Chronic bloat

Hello! I am a 32 year old female who has experienced abdominal bloating for as long as I can remember. The distension begins around my waist and is largest below my navel. My abdomen distends several inches after eating or drinking. The only time my abdomen has even been flat is after fasting. But whenever I eat/drink, I look like I'm pregnant(!) I actually have to buy pants in a larger size to accomodate the bloat.

I have no pain or cramping; some gas but not excessive. I have about 4 bowel movements per day (I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables). I have no major medical conditions (just had a physical and blood work and everything is within normal limits). I have tried elimination diets, but the distension does not seem to be related to a specific food or beverage; it occurs no matter what I eat.

Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Blossom5]

Hi new here and just signed on. I was reading your question and I was wondering if you might have an allergic type reaction to some of the ingredients in the fruits or vegetables that you are eating. Of course, it would be reacting by bloating symptoms and would not be dangerous or anything just frustrating. The other possibility and I have heard this frequently, that sometimes bloating is related to Ovarian cancer. However, this is located through a complex system of testing, ultrasound, gynecological history and so forth. If the only symptoms you are having are gas and bloating, you are probably having a normal reaction to the swelling and digesting processes that the health specialists want us to have, keeping the colon cleaned out and the gut full of bulky foods that prevent cancer.

[virgo57]

I think the fruit might be your problem as it is not a soluble fiber but insoluble...which for some people is hard to digest.
You should try to counter act in by eating alittle less of it and by having a soluble fiber first.
Why may fiber be helpful?

Fiber can be helpful because it improves how the intestines work. There are 2 types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. (Soluble means it dissolves in liquid.) Soluble fiber helps both diarrhea and constipation. Insoluble fiber may make diarrhea worse.

Insoluble fiber is in fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals. Psyllium (a natural vegetable fiber) and oat bran are soluble fibers. You can buy psyllium (some brand names: Fiberall, Metamucil, Perdiem) at the store. Oat bran is in some cereals, bread or muffins. You can also add it to other foods.

Increase the fiber in your diet slowly. Some people feel bloated and have gas if they increase how much fiber they eat too quickly

[Concerned lady]

I agree with the previous comments! Follow their good suggestions!

Some more ideas to consider are:

1) INDIGESTION, due to lack of enough digestive ENZYMES.

For example, have you tried taking any protease (to digest/break down proteins), amylase (to digest starches), lipase (to digest fats), etc.? I take "Total Enzymes" by NutriWest, and it just about gets rid of (prevents) my former gas & bloating.

Do you have a lactOse (milk-sugar) intolerance? If maybe yes, have you tried lactAse enzymes (which digest milk sugar)? (like "Lactaid"). Lactose intolerance bloating is sneaky, because it happens about 20 to 30 minutes after eating or drinking milk products, so people often don't see the connection.

2) BACTERIAL IMBALANCE &/or INFECTIONS IN SMALL OR LARGE INTESTINE, DUE TO MEDS &/OR ANTIBIOTIC USE. Examples are yeast infections (due to antibiotics, steroids, etc.), ETC.

Have you tried using any PROBIOTICS (like ACIDOPHILUS & BIFIDUS)? Have you been tested to see if you have any infection?

3) Have you tried "Fletcherizing" your food? This takes patience. You chew each bite 35 times. No kidding. I knew someone once who actually did this, and she was the healthiest person I ever met! Quickly gulping down food contributes to indigestion, (from air swallowing, and lack of mixing with saliva, & not getting pulverized enough) whereas "Fletcherizing" promotes better digestion.

4) You might want to see a GI (gastro-intestinal doc) for more testing. Have you been tested for gall bladder problems? liver problems? Celiac Disease (gluten intolerance)? nerve problems in the intestinal areas?

5) Some types of fiber agree with some people, but this can change over time. I used to use Psyllium for years, and then, I think I developed a little sensitivity to it, and got a lot of bloating.

Good luck to you, in figuring this out.