Even if its uncomfortable, its usually temporary.
Below, well go over a few different things that can cause run-of-the-mill bloating vs. potentially serious bloating.
But first, its important to clarify the difference between bloating and distension.
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Distension, he explains, is a noticeable difference in the size of your abdomen.
Experiencing distension alongside that sensation can be normal too.
Here are a few ways to get to the bottom of whats causing that bloated feeling.
Look for food-related patterns in your bloating.
If youre trying to understand why youre feeling bloated, consider the context, Dr. Hong tells SELF.
This is especially relevant to your diet.
There are a few common dietary culprits that cause bloating in a lot of people.
For example,dairyproducts.
And those odds might be higher depending on your background.
These are carbohydrates that your body struggles to digest and absorb, which can lead to bloating and distension.
Fiberis another food substance that our bodies just arent very good at digesting, with potentially bloating consequences.
You mainly break down fiber in your colon, where it producesgasesincluding carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane.
Consider if your bloating is lining up with your menstrual cycle.
A 2014 study inBMC Women’s Healthasked 156 women about their gastrointestinal symptoms before and during their periods.
Unlike bloating due to digestive issues, bloating related to your period could happen because offluid retentionrather than gas.
Bloating thats connected to yourmenstrual cycleis pretty normal.
But that doesnt make it much fun.
Talk to a doctor if you think a gastrointestinal disorder is causing your bloating and distension.
But these are serious, chronic conditions that require treatment.
Based on the issue in question, treatment follows from there.
Most of the time, bloating indicates nothing more than your digestive system doing its job.
