Bloating: causes you didn"t know about have been named

Bloating can be caused not only by overeating but also by such unexpected factors as drinking through a straw, consuming onions, or an excess of sweets in the diet. This warning was issued by British National Health Service general practitioner Sami Kader in an interview with Mirror.

As the specialist explained, one of the main causes of bloating remains constipation. When bowel movements are irregular, pressure builds up in the intestines and gas accumulates. Certain carbohydrates can exacerbate the situation: when they are broken down, gut bacteria produce hydrogen and methane. Such processes are often triggered after consuming onions, garlic, beans, sweets, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Meanwhile, methane slows down intestinal function, which only intensifies bloating.

Among the less obvious culprits, Kader highlighted food intolerances. Unpleasant symptoms may manifest with lactose intolerance — milk sugar, fructose intolerance — sugar from fruits, as well as gluten intolerance — a protein found in wheat and several other grains.

The doctor also drew attention to everyday habits that can trigger bloating. These include drinking through a straw, which causes a person to inadvertently swallow more air, eating too quickly, chewing gum, and excessive consumption of carbonated drinks.

In addition, bloating can be caused by vaping and hormonal fluctuations that affect the functioning of the digestive system. The specialist emphasized that if such symptoms occur regularly and are accompanied by pain or other alarming signs, it is necessary to consult a doctor to determine the cause.