Why Am I Bloated?
Bloating…that heavy, swollen, uncomfortable feeling is one of the most common digestive complaints I see in clinic.
It can make you feel sluggish, self-conscious, and even anxious about eating.
And while it’s often blamed on “eating the wrong foods,” the truth is rarely that simple.
Bloating is a symptom, not a cause and a signal that something deeper in the digestive system isn’t running as smoothly as it should.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common reasons why bloating happens, and how they all connect.
1. Low stomach acid
Stomach acid is the spark that kicks off digestion. Without optimal amounts, food sits too long in the stomach, ferments, and causes gas. Low stomach acid also means weaker signals to release enzymes and bile, so the whole digestive chain slows down.
2. Imbalances in gut bacteria
Your gut microbes help digest food and produce key nutrients. But when there’s too much of the wrong kind, or they’re in the wrong place (for example, the small intestine), fermentation takes over — producing excess gas and bloating.
3. Sluggish motility
If food moves too slowly through your digestive tract, it has more time to ferment, leading to gas and pressure. Stress, certain medications, and imbalanced bacteria (especially methane-producing species) can all reduce motility.
4. Stress and nervous system dysregulation
Stress puts your body into “fight or flight,” which diverts energy away from digestion. The result? Reduced stomach acid, slowed motility, and less efficient breakdown of food — all of which can trigger bloating.
It becomes a vicious cycle: you’re stressed because you’re bloated, and bloated because you’re stressed.
5. Post-antibiotics, illness, or surgery
Major events such as infections, surgery, or even a single course of antibiotics can disrupt your gut environment for months (sometimes years). This imbalance can set the stage for bloating that lingers long after the initial trigger has passed.
The takeaway
Bloating isn’t just about avoiding certain foods it’s about understanding what’s really happening inside your digestive system and taking steps to restore balance.
When you address the underlying causes, not just the symptoms, your gut can finally begin to settle, and that bloated feeling becomes a thing of the past.
About the Author
Ben Cooper is a Registered Nutritional Therapist, Functional Medicine Practitioner, and founder of Cooper Coaching and ReCooper8 Online programmes dedicated to gut health, hormonal balance, and cardiovascular wellness.
Drawing on over 15 years in the health industry and his own journey recovering from IBS and SIBO, Ben helps clients uncover the root causes of their symptoms and achieve lasting digestive freedom.