It’s 4pm and you’re counting down the minutes until you can leave work.
Not because you don’t want to be there, but because you can’t wait to get into your car and unbutton your pants. Hello, bloating!
Since lunch, you’ve felt bloated and uncomfortable. You’ve wondered if everyone is looking at your midsection, wondered if you look 6 months pregnant.
This has been happening for a while now. And it’s not only at work.
You second guess if you should go to happy hour with the girls because you know you’ll get bloated.
You strategically plan what to wear on date nights because you know you’ll get bloated.
You’ve tried eliminating foods, the supplements, and all the tricks, but your bloating always seems to come back.
And you’re over it!
Common Misconceptions on Bloating
Most people believe that bloating is because of something you ate. And it very well could be, but bloating is more complex than that.
Some common misconceptions of bloating are:
Bloating is caused when you overeat or from excess gas.
This can be the case, but other factors – such as fluctuations in estrogen causing slow digestion, swallowing excess air, and conditions like gastroparesis that have slow emptying – also contribute to bloating.
Bloating is caused by carbs.
Not all carbs cause bloating for all people. There are some cases where someone is insensitive or intolerant to carbs that can lead to more bloating. But prioritizing whole grains, fruits, and vegetables (hellooooo fiber) can actually help prevent bloating.
Bloating is the same as belly fat.
Like bloating, belly fat causes the midsection to feel full and heavy. However, it’s important to notice the difference between the two. If your clothes don’t fit because of a persistent “spare tire” feel around your midsection, it’s likely belly fat, not bloating.
All bloating is connected to the same things.
Bloating can be caused by SIBO, IBS, hormonal changes, your diet, and more. Everyone’s bloating is unique to them and should be approached with an individual solution, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
The Missing Link to Your Bloating
Though everyone’s bloating is different and specific for them, there’s one piece that’s missing when most people discuss bloating: your stress levels!
When your stress levels are higher, it tears up your stomach lining, can cause leaky gut syndrome, and can lead to more bloating, especially since your body is not digesting food as efficiently as she should be.
Stress can also lead to
- Under eating, meaning you’ll have stomach acid build up that admits gases in your body, causing more bloating
- GI issues like SIBO and IBS
- More cravings that can break down your gutlining
- Illness that may need antibiotics, which also break down your gut lining and cause bloating
- Distracted eating, which can lead to over eating and more bloating
It’s safe to say that stress is one of the root causes of bloating.
Stress Management
Like bloating, stress management is very individualized. What works for someone else may not work for you, but it’s important to find what works best for you.
Some ways you can manage your stress are:
- Grounding outside
- Meditation or breathwork
- Going for a walk
- Listening to your favorite music
- Taking a nap
- Doing yoga or light movement
- Calling someone who you feel supported by
Small stress management techniques build up to managing your stress and making sure it doesn’t turn chronic – and then in turn impact things like your bloating!
If it feels like nothing is working to help your bloating, and you’re always uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Banish your bloat with 3 Days to Beat Bloat training right to your inbox!
