Understanding and Managing Bloating: Why Am I Bloated and How to Stop My Bloating

Bloating is a common digestive issue that many people experience, causing digestive pain, embarrassing flatulence and often wondering, "Why am I bloated?" Understanding the causes of bloating and how to effectively stop bloating can significantly improve digestive health, ridding of gas and flatulence.

Socialising, eating out and festive seasons are a great time for connection and laughter over shared meals, but it’s also when we experience that uncomfortable digestive spasm and bloating, triggered by indulgent food or irregular routines. Ayurveda teaches that good health begins with strong digestion, or Agni — the digestive “fire” responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and keeping energy balanced.

When digestion slows or becomes overloaded, bloating, heaviness, and discomfort can follow. Understanding why gas builds up and why bloating happens enables you to address the underlying cause, and support digestion naturally, to help you enjoy every celebration in comfort and confidence.

 

Why Am I So Bloated?

Bloating can be caused by various factors including diet, lifestyle, and underlying digestive conditions so it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional too. Identifying the root cause of your bloating is essential to finding relief and preventing future discomfort.

Bloating can start subtly — a little discomfort after meals, or a feeling of digestive tightness that doesn’t seem to pass. Common things to consider:

• Overeating or eating too quickly: The stomach expands faster than enzymes can keep up, leading to fermentation and gas.
• Rich or heavy foods: Creamy sauces, fried dishes, and excess sugar can slow down digestion.
• Irregular mealtimes: Skipping meals or late-night eating disrupts digestive rhythm.
• Stress: Stress and emotional tension can weaken digestive fire (Agni).
• FODMAP foods or gas producing foods: For many, certain carbohydrates (in beans, onions, garlic, apples, wheat) ferment easily, leading to bloating.
• Underlying conditions or intolerances: digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and food intolerances can cause bloating. Certain medications and other medical conditions can also impact the digestive system. Always speak to your healthcare professional about any concerns.
• Imbalanced microbiome: an imbalance between good bacteria (probiotics) and bad bacteria in your gut can impact bloating.

In Ayurveda, these factors are understood to increase Ama — undigested residues that stagnate digestion and contribute to bloating, sluggishness, and even skin dullness.

 

What are FODMAPS?

“Is my food making me bloated?” is a common question, and it is true, some foods brings on bloating. your bloating? Some foods are high FODMAP – meaning they cause bloating - and avoiding high FODMAP foods, even for a short period, can help manage bloating.

FODMAPs stands for a group of fermentable short-chain carbohydrates that can trigger bloating, gas, and IBS symptoms.

F – Fermentable: rapidly fermented carbohydrates by gut bacteria, leading to gas, bloating, and discomfort.

O – Oligosaccharides: Found in wheat, onions, garlic, and legumes. Hard to digest, leading to bloating and discomfort in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

D – Disaccharides: Lactose is the main disaccharide to watch. Found in milk, soft cheeses, and yogurt—poorly absorbed in many with IBS.

M – Monosaccharides: Fructose (found in honey, apples, and high-fructose corn syrup) is absorbed inefficiently, leading to gut distress.

A – And (this just links them together!)

P – Polyols: Naturally found in stone fruits, sugar-free gum, and artificial sweeteners. Polyols can draw excess water into the gut, leading to bloating and diarrhea.

A low FODMAP diet is scientifically proven to help reduce medically diagnosed IBS symptoms by limiting these difficult-to-digest carbohydrates.

Not all FODMAP foods affect everyone the same way! It's about finding your triggers and managing your intake for better gut health.

Many FODMAP foods have health benefits, so it is best not to stay on a no FODMAP diet or low FODMAP diet for too long. Always speak to your healthcare professional about your specific needs.

 

Natural Ways to Reduce Bloating and Support Digestion

1.       Stimulate your digestive ‘juices, your digestive fire before meals.
Start meals with warm water and lemon, or sip ginger tea 15 minutes beforehand. This gently activates Agni, priming your body for digestion. Herbs that naturally stimulate digestion include Asafoetida and Ajwain, also found in AyurScience Gasnix.

2.       Eat mindfully.

Slow down, chew thoroughly, and allow your body to recognise fullness. Ayurveda views eating as a sacred ritual — when you eat with awareness, digestion strengthens naturally.

3.       Choose a natural diet, consider low FODMAP alternatives.

Opt for unprocessed and natural foods, free from sugar, preservatives and artificial flavours, sweeteners or colours. Look to lightly cooked steamed greens, easily digestible foods and spices like cumin, fennel, ginger, and coriander. These promote smooth digestion and reduce gas build-up.

4.       Avoid cold and carbonated drinks.

Cold liquids suppress digestive fire. Instead, sip warm herbal teas to soothe the gut and aid enzyme activity.

5.       Move gently after meals.

A short walk helps stimulate peristalsis and prevent bloating or sluggishness. In Ayurveda, movement supports the natural flow of Vata energy, easing tension in the abdomen.

 

The Ayurvedic Science of Digestive Comfort

AyurScience Gasnix is a trusted herbal supplement formulated to support digestion naturally — not just mask symptoms.

The herbal and mineral FODMAP friendly supplement is a natural digestive remedy to reduce gas as traditionally used in Ayurveda.

• Stimulate digestive fire (Agni) for efficient breakdown of food.
• Support natural digestion, improving nutrient absorption and preventing fermentation.
• Soothe the gut by reducing gas, bloating, and discomfort.

Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for indigestion, bloating, and sluggish digestion, AyurScience Gasnix is also certified Low FODMAP by Monash University, making it suitable for those sensitive to common trigger foods.

By enhancing digestive efficiency rather than merely relieving symptoms, AyurScience Gasnix helps you restore comfort, reduce post-meal bloating, and enjoy festive foods without the worry.

 

Balance, Beauty, and Wellbeing

A strong digestive system is the foundation of wellness. When digestion works well, energy flows freely, skin looks radiant, and the mind feels clear.

Understanding “why am I bloated” and taking proactive steps to stop bloating can lead to better digestive comfort and improved quality of life. Consider FODMAP digestion supplements, lifestyle changes and healthy options to support your digestive health.

If bloating persists, consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions.

 

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.