1. Swallowing air: Swallowing excessive air while eating or drinking can lead to bloating. This can occur when eating or drinking quickly, talking while eating, or chewing gum.
2. Certain foods: Some foods produce more gas during digestion, such as beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), dairy products, and carbonated beverages.
3. Gas-producing bacteria: The gut contains trillions of microorganisms that help digest food. An imbalance in these gut bacteria, such as an overgrowth of certain gas-producing bacteria, can lead to excessive gas production.
4. Malabsorption: Malabsorption occurs when the body cannot properly digest or absorb nutrients from food. Certain conditions, such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease, can cause malabsorption and result in bloating.
5. Constipation: Constipation can lead to bloating because stool builds up in the colon and produces gas.
6. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is a digestive disorder that can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements.
7. Menstrual cycle: Women may experience bloating during certain phases of their menstrual cycle, particularly before and during menstruation.
8. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders: Various GI conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, and Crohn's disease, can cause bloating as a symptom.
9. Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and certain medications used to treat diabetes or high blood pressure, may cause bloating as a side effect.
If stomach bloating is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other bothersome symptoms, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and proper management.