An NHS GP has highlighted that bloating can stem from various factors beyond diet, addressing a common frustration among those who have cut out certain foods without relief. Doctor Sami Kader, a UK-trained General Practitioner with a specialist interest in Lifestyle Medicine, responded to a comment on TikTok from a woman named Lauren who experienced persistent bloating despite eliminating dairy, sugar, gluten, and other items from her diet.
Dr Kader explained that bloating generally occurs for two reasons: gas buildup or fluid and pressure in the gut. He outlined five potential causes, starting with constipation, which he described as the number one cause. “If you're not emptying your bowels regularly, pressure will build up,” he said.
The second cause is gas from fermentation, which happens when gut bacteria break down certain carbohydrates, producing hydrogen and methane. This is common with foods like onions, garlic, beans, fizzy drinks, sugars, and alcohol. Methane itself can slow down the gut, worsening the problem. The third factor involves food intolerances, such as to lactose, fructose, or high FODMAP foods, where the gut struggles to break down certain carbohydrates, leading to gas. If bloating worsens after eating bread, pasta, milk, apples, or certain vegetables, this could be the reason.
Beyond food, Dr Kader noted that swallowing air is a common trigger, often occurring when eating or drinking too quickly, chewing gum, or drinking through a straw. Finally, he pointed to hormones, including stress hormones like cortisol, thyroid hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, as a significant factor.
The NHS advises seeing a GP if bloating is regular or persists despite dietary changes, especially if accompanied by unintentional weight loss or blood in stools. Emergency attention is needed if bloating occurs with a swollen abdomen and severe pain, fever, vomiting, or inability to pass wind or stools. Persistent bloating can occasionally signal ovarian cancer, with symptoms including feeling bloated, a swollen tummy, discomfort in the tummy or pelvic area, feeling full quickly, or needing to urinate more often, occurring about 12 or more times a month.
