Dr. Saurabh Sethi is an ABMS board certified internal medicine physician specializing in gastroenterology, hepatology, and advanced interventional endoscopy. Healthline spoke with him to learn more about stomach bloating after eating.
Stomach bloating after eating can result from various factors, such as overeating, swallowing air while eating, consuming gas-producing foods, or underlying digestive conditions like lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome.
When you eat, your stomach expands to accommodate food, and excess gas produced during digestion or slowed digestion can lead to bloating. Certain foods, like beans, broccoli, cabbage, and carbonated drinks, can also contribute to bloating due to their high fiber or gas content.
Partner tip
Florastor Advanced Gas & Bloat Probiotic & Digestive Supplement is designed to protect against occasional gas, bloating, and diarrhea, with a unique Florastor probiotic strain and a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes and botanicals.
Your stomach may appear flatter in the morning because overnight, your body has had time to digest food, resulting in less gas and waste in your digestive system.
However, as the day progresses and you consume meals, gas can accumulate in your stomach and intestines, leading to bloating at night. Eating large meals, consuming certain foods, or swallowing air while eating or drinking can worsen this bloating.
To relieve bloating after eating, consider consuming smaller meals more frequently to prevent overeating and promote better digestion. Avoid foods that cause bloating, such as beans, cabbage, onions, and carbonated drinks.
Also, chewing your food thoroughly, avoiding drinking through a straw, and slow eating can help reduce the amount of air swallowed during meals, which can contribute to bloating.
To help relieve bloating, drink plenty of water throughout the day to aid digestion and prevent constipation, which can contribute to bloating. Herbal teas like peppermint or ginger can also soothe your digestive system and relieve bloating.
Also, engaging in gentle exercise like walking or yoga can promote digestion and reduce bloating by encouraging the movement of gas through your digestive tract.
Persistent or severe bloating accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, unintentional weight loss, or blood in your stool could indicate a more serious underlying condition such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or ovarian cancer.
If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.