Bloating after Eating: Causes and Solutions

By Noelina R. | Updated: Jun 18, 2020

Ladies

Having an excessively full and bloated stomach after eating is not a foreign concept to most. The sensation can easily leave a bad impression after a tasty meal. While there are many reasons as to why one might have gas and bloating after eating, there are just as many ways to beat the swell.

Continue reading to learn more about bloating after eating, including its causes and solutions, so you can go forth and eat without dreading what's to come.

Bloating after eating

What Causes Stomach Bloating After Eating?

causes

Several eating habits can cause women to suffer from abdominal bloating after eating. For instance, talking and eating at the same time, chewing gum, consuming fizzy drinks, and improper sitting positions can all cause you to swallow air, causing gas and bloating.

Also, bloating after eating can also be due to improper food choice. Consumption of certain foods can cause bloating, like cabbage, broccoli, onions, sprouts, cauliflower, and beans. Furthermore, an unbalanced diet lacking sufficient amounts of fruits, vegetables, and water might lead to constipation and compromised bowel function.

Moreover, certain medical conditions and food intolerances can cause bloating and gas after eating. Wheat, gluten, or dairy are common culprits that can cause bloating as bowels don't empty them properly, and they can cause gas to be trapped after consumption. Celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome are two of the most common digestive conditions.

For menopausal women, bloating after eating is largely believed to be influenced by drastic hormonal fluctuations taking place as fertile years come to an end. Because women are affected more so than men and reports of abdominal bloating increase during this time, alternations of estrogen and progesterone are targeted as contributing factors.

Solutions for Stomach Bloating After Eating

solutions

Treating a bloated stomach after eating starts with targeting the underlying cause.

If due to bad eating habits, simple lifestyle changes can do wonders. Practice techniques to not take in excess air, avoid chewing gum, and cut down on carbonated beverages. Also, stay properly hydrated and consume plenty of fiber from fresh fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation. If for some reason you are not getting enough fiber from your diet, consider taking fiber supplements. Moderation is key as overconsumption of fiber might ironically worsen constipation. 

For women suffering from bloating after eating because of intolerances and medical conditions, work with your trusted healthcare professional to create a diet plan favorable to your specific needs. In general, it would be wise to evade gas-promoting foods, like beans and gassy vegetables, known to worsen bloating.

Finally, menopausal women whose bloating is caused or aggravated by hormones should look to resolve the underlying hormonal imbalance at fault through enacting bloating treatments. Start with less invasive lifestyle changes while taking into consideration the use of alternative medicines. These include phytoestrogenic herbal supplements, like black cohosh, or hormone-regulating supplements, like Macafem. Women suffering from an onslaught of menopausal symptoms may favor the use of riskier pharmaceutical methods, like hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Key Takeaways

Without a doubt, abdominal bloating after eating can weigh down one's mood, leading to discomfort and gas for hours. It is often caused by improper eating habits, food choices, medical conditions, and intolerances. However, menopausal women can also suffer from the symptom due to fluctuating hormones. Nevertheless, rest assured that relief is right around the corner by instilling simple lifestyle changes or working with your doctor for a personalized diet plan. Menopausal women will find the most benefit by pursuing ways to balance hormones. 

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