Stomach is Gassy and Bloated? Here are the 30 Common Causes
- Patients with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease had less bloating when following a low-FODMAP diet (1).
- Herbal preparation containing fennel and caraway seeds reduced symptoms of bloating in individuals with functional dyspepsia (2).
What is it about eating that seems to cause our bodies to react in such a variety of ways? We appear to have an infinite variety of responses. It makes sense that we would associate our stomach problems with the food we eat given the wide range of responses, both positive and negative. This article will examine 30 of the typical causes of gassy and bloated stomach and offer some possible treatments.
Stomach is Gassy and Bloated? These are the 30 Common Causes
Although stomach gas is a typical byproduct of digestion, too much gas can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing. The foods we eat, our eating habits, and underlying medical conditions are just a few of the many variables that can cause gas to be produced in the stomach. In this list, we'll look at 30 of the most typical reasons for stomach gas, along with a brief explanation for each. Making dietary and lifestyle changes to lower your risk of having too much gas and bloating can be made easier if you are aware of these causes.
1. Swallowing air while eating or drinking
Small amounts of air that we swallow along with food or liquids can build up in the digestive system and result in gas.
2. Eating too quickly
When we eat too quickly, we may swallow more air, which may result in an overabundance of gas in the stomach.
3. Consuming carbonated drinks
Gas bubbles found in carbonated beverages like soda can become trapped in the digestive tract, causing bloating and gas.
4. Eating fatty or fried foods
Gas and bloating can result from the longer digestion time of fatty or fried foods.
5. Eating foods that are high in fiber, such as beans, lentils, and certain vegetables
Although high-fiber foods are beneficial for digestion, as they break down in the digestive system, they can also cause gas.
6. Eating foods that contain artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol are hard for the body to digest, which causes gas and bloating.
7. Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body is unable to break down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
8. Gluten intolerance or celiac disease
Gas and bloating are just two of the digestive symptoms that can be brought on by gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
9. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Gas, bloating, and abdominal pain are just a few of the digestive symptoms that can be brought on by the chronic condition IBS.
10. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and gas.
11. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD is a group of chronic conditions that can inflame the digestive system, resulting in gas and bloating.
12. Constipation
Bloating and discomfort can result from a buildup of gas in the digestive system brought on by constipation.
13. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine
Excessive gas and bloating can result from bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
14. Peptic ulcers
Gas, bloating, and other digestive symptoms are brought on by peptic ulcers, which form in the stomach or small intestine lining.
15. Gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying)
Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach takes too long to empty, which causes gas, bloating, and other digestive symptoms.
16. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, laxatives, and pain relievers
Excess gas and other digestive symptoms can result from medications that alter the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract.
17. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candies
We can swallow more air when chewing gum or sucking on hard candies, which can result in too much gas in the stomach.
18. Drinking through a straw
When we drink through a straw, we may swallow more air, which can increase the amount of gas in our stomachs.
19. Smoking or using tobacco products
Smoking or using tobacco products can make us swallow more air, which can result in too much gas in the stomach.
20. Drinking too much coffee or tea
Too much coffee or tea can irritate the digestive system, causing gas and other digestive symptoms.
21. Consuming too much alcohol
Alcohol abuse can aggravate the digestive system, resulting in gas and other digestive symptoms..
22. Eating too much food in one sitting
Consuming too much food at once can strain the digestive system and cause bloating and gas.
23. Stress or anxiety
Gas and other digestive symptoms can result from stress or anxiety having an impact on the digestive system.
24. Hormonal changes during menstruation or menopause
The digestive system may be impacted by hormonal changes during menstruation or menopause, resulting in gas and bloating.
25. Digestive enzyme deficiencies
Digestive enzyme deficiencies can make it difficult for the body to digest some foods, which can result in gas and other digestive symptoms.
26. Gallbladder or pancreatic problems
Gas and other digestive symptoms can result from gallbladder or pancreas problems, which can have an impact on the digestive system.
27. Celiac disease
Gas, bloating, and other digestive symptoms are caused by the body's reaction to gluten in celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder.
28. Diverticulitis or other bowel conditions
Gas and bloating can result from digestive tract inflammation brought on by diverticulitis and other bowel conditions.
29. Consuming high-fat dairy products
Consuming high-fat dairy products can be difficult for the body to digest, resulting in gas and bloating.
30. Consuming high-fructose corn syrup or other high-sugar foods
Consuming foods high in sugar or high fructose corn syrup can upset the digestive system, resulting in gas and other digestive symptoms.
Remedies for Stomach Gas and Bloating
Bloating and stomach gas are typical digestive problems that can be bothersome and disruptive. While some gas in the digestive system is normal, too much gas can result in uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, cramping, and belching. Numerous things, such as the foods we eat, our eating habits, and underlying medical conditions, can result in gas. There are several natural remedies that can be used to relieve the symptoms of gas and bloating, in addition to changing your diet and lifestyle to lower the risk of having too much gas. These treatments may be quick and efficient ways to calm an upset stomach and enhance general digestive health.
- Peppermint tea: Consuming peppermint tea can help relieve gas and relax the muscles in the digestive tract.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with gas and bloating.
- Activated charcoal: Taking supplements containing activated charcoal can help the digestive tract absorb gas and lessen bloating.
- Fennel seeds: Chewing on fennel seeds or consuming fennel tea can help lessen gas and bloating.
- Probiotics: Taking probiotics can help improve the balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, lowering the risk of having too much gas.
- Beano: Taking Beano, an over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplement, can aid in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates that may cause gas.
- Avoiding gas-producing foods: Avoiding or limiting foods that cause gas, such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and onions, can help lessen bloating and gas.
- Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly: Eating too quickly or not fully chewing food can both contribute to the condition.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help with digestion and lower the risk of bloating and gas.
- Hydration: Maintaining a healthy level of hydration can help to keep the digestive system functioning normally and lower the risk of gas and bloating.
Conclusion
Bloating and stomach gas are frequent problems that can be brought on by a number of things. In this article, we have looked at 30 of the most frequent causes of stomach gas, ranging from dietary factors like eating a lot of high-fiber or high-fat foods to underlying medical conditions like celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome. You can lower your risk of gas and bloating by changing your diet and lifestyle by being aware of these causes. We have also talked about a variety of natural remedies, such as peppermint tea, ginger, probiotics, and exercise, that can help with gas and bloating symptoms. While occasional gas and bloating are a normal part of digestion, persistent or severe symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider to rule out underlying health conditions. You can control stomach gas and bloating and keep your digestive system in good shape by making the appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes and using specific natural remedies.
Enjoy reading? Check out this related article: How To Effectively Treat Lactose Intolerance Symptoms
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References
- Staudacher HM, Whelan K. The low FODMAP diet: recent advances in understanding its mechanisms and efficacy in IBS. Gut. 2017 Aug;66(8):1517-1527. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2017-313750. Epub 2017 Jun 7. PMID: 28592442. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28592442/
- Halmos EP, Power VA, Shepherd SJ, Gibson PR, Muir JG. A diet low in FODMAPs reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology. 2014 Jan;146(1):67-75.e5. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.09.046. Epub 2013 Sep 25. PMID: 24076059. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24076059/
