Diet
Certain foods can increase natural gas production. Examples include legumes, cabbage vegetables, onions and meals that are very high in fibre. A sudden increase in dietary fibre may also be noticeable at first.
Why Am I Always Bloated?
Health World
Why am I constantly bloated?
Possible causes, important connections and why the gut microbiome has become an increasing focus of scientific research.
Almost everyone experiences bloating from time to time. For some people it occurs only occasionally, while for others it becomes an almost daily problem. A swollen abdomen, pressure or increased gas production can be uncomfortable, especially when there is no obvious explanation.
In many cases, bloating is harmless. Recurrent symptoms may, however, be a reason to take a closer look at diet, eating habits, digestion and possible food intolerances.
How does bloating develop?
Gas is a normal part of the digestive process.
Some gas enters the digestive tract through swallowed air. Additional gas is produced when microorganisms in the gut break down food components that were not fully digested or absorbed beforehand.
Normally, these gases can be absorbed through the intestinal wall or expelled naturally. Bloating and pressure may be felt when unusually large amounts of gas are produced, when gas is not transported efficiently or when the gut is particularly sensitive to stretching.
Common possible causes of bloating
Bloating can have many different triggers. Several factors often occur at the same time.
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Eating too quickly
People who eat quickly, chew very little, talk frequently while eating or regularly consume carbonated drinks may swallow more air. This can later become noticeable as belching or bloating.
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Food intolerances
Lactose, fructose, sugar alcohols and other food components are not tolerated equally well by everyone. Symptoms may include bloating, abdominal pain or changes in bowel movements.
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Gut microbiome
The gut is home to a large community of different microorganisms. Changes in this complex ecosystem may also be accompanied by changes in digestion. The precise relationships remain the subject of intensive research.
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Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
In small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, commonly referred to as SIBO, unusually high numbers or an unfavourable composition of microorganisms are present in the small intestine. Bloating may be one of the associated symptoms.
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After antibiotics
Antibiotics do not act exclusively on the pathogen they are intended to target. They can also affect other microorganisms. Some people therefore notice temporary changes in digestion during or after treatment.
What can you observe first?
Simple changes and careful observation may help you recognise personal patterns more clearly.
- Eat more slowly and chew thoroughly
- Avoid very large meals
- Drink enough water
- Include regular movement in daily life
- Keep a record of foods and symptoms
- Increase new sources of fibre gradually
- Monitor carbonated drinks and sugar alcohols
- Seek professional assessment for persistent symptoms
When should bloating be medically assessed?
Bloating is often harmless. However, medical assessment is advisable if it occurs regularly or over a prolonged period, changes suddenly, or is accompanied by severe pain, fever, blood in the stool, persistent diarrhoea, vomiting or unintended weight loss.
Why is research interested in the gut microbiome?
The human digestive tract contains an enormous number of microorganisms. Together, they form a complex ecosystem known as the gut microbiome.
These microorganisms are involved, among other things, in processing certain food components and producing various metabolic substances. The significance of individual microbial communities for digestion, the intestinal barrier and other biological processes is the subject of intensive scientific research.
The many microorganisms being studied also include spore-forming bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis. Their biological characteristics, life cycles and roles in different natural systems are subjects of microbiological research.
Research into a microorganism does not, however, provide an individual recommendation for treating bloating or any other symptoms.
Further information about microbiology
Regardless of the possible causes of bloating, interested readers can use our educational resources to explore Bacillus subtilis, microbiological fundamentals, history and research in greater depth.
The following links do not constitute a recommendation for the prevention, relief or treatment of bloating or any other health condition.
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Knowledge Portal: Subtilis World
An accessible introduction to Bacillus subtilis, including its biological characteristics, spore formation, history, research and the classification of the DSM 21097 reference strain.
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Microbiology Documentary
An approximately 27-minute visual introduction to microbiology, history and research relating to Bacillus subtilis, presented in a clear and accessible way.
Watch documentary →About Health World
Health World presents health and scientific topics in an accessible way. Its purpose is to explain complex relationships clearly, not to provide individual diagnoses or recommend medical treatment.
The content is provided for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For health concerns or questions about medication or treatment, please consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.