It's time we normalised bloating, because the way our stomachs change throughout the day is totally normal (2024)

FAQs

Is it normal to bloat throughout the day? ›

A gassy feeling of being too full deep inside your abdomen occurs now and then to nearly every person. However, some people have chronic bloating, which is an ongoing and painful nuisance. Ongoing bloating is not normal and may have many causes, so you should call your doctor if you feel bloating every day.

"I think this temporary change in appearance can be upsetting since we often see healthy people depicted as having a flat-looking stomach. The good news is that bloating happens to everyone and it's perfectly normal for our body's appearance to fluctuate throughout the day."

Whole grains, recommended for their many health benefits, can sometimes cause bloating and gas problems. One reason whole grains are so healthy is their high fiber content. But fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate. Abruptly increasing the amount of fiber you eat can cause gas, bloating, and constipation.

Beans. It's hardly a surprise to see beans atop the list of bloat-causing foods. After all, the legendary powers of this legume have even captured the attention of lyricists: Beans, beans, the musical fruit… Science is behind that tune, explains Czerwony.

Lack of digestive enzymes

If you wake with a flat stomach but suffer from uncomfortable bloating by the end of day, a lack of digestive enzymes may be the cause. Look for a brand that includes pancreatic enzymes, plant-based enzymes, papaya, bromelain or pepsin and take one to two capsules with each meal.

How it feels. The next time you feel your abdomen expanding, pay attention to how it feels. Bloating will usually cause your belly to feel hard and tight, whereas abdominal fat will feel soft.

Causes. Bloating happens when the GI tract becomes filled with air or gas. This can be caused by food sensitivities (something you ate) or a medical condition. It can even be caused by stress and hormones.

What foods to eat to avoid bloating? ›

If you get a bloated stomach after eating, it may be a digestive issue. It might be as simple as eating too much too fast, or you could have a food intolerance or other condition that causes gas and digestive contents to build up. Your menstrual cycle is another common cause of temporary bloating.

Avoid carbonated beverages. Soda and other carbonated beverages introduce excess air into the digestive system, which leads to more bloating and gas. Instead, drink still or flat water or try peppermint, chamomile or ginger tea after meals, which can help promote digestion and soothe your gut.

Lemon water can stimulate digestion, balance pH levels in the gut and provide a boost of Vitamin C. Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. Brew ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger slices or ginger powder in hot water. It can help alleviate gas and bloating.

Coffee is a diuretic and a stimulant that increases the production of stomach acid, which can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and heartburn.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), on average, water makes up 60% of an adult's body weight. One study suggests total body water can fluctuate by up to 5% daily. Anecdotal evidence suggests water weight can make a person's weight fluctuate by as much as 1–5 pounds in a single day.

Studies indicate that women retained most water and experienced the worst bloating on the first day of their period.