We all know the feeling of an expanded stomach after a particularly indulgent meal. But beyond the occasional bloating experience, nearly a third of the U.S. population experiences chronic bloating [1]. So what’s behind this symptom when it’s more frequent?
If you’ve been going through a lot more stress than usual lately, you may have noticed a worsening in your symptoms. And you wouldn’t be wrong, as the research shows that increased stress can worsen bloating and stomach distention.
Key Takeaways
- Stress can lead to bloating by increasing inflammation and causing gut bacteria imbalances.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, including bloating and abdominal distention, are strongly associated with stress levels.
- Non-gut-related issues, like pelvic floor dysfunction, can cause chronic bloating.
- Bloating and other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms can be easily treated with lifestyle and dietary changes, probiotics, and physical therapy.
The link between stress and increased IBS symptoms like bloating is well-established. This is likely due to stress changing the gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis and/or bacterial overgrowth. These gut flora changes can lead to excess gas production and inflammation inside the GI tract. Unfortunately, as inflammation levels increase, our pain sensitivity also increases, adding to the sensation of bloating.
