Habits That Are Making You Constantly Feel Bloated

Bloating is the ultimate annoyance and every woman knows just how uncomfortable (and sometimes downright painful) it can be. And no, it’s not just about wanting to fitt into those high-waisted jeans, but more about the constant discomfort that can throw off your entire day.

Thanks to science, we now have a better grasp of what causes bloating and how to tackle it with a few simple, healthy habits. Inspired by insights from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, here’s a breakdown of common culprits behind bloating and easy solutions to help you feel your best. Can we all please say goodbye to the bloat and hello to comfort?! Yes, please!

Talking Too Much When Eating

This may surprise some, but talking too much while eating may lead to bloating. It may increase the opportunity to swallow too much air, which can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should never talk when eating out with friends or dining with your husband. However, this is something you should keep in mind.

Tobacco Usage

Tobacco is another common reason. This is because the toxic substances in a cigarette can irritate the lining of your stomach, leading to bloating. A good way to avoid this? Quit this bad habit! Of course, this is much easier said than done; however, having an extra reason in mind why you should quit may help you try a healthier path and let go of cigarettes once and for all.

Straws

How can something so random as straws cause bloating? Again, air is the problem. Like talking while eating, using a straw to sip a drink may lead to extra air entering your body. Luckily, there is an easy solution to this. You guessed it! Just avoid straws and finally enjoy a flat, healthy tummy! Of course, using a straw from time to time won’t kill you, but if this is your usual way of drinking, you should probably reconsider it.

Eating Too Much

This is one of the most obvious and common reasons why women – and men, too! – may feel bloated. We’ve all experienced this at least once and regret it, yet we often make the same mistake repeatedly. While sometimes it can’t be avoided, such as during important celebrations, we should all do our best to avoid eating too much for our health.

Drinking Very Cold or Hot Beverages

Drinking beverages that are too cold or too hot also causes bloating. We all know that drinking water is great for us and that we should do it more often, increasing our daily intake. However, even though this may surprise some, we must ensure our water is not too cold. This is because cold water slows digestion. So, leave your water outside the fridge for a few minutes before drinking it.

Chewing Gums

Do you love chewing gums? Do you always have a package in your purse? Do you use them at the end of every meal to get that minty taste? We are sorry to bring bad news, but they may also be responsible for your bloating. The problem is always the same. As you chew your gum, you cause more air to enter your gastrointestinal tract. If you’re addicted to that minty taste after a meal, choose a candy or simply brush your teeth!

Tight-Fitting Clothes

Clothes that are too tight may also be one of the reasons why you are feeling bloated. The reason may be less obvious this time, so let us explain. You may put too much pressure on your stomach when wearing these sorts of clothes. This can make it harder for your body to allow gases inside you to move freely. Whether it’s a tight skirt, a pair of high-waisted jeans, or a dress, you should probably choose something else.

Medications

Of course, medications may also be the cause of your bloating. Before taking any pill, you should always contact your medical practitioner to ask for advice and suggestions and educate yourself on the side effects of your medications. Plenty of medicines cause bloating, meaning that if you tend to suffer a lot from this, you may want to double-check all your pills.

Deep Sighing

Deep sighing can also be problematic for those suffering from a bloated stomach. Of course, this causes lots of air to enter your body and get trapped there, leading to an annoying feeling in your stomach. If you do this often, it is probably time to try to control this habit to benefit your health. It may take some time, but you will probably see the benefits in the long run.

Carbonated Drinks

Carbonated drinks can be incredibly damaging to your health, and you should try your best to reduce them in your daily diet. Sparkling drinks such as soda contain high amounts of carbon dioxide. This gas accumulates in your body and often gets trapped in your stomach, leading to bloating. Avoid when possible or opt for another drink! Peppermint tea and chamomile tea are great alternatives.

Some Healthy Foods

Unfortunately, it’s not only unhealthy foods and drinks such as alcohol and sodas that can cause bloating. Plenty of healthy plants can lead to the same results. An example? Beans, chickpeas, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, onions… The list goes on and on. This doesn’t mean you should avoid these, as they can be incredibly healthy! However, try to talk to a nutritionist to see your best option to adopt a healthy diet while reducing bloating.

Eating Too Fast

Do you eat quickly while running from one meeting to the next? Then, it’s time to slow down. Nobody should ever eat while in a rush. Take this moment as a break for yourself to enjoy fully. By now, you’ve probably learned this. Eating too quickly causes you to swallow more air, leading to a feeling of bloating. So, take your time, slow down, and enjoy your food for once!

Drinking Apple Juice

It’s pretty surprising but It’s pretty surprising but apple juice can cause bloating because it contains a type of sugar called sorbitol, which is difficult for some people to digest. When this sugar reaches the large intestine undigested, it can ferment and produce gas, leading to that uncomfortable, bloated feeling. Apple juice is also high in fructose, another sugar that can be tricky for the digestive system to process in large amounts. If you’re prone to bloating, it might be a good idea to enjoy apple juice in moderation or just go for the water instead!

Snacking on Dried Fruit

Dried fruit can lead to some serious bloating because it’s packed with concentrated sugars and fiber, which can be tough for your digestive system to handle in large amounts. The natural sugars, like fructose, can ferment in your gut, producing gas and that uncomfortable bloated feeling. While dried fruit is a healthy snack, you may want to try enjoying it in moderation which can help keep your tummy happy and bloat-free!

This article was inspired by Brigham and Women’s Hospital.