Abdominal Bloating: Symptoms, Causes, and Natural Treatment Options

Have you ever had those days with an uncomfortable, swollen, and gassy stomach? Well, we certainly have, and they are the worst. From the pain to the burping to that annoying noise that just won’t go away, you simply cannot function well throughout the day. This problem is a familiar one for millions of Americans, and its name is abdominal bloating.

Abdominal bloating is a sensation of fullness and tightness in the stomach, which may be accompanied by an increased stomach volume. It may occur independently or alongside conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia. Symptoms include stomach distension, pain, frequent burping, flatulence, and abdominal rumbling. The symptoms may be moderate to severe, which can interfere with daily activities.

Bloating is often caused by excess gas from food fermentation, swallowing air, or consuming carbonated drinks. Other causes include digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, and conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and GERD. 

Despite being a common health problem, managing bloating remains difficult due to its varied causes. Fortunately, natural treatment options can provide relief while supporting overall gut health. You can manage bloating and its symptoms by making dietary modifications, incorporating specific supplements, and adopting simple lifestyle changes.

Let’s explore the symptoms, causes, and natural treatment options for abdominal bloating, helping you regain comfort and confidence in your daily life.

What Is Abdominal Bloating?

Abdominal bloating is a subjective sensation of stomach fullness and tightness, which may be accompanied by distension (a visible increase in abdominal girth). People with bloating often feel uncomfortable and “gassy.”

Bloating is one of the most common complaints among people with functional gastrointestinal disorders, and up to 31% of the general population is affected by it. For a long time, bloating was regarded as a secondary condition to other gut disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional constipation, functional dyspepsia (indigestion), and colitis. However, researchers now recognize that abdominal bloating can be an independent condition. 

Typically, a subjective sensation of bloating, abdominal distension, and changes in the volume of abdominal contents and muscular activity of the abdominal wall are factors involved in identifying bloating. Abdominal bloating is usually challenging to manage in clinical practice, despite being a common condition patients report. 

What Are the Symptoms of Abdominal Bloating?

The main symptoms associated with bloating are abdominal pain, burping, flatulence, and swelling. The severity of abdominal bloating may vary from mild to severe, although most people (more than 65%) rate their bloating as moderate to severe. 

Here is a list of abdominal bloating symptoms:

• Stomach fullness and tightness
• Abdominal distension (swollen stomach)
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Excess stomach gas, which is usually manifested as increased flatulence (farting)
• Abdominal noise and rumbling 
• Frequent burping

What Are the Causes of Abdominal Bloating?

The typical causes of abdominal bloating include excess gas, digestive health problems, other health conditions, medications, and imbalances in hormone levels. Most bloating cases do not have overly serious causes, but the ones that do have serious causes can persist for longer and be much more severe and difficult to manage.

Here are some causes of abdominal bloating. 

Gas

Gas buildup in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is one of the most recognized causes of bloating today. Normally, the GIT contains about 100 mL (milliliters) of gas distributed across the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. However, excess gas in the GIT can cause bloating. 

A major contributor to gas in the GIT is the gut microbiota (the community of microorganisms in a person’s gut). Bacteria in the gut microbiota may release gas when they break down the food that enters the GIT. Certain foods, like dairy, beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, bran, and Brussels sprouts, may lead to more gas production by the gut bacteria. 

Another main contributor to intestinal gas is swallowing more air, usually while eating or drinking. Specifically, practices like drinking carbonated drinks, eating too fast, chewing gum, talking while eating, smoking, and wearing loose dentures can increase the amount of gas in the GIT. Most instances of excess abdominal gas are mild, and this gas usually goes away on its own after a while.

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a group of conditions that affect the connection between the brain and several gut functions. FGIDs are often characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, pain, swallowing difficulties, diarrhea, indigestion, and constipation. Examples of FGIDs include IBS, functional dyspepsia, and colitis.

Studies in the National Library of Medicine show that FGIDs are associated with increased abdominal gas, which explains why bloating is a common symptom of these conditions. In fact, up to 96% of patients with IBS report bloating as a symptom. 

Functional gut disorders may also cause conditions that can cause bloating. Two of these conditions are carbohydrate malabsorption (a disorder affecting dietary carbs absorption) and visceral hypersensitivity (increased sensitivity to pain in the internal organs).

