Bloating: what’s normal and what isn’t

Some fullness after a large meal is normal. Seek attention for daily, painful or worsening bloating.

Common, everyday causes

Fast eating, late large meals, fizzy drinks, gum, sudden fibre increases and constipation can cause bloating.

Find your pattern

For a week, log bloating, meals, bowel movements, stress and sleep instead of cutting food groups. Use our gut journal.

Gentle changes that often help

Regular meal times, slower eating, a short walk after meals, enough water, gradually increasing fibre, and some curd or buttermilk.

Red flags

See a doctor promptly for bloody or black stools, unintended weight loss, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, night-waking symptoms or new symptoms after age 50.