Why Am I always bloated?
Have you ever eaten a meal and immediately felt like your stomach ballooned out?
You’re not alone. I remember seeing this all the way back in high school—girls would eat lunch and then jokingly show off their bloated bellies, laughing that they looked a few months pregnant.
Even then, I remember thinking: Is this really normal?
Here’s the truth—bloating might be common, but it’s not normal. It’s a sign that something is off in your digestive system.
So let’s unpack it:
What actually causes bloating—and how do you figure out what’s behind yours?
Common Causes of Bloating
1. Low Stomach Acid
This one surprises most people.
We’re often taught that stomach acid is bad—something to suppress with antacids or acid blockers. But your stomach is supposed to be highly acidic (around 1.5–2 on the pH scale). That acid plays a key role in:
Breaking down proteins
Killing off bacteria and pathogens in food
Beginning the process of nutrient absorption
When stomach acid is too low, food doesn't get properly digested. It starts to ferment in the stomach and small intestine, creating gas—and yep, that means bloating.
It also leaves the door open for unwanted microbes to travel further into the digestive tract, which can cause even more issues.
2. SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
Your large intestine is meant to have bacteria. Your small intestine? Not so much.
With SIBO, bacteria that should be in the large intestine migrate into the small intestine, where they ferment carbohydrates prematurely. This can cause:
Excess gas
Bloating
Discomfort (especially after eating)
3. Food Sensitivities
Not to be confused with food allergies, food sensitivities cause a delayed immune reaction and can trigger inflammation, gas, and bloating.
If your digestive system is under-functioning, your body may start reacting to certain foods that it once tolerated just fine. Gluten, dairy, and certain FODMAPs are common culprits, but everyone’s list is a little different.
4. Enzyme Deficiency
Digestive enzymes are released by your pancreas and small intestine to help break down fats, carbs, and proteins.
If enzyme production is low (which can happen due to stress, poor diet, aging, or gut dysfunction), food isn’t broken down completely. That undigested food then sits and ferments—hello, bloating
.
So… How Do You Figure Out Your Cause?
This is where personalization matters.
You and your best friend might both feel bloated after meals—but the reason why could be totally different. One of you might need digestive enzymes; the other might have SIBO or low stomach acid.'
This is exactly what I help clients uncover. During our initial session, we:
Review your health history and symptoms
Go through a comprehensive Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (NAQ)
Talk through the timeline of your digestive issues and overall health
This process helps me identify where dysfunction is likely happening in your digestive system—and more importantly, how to support your body so it can start healing.
Here’s the good news:
Bloating doesn’t have to be your normal. When you get to the root cause, the relief is not only possible—it’s expected.
If you’re tired of guessing and want real answers for your bloating, let’s talk.
I offer free consultation calls that are 60 minutes long so you can share what is going on and what you need help with.
It is low pressure and easy first step. Check it out here.
