Bloating help!!

[Debtdolly]

I know bloating is a really common occurrence but I can’t find the cause of and it’s really getting me down. Right now I look about 5 months pregnant (im not) and Google brings up 101 answers!!

here’s some info that I hope will help:

• I am currently bloated, and the bloating seems to be on my whole abdomen all the way from bra line to pelvis.
• im pretty sure im not pregnant, I have had the copper coil fitted for 7 years and have just finished my period (I had wondered if it was menstrual bloat but usually only experience this in the lower half of tummy)
• when I woke up this morning my belly felt reasonably flat and has bloated out since then. Feels quite firm to touch.
• I am approx 1 stone overweight and am currently trying to lose weight by exercising 4-5 times per week, and calorie counting. I weigh absolutely everything including milk in coffee etc. I’m not huge though, still fit into a size 12 from most shops, but am short hence BMI being high.
• today I have eaten fruit with fat free yoghurt and mixed seeds for breakfast, and a chicken and salad sandwich - no butter - on multi seed bread. Also snacked on a nut and raisin mix and some cherries.
• bowel movements seem fine but I do sometimes wonder about IBS as I occasionally fluctuate between loose stools and constipation sometimes in the same day. Not seen a doc.
• i am 41 so I suppose perimenopause is a possibility.
• no food intolerance that I know of
• rarely drink alcohol

I’m just wondering if anyone has experienced the same and has any tips or solutions? Or any ideas of what it could be?

It’s the fact the bloating extends so high that makes it harder to hide. Im trying to pack for a little uk break with the kids next week and i look horrendous in all my clothes as they are just clinging to my belly. It’s soul destroying when I’ve been working out so hard as well.

Sorry for the long post but if anyone knows how I can fix this it would be much appreciated. Understand it may not be fixed for my hols.

Nuts, seeds and wholemeal bread bloat me up. I can eat them but I know if I eat them 2 days on the trot I'll get fake hungry and bloated.

Also, if you've just changed your diet, it could be your body adjusting. Eg. if you've gone from white bread to seeded/wholemeal and no nuts, seeds or fruit to a lot of it..

What makes a big difference to me is to avoid anything with sugar and wheat (rye is fine). My sensitivity to both started in my 40s. Much less windy and much flatter stomach area (have gone down a dress size and trousers are loose).

Have you been tested for coeliac disease? Quick blood test confirmed that’s what my bloating was

I have very similar issues. I'm better these days and choose gluten free alternatives as much as possible. No regular bread anymore, sadly.
Nuts are another trigger for me, so I avoid them.
I drink actimel every day which is helpful and I take peppermint capsules when my gut is struggling.
Rushing my food and worrying can set it off too.
I drink coffee first thing in the morning to keep me regular as avoiding constipation is important.
Best of luck. I know how frustrating all this is. But had I eaten bread and nuts today, I would be heavily bloated too.