1. Stress: stress plays a more significant role in our digestive health than we might think. When we’re under high stress, our body shifts its focus away from digestion and into “fight or flight” mode. This response is meant to prepare us for danger, not for digesting a meal. As a result, digestion slows down significantly, leading to gas and bloating.

2. SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth): SIBO is a condition where there’s an overabundance of bacteria in the small intestine, a place where there usually shouldn’t be many bacteria. These bacteria ferment food and create gas. This overproduction of gas can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable.

3. Not Chewing Your Food: digestion begins in the mouth. The process of breaking down food starts when we chew, mixing it with saliva. This not only makes it easier for the stomach to digest but also allows for better absorption of nutrients. When we don’t chew our food thoroughly, larger food particles enter the stomach. These larger particles are more challenging to digest, resulting in gas buildup and bloating.

4. Low Stomach Acid: adequate stomach acid is essential for breaking down the food we eat. It’s the first step in the digestive process. When stomach acid is low, it’s like trying to start a car with a nearly empty gas tank. The body isn’t fully prepared for the food entering the stomach, which can slow down digestion and leave undigested food sitting in the digestive tract for hours. This undigested food contributes to bloating.

5. Dehydration: proper hydration is essential for healthy digestion. When there’s an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes, it can lead to constipation. Constipation means that food moves more slowly through the digestive tract, leading to that bloated feeling.