Bloating is not normal there arefour reasons why people experience bloating:
1. You may be over eating at meal times. The bloating feeling is your body telling you, you're eating too much. This is usually the case for people who are over weight. Addressing portion control is a must at all meals to not only lose weight, but reduce to reduce the bloating feeling
2. Bloating may be caused by underlying food intolerance. Many food intolerances such as lactose intolerance and sensitivity to naturally occurring sugars in fruit and veg. Sensitive to either lactose in dairy products or sugars cause fermentation/ gas production in the bowel. The gas is the cause of bloating. The way to decrease bloating due to this problem is to avoid foods you are sensitive to. The only way to find out if you do have sensitivities is to follow an elimination diet that can pick up trigger foods. This is best done by with help of a Diettitian.
3. Bloating may be caused by an underlying disease. Coeliac disease or chrons disease are auto immune diseases, they can have an onset later on in life as an adult. Usually bloating is accompanied many serve episodes of stomach pain, loose stool and some times may cause nutrient deficiencies. Diagnosis can be determined by a blood test and colonoscopy. This can be done through your local GP under a referral process to a specialist.
4. Bloating may be caused by constipation. Constipation causes a build up of faecal matter in the bowel producing uncomfortable feelings of fullness and bloating. Constipation can be caused by lack of diary fibre and water. It can be easily fixed by consuming more fruit, vegetables and whole grains and of course drinking more water.
If you suspect you may have any of these conditions talk to your doctor or a Dietitian to get help.
