What Are the Causes of Belly Bloating After Eating?

One of the most common digestive complaints is a bloated belly after a meal, which can have several causes. Changing your eating habits may help. If you suffer from bloating even when you haven't been eating, it might indicate a more serious problem, and you should contact a health professional immediately.

Swallowing Air and Gas

• Eating or drinking too quickly can cause you to swallow too much air, as can chewing gum and smoking. All can lead to bloating. Too much gas in the stomach can also cause bloating. Foods that cause gas include beans, soda, broccoli and cabbage. Antibiotics can also cause gas, as can eating without chewing thoroughly.

Overeating

• Eating too much food in one sitting can lead to bloating. Try eating smaller portions several times per day.

Constipation

• Constipation and bloating often go together. Constipation is defined by less than three bowel movements per week, bowel movements that are difficult or painful, and stool that is hard and dry.

Food Intolerance and Allergies

• Lactose and gluten intolerance can cause bloating. Lactose is found in milk and milk products, and gluten is found in wheat, rye and barley.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• IBS is far more common in women than men and causes abdominal pain and bloating as well as chronic constipation, diarrhea or alternating bouts of both.

Slow Stomach Emptying

• Women's stomachs empty more slowly, which could be why more women suffer from bloating than men. Too much fatty food can also cause the stomach to empty more slowly.