Health Conditions

There are different health conditions that can cause bloating aside from functional gut disorders. Most of these conditions also affect the gastrointestinal tract, including small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), celiac disease, dumping syndrome (occurring when food moves too quickly through the intestine), gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), and abdominal tumors. 

Some other non-gut-related conditions, like ovarian cancer, endometriosis (when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus), and pancreatic insufficiency, may also contribute to the development of bloating as a condition. Although less common, conditions like gallstones and liver disease can cause bloating.

Hormonal Imbalance

Imbalances in hormone levels in women are associated with the development and worsening of abdominal bloating. The hormones implicated here are the ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are important in puberty, fertility, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. The role of ovarian hormones in bloating may also explain why it affects more women than men. 

The levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate throughout the month, especially after ovulation. However, there are instances where the body does not properly regulate the ovarian hormones, and imbalances in their levels may arise. 

A study by University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, UK, reveals a connection between hormonal imbalance during menstruation and abdominal bloating and pain. The exact mechanisms behind the connection are still not fully understood, but the role of ovarian hormones in water retention and intestinal motility seems to play a role. 

Medications 

Some medications can cause bloating, including the oral diabetes medication acarbose and some constipation medications, especially those containing lactulose and sorbitol. These medications may not affect everyone equally, and some may be more tolerant. However, overusing these medications will significantly increase the risk of bloating, even in individuals who can tolerate them.

Acarbose may contribute to bloating by inhibiting carbohydrate digestion, which causes excessive undigested carbs to reach the colon. The fermentation of these undigested carbs can then increase the amount of gas in the abdomen, potentially causing bloating. Lactulose and sorbitol can be metabolized by colonic bacteria, increasing the amount of gas in the gut. 

Natural Treatment of Abdominal Bloating

Natural treatments for abdominal bloating generally involve diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes. The use of medications for managing bloating is not uncommon today, but it is worth noting that some medications (such as acarbose and antacids) may worsen bloating. 

For instance, the use of antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiota, which can cause bloating. Medications for constipation, like lactulose and sorbitol, may also increase gas amounts in the gut and worsen bloating. Don’t get us wrong. We’re not saying you should not use medications prescribed to you for bloating (you should follow your healthcare provider’s advice), but know that all medications have side effects, and these side effects may worsen your bloating.

The risk of side effects with natural treatments is much lower, making them a more acceptable option for many than conventional medicine. These natural treatment options can also improve overall health, further reducing the risk of other gastrointestinal and similar symptoms. As always, ensure you consult with your healthcare provider before making drastic health or therapeutic changes.

Here are the natural treatment strategies for managing abdominal bloating. 

Diet

Dietary interventions are essential in managing many health conditions, and abdominal bloating is no exception. Foods that can contribute to the development or worsening of abdominal bloating are mostly highly fermentable, poorly absorbed foods. The most typical examples of this kind of food are Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols (FODMAPs). Foods high in FODMAPs include dairy, wheat, beans, processed meats, lentils, nuts, garlic, and peaches.

FODMAPs are perfect for gut bacteria, but this is not always a good thing. Gut bacteria can feed on these foods for extended periods, releasing gas. This gas distributes throughout the GIT and can cause bloating. Research from the National Library of Medicine also shows that cutting FODMAPs from the diet can improve bloating symptoms. 

People managing abdominal bloating should also incorporate foods low in FODMAPs and cut foods high in FODMAPs from their diet. Low-FODMAP foods include lettuce, carrots, chicken, eggs, potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, and seafood. A word of caution, though—making changes to your diet is not always as straightforward as cutting out some foods and eating others. 

You may need the help of a professional nutritionist to assess your nutritional status and devise a plan that favors you and your health. This level of professional care is available at the Bay Clinic of Chiropractic in Panama City, Florida. Led by Dr. Tony Salamay, the Clinic will thoroughly consider your condition and symptoms and arrive at the best option for the long-term, holistic management of your condition. You can reach us at (850) 785-9372 or info@thebaydoctor.com.

Supplements

Supplements are dietary products that provide additional nutrients to the body that a normal diet does not provide. The supplement market is massive today, and thousands of supplements claim to perform a specific function. Choosing the right supplement for any condition often boils down to what that supplement contains. 

