5 Things to Know About Chronic Bloating

Have you ever experienced chronic bloating that left you feeling uncomfortable and unable to go about your day-to-day activities? You frequently reach for those stretchy pants because forget about wearing pants with buttons? You end up looking pregnant at the end of the day due to bloating? You get anxious when eating out because what if you get bloated? If so, you are not alone.

Chronic bloating is an issue that many people struggle with, but the good news is that there are ways to address it by looking at root causes. Here are five things to know about chronic bloating so that you can find relief and get back to feeling like yourself again.

5 Things to Know about Chronic Bloating

Chronic Bloating Is Not Normal

Contrary to popular belief, bloating is not a normal part of digestion. Rather, it is a sign of a dysfunctional digestive system. When the digestive system isn’t working optimally than even the “healthiest” foods can’t be properly broken down, digested, absorbed and assimilated. Foods we don’t digest well can harm us because they essentially create a compost pile in the small intestine that can create damage and feed undesirable pathogens. For this reason, it is important to figure out what is causing the digestive system to become dysfunctional in the first place. This is often a multifactorial problem and one that takes patience, time and consistency to bring back into balance.  Root causes of digestive dysfunction are ultimately the things that cause us to become a weak host which run deeper than we often realize.

Less Fiber Might Be Necessary, NOT more!

A common misconception is that increasing or getting adequate amounts of fiber is one first step to improved gut health because it can and will help heal the gut as it helps to feed good bacteria; however, this isn’t always the right path to take. In some cases—especially in those who suffer from chronic bloating—more fiber might actually worsen the problem instead of alleviating it. Nutrition advice isn’t a one size fits all approach. Always take blanket nutrition advice with a grain of salt. Fiber (too much, the wrong kind) can also feed bad bacteria and also feed good bacteria in the wrong place (such as in the small intestine, hello SIBO) which can actually make issues worse. Fiber also acts like sandpaper on an open wound when there is inflammation in the gut.  OUCH! Instead of listening to standard advice it is important to find YOUR fiber sweet spot (which may change over time as healing takes place).

Unhealthy Bacteria Can Cause Bloating (Or Good Gut Bacteria in the Wrong Spot)

Poor gut health often creates the perfect storm for unhealthy bacteria or imbalances in bacteria, also known as dysbiosis, which can also lead to chronic bloating, as these bacteria feed off of dietary fibers and cause fermentation in the gut—which leads to gas production and a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the abdomen area.

Bacterial imbalances, dysbiosis, and gut infections are all common digestive problems that can occur when the body’s natural balance of bacteria is disturbed. These problems can be caused by a number of things, including antibiotics or other medications, poor diet, stress, and the list goes on. When these problems occur, they can lead to a number of different symptoms, including gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. If left untreated, these problems can also lead to more serious health problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune conditions, malnutrition and just about every symptom or illness out there.

Diet & Supplements Are Just Part Of The Story (We Must Go Beyond the Biochemical)

Ultimately supplements alone don’t fix us, period!  Deficiencies are often a symptom of deeper issues, too many or the wrong supplements can further stress the nervous system and continue to contribute to inflammation. While diet and targeted supplements might be necessary parts of improving one’s health they should not be seen as the only solution when dealing with chronic bloating issues—as there are often deeper root causes such as nervous system dysregulation, unresolved trauma, stress, and more which need to be addressed at the same time in order for true healing to occur.

I’ve come to learn the hard way that the reason we become chronically ill and develop upstream physiological dysfunction such as chronic gut infections, leaky gut, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, etc. is because we become a weak host.

We become a weak host due to sh*t that brews in the subconscious realm as a result of unresolved trauma and lack of self care for years. The dysfunction in this realm is the true root cause driver and chasing the others without optimally addressing these factors only serves to perpetuate the stress-illness-dysfunctional cycle.

Related Blog Post: Nervous System, Trauma and Gut Health: What’s the Connection?

Lifestyle Changes Can and Will Help Too!

Finally, lifestyle changes can also play a role in reducing or eliminating chronic bloating symptoms too! Taking steps such as reducing stress levels through meditation or mindfulness practices; getting enough sleep; exercising regularly; and eating nutritious foods (that work for your gut) all play a role in gut healing and elimination of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with chronic bloating.

The 12 best healers that we all need as part of a good gut healing journey include: sunlight, enough quality sleep, optimal hydration with minerals, bioavailable nutrition, restorative movement, functional and therapeutic breath work, nature connection, mindset, nervous system regulation, self-compassion, connection, and passions/purpose.

Instead of asking “what are the root causes of illness?” let’s ask “what are the root causes of wellness?”

Chronic bloating can be an incredibly frustrating experience for those who suffer from it on a daily basis; however, understanding what causes it and what steps you can take towards finding relief can make all the difference in improving your quality of life! By focusing on diet adjustments along with lifestyle changes mentioned above, you can help reduce uncomfortable symptoms associated with chronic bloating while restoring balance back into your digestive system again!

“I highly enjoyed working with Sara because she helped me take all of the guesswork out of my health! I’ve seen significant changes. Improved overall energy, no more bloating or diarrhea, better and more consistent moods, more satisfied after meals & have eliminated the need for snacks. I FEEL better! I am happier and more confident. Let Sara be your guide!

— Samantha M, client

How to Get Support?

If you are a wellness coach or practitioner then it is important to become trauma informed. Wellness Code Academy practitioner certification program is a dynamic, trauma-informed, beyond-the-biochemical, and truly holistic coaching system that takes…

The deepest dive ever into healing the gut, brain, nervous system, and mitochondria—and also taps into the power of the subconscious mind to support healing the psyche? Learn more HERE.

Learn more about my approach with clients: My Health and Healing Philosophy

I believe ANY HEALING JOURNEY ultimately needs to involve addressing BOTH the body and the mind in the proper way and in the proper order which will be highly individual.  

It also is a HUGE reason why I see many feel stuck on their own healing journeys because this concept hasn’t been adequately acknowledged, understood or addressed.