Bloating Without Diet Changes: What Could It Mean?

You’re eating the same things, but recently, you’re feeling more bloated, and the development is most unwelcome. As if the discomfort weren’t enough, clothes aren’t fitting right, and you want answers.

The first point our team of gastroenterology experts here at LaSante Health Center want to make is that there are many possible culprits behind abdominal bloating. 

For the sake of this discussion, we’re going to focus on changes or conditions that can lead to chronic bloating, even though your diet hasn’t changed.

A word about bloating

In most cases, abdominal bloating stems from excess gas, which is a perfectly normal byproduct of digestion. Up to one quarter of people experience occasional bloating due to excess gas, but the problem typically comes and goes without incident.

Below, we’re going to focus on continuing problems with bloating that are making your life more than a little uncomfortable.

Irritable bowel syndrome 

Around the world, between 5% and 10% of the population has irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition in which there’s a miscommunication between your gut, your brain, and your nervous system. As a result, bloating can be an ongoing issue, along with diarrhea and constipation.

Food allergies and intolerance

Most food allergies first reveal themselves in childhood, but you can develop allergies later in life, as well. About 1 in 10 adults in the United States has a food allergy, and abdominal bloating is one possible side effect. 

You also may develop a food intolerance later in life, such as to lactose and dairy. One of the common side effects of lactose intolerance is bloating.

Hormonal changes

Women are more prone to routine bloating because of the hormonal changes that come with menstrual cycles, as well as menopause. The bloating surrounding periods is often due to water retention, not gas. This water retention is fueled by fluctuations in estrogen hormones.

After menopause, many women experience excessive gas and related bloating due to changes in their gastrointestinal tracts. In particular, many women experience issues metabolizing carbs and sugars, which can lead to gas and bloating.

Inflammatory issues and blockages

If you have an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s, this can lead to bloating. As well, chronic constipation can also back up your bowels and lead to ongoing bloating.

If bloating has come on out of nowhere and is quite severe, it could signal an intestinal blockage that we should look at immediately.

The list goes on when it comes to potential culprits behind bloating, so we suggest that you come see us so we can perform a full evaluation and get you on the road to relief.

To get started, book an appointment oniline or call us at 718-426-5700 today. We serve the Flatbush and East Flatbush, Crown Heights, Park Slope, Little Haiti, Little Caribbean, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens communities.