What commonly causes bloating and excess gas?

Common causes include swallowing air, high-FODMAP foods, food intolerances (particularly to lactose or fructose), imbalanced gut microbiome, reduced digestive enzyme activity, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and stress — which affects gut motility via the gut-brain axis. Identifying the primary cause is key to choosing the most effective approach.

Can nutritional therapy help with bloating?

Yes — nutritional therapy is one of the most direct approaches for bloating. A nutritional therapist can help identify food intolerances, assess digestive enzyme function, recommend targeted probiotics and prebiotics, and guide you through an elimination or low-FODMAP protocol to systematically identify your individual triggers.

How is stress connected to bloating?

The gut and brain communicate continuously via the vagus nerve. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which slows digestive motility and can alter gut microbiome composition over time. Mind-body practices that support nervous system regulation — including yoga, meditation, and breathwork — can meaningfully reduce stress-related digestive symptoms.

When should bloating be investigated medically?

Persistent bloating, particularly when accompanied by unexplained weight loss, blood in stools, significant abdominal pain, or a change in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks, should be investigated by a doctor to rule out conditions such as coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or other structural issues.

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Bloating & Gas

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Reviewed by Dr. Ciara Magee · Integrative Midwifery26 March 2026Emerging evidence

Quick answer

Bloating and gas involve uncomfortable abdominal distension and trapped wind, often linked to diet, gut microbiome imbalances, or digestive motility. Holistic approaches — including nutritional therapy, herbal medicine, and gut-focused mind-body practices — may help address underlying patterns alongside conventional care.