We've all heard it, said it and felt it: "I feel bloated." Feeling bloated is the worst, isn't it? It can make finding something to wear more difficult, lower your self-esteem and make you feel uncomfortable throughout the day. Bloating can happen for a number of reasons, but the good news is that most of the time, it's preventable. Check out these common conditions that cause bloating, and see if you can get to the root of the problem.
1. Intestinal Yeast Overgrowth
The healthy bacteria in your gut usually keeps your yeast levels in check, but there are a few factors that can cause the candida population to grow out of control, causing an overgrowth. They include:- Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar
- Consuming a lot of alcohol
- Living a high-stress lifestyle
- Taking antibiotics that have killed too many friendly bacteria
2. Food Intolerance
A food intolerance is different from a food allergy. It's a delayed reaction to food, rather than an immediate allergic response. A food intolerance causes immune system stress and inflammation, which can irritate the intestinal tract and cause bloating. The most common food intolerances are dairy, certain fruits, nuts, wheat, gluten and corn. Try playing with your diet, removing certain foods for a few days to see if bloating reduces. You can also find food intolerances through a blood test.![dairy](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2718/3098/files/dairy-e1461958923539.jpg)
3. Gluten Sensitivity
Gluten intolerance and celiac disease have become more common, largely due to the chances in wheat over the past few decades. Many people with these conditions report bloating, often accompanied by gassiness, constipation and diarrhea. There is testing available for gluten intolerance and celiac disease, or you could cut gluten out of your diet for a four-week test run. Alternatives to gluten include rice, quinoa, millet, squash and sweet potato.4. Irregular Meal Times
Bloating can be caused by eating at irregular meal times. When you go hours without eating or have large amounts of food before bed, your digestion and metabolism will both suffer. Skipping breakfast then eating a large lunch will almost always cause bloating. It shocks your digestive system, causes a rise in blood sugar, and can leave you feeling tired and bloated. Aim for regular meal times. If you're constantly on the go, pack a lunch or keep a few snacks in your bag so you don't go too long without eating.![clock-650753_1280](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2718/3098/files/clock-650753_1280-e1460565441974.jpg)