Why Am I Bloating?
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “why am I bloated all the time?” — you’re not alone.
Bloating is one of the most common gut complaints we see at Gut Recovery Centre. It can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and sometimes embarrassing, especially when it feels like no matter what you eat (or don’t eat), your stomach still balloons out.
Let’s break down what bloating actually is, why it happens, and what can help.
What is bloating?
Bloating is the sensation of abdominal fullness, pressure, or swelling, often accompanied by visible distension of the belly. Some people describe it as:
feeling tight or stretched through the abdomen
looking “pregnant” by the end of the day
discomfort after eating
pressure or heaviness in the gut
Bloating can happen occasionally — or it can feel chronic and constant, especially after meals.
What does bloating feel like?
Bloating doesn’t feel the same for everyone. Common experiences include:
a swollen or hard stomach
excessive gas or wind
abdominal discomfort or pain
feeling full very quickly when eating
bloating that worsens throughout the day
bloating paired with constipation or diarrhoea
If you notice bloating after eating, or bloating that appears daily, it’s usually a sign that something deeper is going on in the gut.
Why does bloating happen?
Bloating is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It’s your body’s way of saying something isn’t quite right with digestion, gut bacteria, or gut function.
Some of the most common causes of bloating include:
Imbalanced gut bacteria
When gut bacteria are out of balance, food can ferment in the digestive tract, producing excess gas and bloating.
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
SIBO occurs when bacteria overgrow in the small intestine, where they don’t belong. This often leads to:
bloating after meals
gas
constipation, diarrhoea, or both
food sensitivities
Food intolerances or sensitivities
Certain foods can trigger bloating if your gut struggles to break them down properly. This is highly individual, which is why blanket food elimination rarely works long term.
Low stomach acid
Low stomach acid can impair digestion, allowing food to sit longer in the gut and ferment, leading to bloating and reflux-like symptoms. It is more common then people realise, most people will be treated for high stomach acid when it’s actually low stomach acid thats the problem.
Poor gut motility
If food isn’t moving through the digestive tract efficiently, gas and pressure can build up. (colonics can be a huge help with this)
Stress and nervous system imbalance
The gut and nervous system are deeply connected. Chronic stress can slow digestion and contribute to bloating, especially in the afternoon or evening.
Hormonal imbalances
You may notice that your bloating changes at different times of the month — better one week, worse the next. This is often linked to hormonal fluctuations, particularly around the menstrual cycle.
Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone are processed and eliminated through the gut and liver. When this process isn’t working efficiently, hormones can become re-circulated, irritating the gut lining and altering gut motility.
Hormonal imbalances can contribute to:
bloating before or during your period
increased gas or constipation
fluid retention and abdominal swelling
worsening gut symptoms alongside PMS
This is why bloating is often not just a food issue, but a sign that gut function, detox pathways, and hormone balance need support — something we commonly assess through gut testing, naturopathy, and personalised nutrition.
Why supplements don’t always fix bloating
Many people try:
probiotics
fibre supplements
digestive enzymes
While these can be helpful, they can also make bloating worse if the underlying cause hasn’t been identified. For example, adding probiotics or fibre when SIBO is present can increase fermentation and gas.
This is why testing can be helpful before adding in supplements or creating treatment protocols.
What can be done about bloating?
The most effective way to address bloating is to identify the root cause, rather than masking symptoms.
At Gut Recovery Centre, we support bloating through:
Gut testing
Testing can help identify:
bacterial imbalances
SIBO
digestive function
inflammation
parasites or infections
This gives us clarity on why bloating is happening.
Naturopathy & nutrition support
Our naturopaths use your test results to create a personalised plan that supports digestion, gut repair, and long-term balance — not just short-term relief.
Colon hydrotherapy
Colon hydrotherapy can help:
relieve bloating and abdominal pressure
support elimination
remove trapped gas and compacted stools
improve gut function while underlying issues are addressed
Nervous system support
Stress management, lifestyle guidance, and supportive therapies (like infrared sauna) can play a powerful role in reducing bloating.
When should you seek help for bloating?
If you experience:
bloating most days
bloating that worsens after eating
bloating with constipation or diarrhoea
bloating alongside fatigue, skin issues, or food reactions
…it’s worth investigating further.
Bloating is common — but it’s not something you have to “just live with.”
Ready to get answers?
If you’re tired of guessing, cutting out foods, or trying supplement after supplement, we’re here to help.
You can:
explore our gut testing packages
book a naturopathy consultation
book a nutrition consultation
or contact our team for guidance on where to start
Your gut is always communicating with you.
Sometimes, it just needs the right support to be heard.