Managing abdominal bloating with supplements involves using products that can help expel accumulated intestinal gas, address the root cause of the bloating, and improve overall gastrointestinal health. The two main supplements for improving abdominal bloating are probiotics and herbal products.

• Probiotics: These are live organisms that have beneficial effects on the gut. Probiotics can balance disturbed gut microbiota and help improve the gut’s overall health, and both these functions can help improve bloating symptoms. Examples of probiotics are yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, pickles, miso, kefir, and sauerkraut.  
• Herbal products: Herbs such as Carmit, St John’s Wort, Moxa leaves, and kiwifruit extract may help reduce the severity and frequency of abdominal bloating. These herbs typically work by reducing the tension in the abdomen, promoting gastric motility, and improving laxation. 

Contact your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Also, only get your supplements from trusted sources. 

Lifestyle Modifications

Certain lifestyle changes can help in the management of abdominal bloating. These lifestyle changes may directly help reduce bloating by reducing the amount of air swallowed, which is one of the main methods by which bloating arises. These lifestyle changes also help indirectly by improving the gut’s overall health. 

Here are lifestyle modifications for managing abdominal bloating:

• Eat slower and mindfully, reducing the amount of air that enters the gut and helping to prevent overeating.
• Be more physically active, as exercise prevents water retention and belly fat.
• Increase water intake, as this helps with gastric motility and prevents the accumulation of food and water in the abdomen.
• Avoid chewing gum to reduce the amount of extra air you swallow. 

Implementing these lifestyle changes can greatly improve bloating. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider for a personalized assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Prevent Abdominal Bloating?

Yes, you can prevent abdominal bloating by making the right adjustments to your diet and lifestyle. Dietary tips include increasing fiber content, drinking enough water, avoiding ultra-processed foods (e.g., ice cream, sausages, ham, sodas, pizzas), and avoiding alcohol. 

Lifestyle modifications for preventing bloating include increased physical activity, reduced chewing gum intake, and maintaining healthy eating practices (eating mindfully rather than rapidly, not talking while eating, and adopting other habits that limit air intake while eating).

Does Menopause Affect Bloating?

Yes, menopause may affect and worsen abdominal bloating and promote other gastrointestinal symptoms, like pain, stomach discomfort, and altered bowel habits. The relationship between menopause and bloating can be traced to the inevitable changes in ovarian hormone levels during menopause. 

In fact, many women start experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating before menopause actually begins. The transitional period to menopause is known as perimenopause, and it typically lasts around 4 years. Perimenopause marks the beginning of ovarian hormone fluctuations, which may cause bloating or worsen it in people already dealing with the condition.

Can a UTI Cause Abdominal Bloating?

Yes, a urinary tract infection (UTI) may cause bloating, typically due to inflammation and an imbalance in the gut microbiota. Sometimes, the imbalance in the gut microbiota is not directly related to the UTI but to the antibiotic used to manage it. 

Inflammation is an immune response to an infection in the body. While inflammation itself is a normal response, it may cause fluid retention and overload in the body. Fluid retention in the abdomen can cause bloating. The management of UTI with antibiotics may also increase the risk of bloating, as antibiotics can disrupt the normal gut microbiota, possibly interfering with food metabolism and increasing intra-abdominal content. 

Can Lupus Cause Abdominal Bloating?

Yes, lupus can cause abdominal bloating if it affects the abdomen and intestine. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues. Depending on the specific body tissues affected, lupus may result in a wide range of symptoms.

Lupus that affects the digestive system may cause functional gut disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, which is almost always associated with bloating. Other problems, such as ascites (a build-up of abdominal fluids) and peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining), may also result from lupus, and these conditions can cause abdominal bloating and distension. 

Conclusion

Abdominal bloating is one of the most uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms. Typical causes of bloating are excess gas in the gut, functional gut disorders, health conditions, hormone imbalance, and certain medications. Fortunately, there are natural treatment options that can help manage bloating. They include dietary interventions, supplements, and lifestyle modifications. 

If you need more information or professional care, do not hesitate to contact us at the Bay Clinic of Chiropractic. We are located in Panama City, and we will listen carefully to your symptoms and devise a personalized care plan for the long-term management of your condition. Contact us at (850) 785-9372 or through our email at info@thebaydoctor.com.

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