Constantly bloated

[Mayandwest]

I am constantly bloated to the point where I look 6 months pregnant. I’ve had blood tests done at the doctors which showed nothing out of the ordinary, I’ve tried cutting out gluten, dairy and fizzy drinks to no avail. Does anyone have any tips on how to manage bloating? Am I supposed to just accept that this is how it is? It’s uncomfortable and affects my confidence so much.

I'm not a doctor, but I don't think blood tests are enough to evaluate that much bloating. I would say you need a pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound. There might be fibroids, cysts or other growths. Do you have any other symptoms?

There's no quick answer, you'd have to try food elimination. The answer will be there somewhere. I discovered I was reacting to wheat (although had eaten it all my life, it was a new thing that happened). I only found out by reducing my food right down to the bare essentials - very bland food - but it still happened, then I removed wheat crackers and bingo.

Possibly try the FODMAP diet to try to figure it out, and keep a food diary. Best of luck! It is miserable.

One thing I can suggest which has worked absolute wonders for me (going from bloating every day regardless of diet, to only bloating if I knowingly eat my trigger foods), is kefir every morning. I get the thick plain yoghurty type (bio and me) and it is honestly a godsend. I have about 1/4 of a pot a day. I have had blood tests and an ultrasound with no issues. Dr helpfully suggested peppermint oil (which definitely don’t work but I didn’t have the energy to argue)

Not really other than fatigue but I have a 10 month old baby so nothing new there!

Agreed!

But I would get that bloating checked out further, OP. At least ask the question about some imaging in addition to the blood tests. Hope resolves easily for you.