Does this sound familiar?
You wake up with a hard, puffed out stomach. After going to the bathroom, it’s a little smaller, but still hard. You eat your first meal and your stomach bloats again. By the end of the day you feel really uncomfortable and like you look a few months pregnant.
It doesn’t seem to matter what you eat, you always feel bloated.
So what’s going on? Why is your stomach bloated all the time?
There are two main reasons.
1. Low Stomach Acid
Most of us are experiencing high stress levels and our bodies are in constant flight or fight mode. When we’re in that mode the body slows down digestion.
When digestion slows down, digestive enzymes and stomach acid lower. This means key minerals and proteins can’t be absorbed into the body. Low stomach acid also causes undigested food to sit in your stomach, which leads to reason number two for bloating.
2. Undigested Food and Gas from Bacteria and Mold Growth
I know it’s gross, but undigested food rots in your stomach and causes mold to grow. Mold and bacteria release methane and Hydrogen as they feast and grow. Bacteria multiply fast and the gas creates pressure and increases the size in your stomach.
The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to get rid of the bloating.
1. Test your stomach acid and take a digestive enzyme
Having the right enzyme levels helps you break down food properly. You will absorb and process your food and nothing else will grow and feed on it. Contact me for details about an at-home stomach acid test.
2. Chew your food
Digestion begins in your mouth. Racing through your meals can affect how your body digests food. Take smaller bites and chew your food 10-12 times or until it’s almost a liquid.
3. Avoid processed food
Processed food and sugars can cause inflammation in your stomach, decrease acid activity, and trigger acid reflux symptoms.
4. Take apple cider vinegar or ginger with your meal
To use apple cider vinegar, dilute a small amount with water and drink it before a meal. Slice, grate, or steep ginger into tea and foods.
5. Lower stress
I know, I know, this is easier said than done. But, if you take 2 minutes to pause and breathe deeply before eating this will actually lower your stress levels and improve digestion.
Try these out and I know you’ll feel better!
