have abdominal rumbling or gurgling.

Bloating happens when the GI tract becomes filled with air or gas. This can be caused by something as simple as the food you eat. Some foods produce more gas than others. It can also be caused by lactose intolerance problems with dairy. Other simple reasons for bloating include:. Your doctor can generally diagnose the cause of your bloating through a physical exam in the office. They will ask you questions about your symptoms.

They will want to know if your bloating is occasional or if it occurs all the time. Temporary bloating is usually not serious. If it happens all the time, your doctor may order other tests. These could include an imaging test to look inside your abdomen. This could be an X-ray or CT scan. For temporary bloating, ask your doctor about over-the-counter medicines that relieve gas and bloating. These could include simethicone or charcoal caps.

If you feel bloated often, you may have a condition like irritable bowel syndrome IBS , which affects up to 24 of women. People might confuse bloating with other reasons for a more noticeable belly, such as abdominal wall laxity, or looseness.

This is common, especially among older women and those who have had children. It's important to know the difference so you can get the right treatment. A toned abdomen can make it easier to see a difference when the gut is full of food or stool. One common cause of bloating is constipation.

You can be constipated and not realize it, since having fewer bowel movements than you normally do is just one symptom of constipation. You may still be constipated even if you have regular bowel movements. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. When to See a Healthcare Provider. What Is Bloating? Who Gets Lactose Intolerance and Why? How to Choose the Right Probiotic for You. Frequently Asked Questions How long does bloating last after a meal?

How can I avoid bloating? Learn More: Food Allergy. How long should I take to eat? Why should I avoid drinking with a straw? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.

Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Related Articles. What Causes Stomach Discomfort? What Is Lower Abdominal Pain?