Root Causes For Bloating and How to Check
- BeChamp Health
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Bloating is a common discomfort that many people experience, often blamed solely on the foods they eat. While diet plays a role, the causes of bloating run much deeper. The digestive system is a complex network involving multiple organs and processes that work together to break down food and absorb nutrients. When any part of this system falters, bloating can result. This post explores the root causes of bloating beyond just food, focusing on the role of digestive organs, how to test stomach acid levels, and the impact of food sensitivities.
In the video below, you'll find ways to self check for low stomach acid, and find out what stool reveals and what to look out for to determine if there's low enzymes, low bile or other potential issues with digestion. These are tips to help you get clues and bring up concerns to your health practitioner.
Video Thumbnail: Root Causes for Bloating - a clip from a webinar on Gut Health
The Digestive System Starts in the Mouth
Digestion begins the moment you put food in your mouth. Chewing breaks food into smaller pieces, increasing its surface area for enzymes to act on. Saliva contains enzymes like amylase that start breaking down carbohydrates right away. Proper chewing also mixes food thoroughly with saliva, which helps lubricate the food and initiates digestion.
If you eat too quickly or do not chew well, larger food particles enter the stomach, making digestion harder and increasing the chance of bloating. Taking time to chew food properly supports the entire digestive process.
The Stomach’s Role and Stomach Acid Importance
The stomach uses acid and enzymes to break down food further. Stomach acid, primarily hydrochloric acid (HCl), creates an acidic environment necessary for activating pepsin, an enzyme that digests proteins. It also signals the production of intrinsic factor, a protein essential for absorbing vitamin B12.
When stomach acid is low, a condition called hypochlorhydria, digestion slows down. Food sits longer in the stomach, fermenting and producing gas that causes bloating. Low acid also means pepsin and intrinsic factor production decrease, leading to poor protein digestion and potential B12 deficiency.
How to Test Stomach Acid Levels at Home
One simple way to check if your stomach acid is low is the baking soda burp test:
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 4-6 ounces of water.
Drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Time how long it takes to burp.
If you burp within 2-3 minutes, your stomach acid is likely normal. If it takes longer or no burp occurs, it may indicate low stomach acid. This test is not a diagnosis but a helpful indicator to discuss with a healthcare provider.
Pancreatic Enzymes and Their Role in Digestion
After the stomach, food moves into the small intestine, where the pancreas releases digestive enzymes. These enzymes break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller molecules that the body can absorb.
If the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes, digestion is incomplete. This can cause undigested food to ferment in the gut, leading to gas, bloating, and discomfort. Conditions like chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis can impair enzyme production, but even mild enzyme insufficiency can cause symptoms.
Liver, Gallbladder, and Bile Production
The liver produces bile, which the gallbladder stores and releases into the small intestine. Bile emulsifies fats, breaking them into smaller droplets so pancreatic enzymes can digest them efficiently.
If bile production or release is impaired, fat digestion suffers. This can cause fatty stools, nutrient deficiencies, and bloating. Gallstones or gallbladder dysfunction often disrupt bile flow, contributing to digestive symptoms.
How Each Organ’s Function Affects Bloating
Every step in digestion depends on the previous one working well:
Poor chewing reduces saliva mixing and enzyme action.
Low stomach acid slows protein digestion and nutrient absorption.
Insufficient pancreatic enzymes leave food partially digested.
Inadequate bile disrupts fat digestion.
When any of these processes weaken, food ferments in the gut, producing gas and causing bloating. Addressing only diet without considering these factors may not resolve symptoms.
Note: watch the video for more information on how what to look for you in your poop to check for weaknesses in the digestive system.
Disbiosis and Bacteria Overgrowth Can Cause Bloating
Harmful bacteria and parasites can also cause bloating when they're not kept in check. Too much candida (yeast) is common after taking a course of antibiotics, or after having too much sugar (it feeds candida). Not enough healthy bacteria can weaken immune system so adding back more probiotics and fermented foods can help. SIBO (small intestinal bacteria overgrowth) can also develop due to low stomach acid, medication, or too much pressure from the colon pushing unwanted bacteria upward passing into the small intestines. To determine if SIBO is the cause, discuss with your doctor to get a SIBO breath test.
Whether it's candida, parasites, or SIBO causing the bloat, there are anti-microbials that can help and it's different for each type of scenario.
If you need support with this, contact us for a consultation.
Food Sensitivities and Their Impact on Bloating
Food sensitivities differ from allergies. They involve difficulty digesting or reacting to certain foods, often causing bloating, gas, and discomfort. Common culprits include lactose, gluten, and certain fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs).
Identifying food sensitivities can be challenging without testing. We offer a food sensitivity test that helps pinpoint problematic foods. This test can guide dietary changes that reduce bloating and improve digestion.
Practical Tips to Reduce Bloating
Chew food thoroughly to aid saliva enzyme action.
Test stomach acid using the baking soda burp test and consult a healthcare provider if low acid is suspected.
Support pancreatic and liver health by eating balanced meals and avoiding excessive alcohol.
Consider food sensitivity testing to identify and eliminate trigger foods.
Stay hydrated and maintain regular physical activity to support digestion.
For a personalized plan, book a discovery call with me here. I’d love to help.
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Note: Always consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially with medical conditions or medications.
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