Hidden Causes of Bloating That Have Nothing to Do With Food

Lisette Marie

29. Lingering Effects of Past Gut Infections: Post-Infectious Bloating

Woman lying on bed bedroom clutching stomach suffering female girl abdomen gastrointestinal painful. Photo Credit: Envato @jm_video

Did your chronic bloating start after a bout of food poisoning or a nasty stomach bug? Sometimes, even after the infection clears, the gut environment remains altered. This "post-infectious IBS" can involve lingering low-grade inflammation, changes in gut motility (how quickly things move), or alterations in the gut microbiome, all contributing to persistent bloating, gas, and discomfort. If this sounds familiar, patience, targeted gut-supportive strategies (like specific probiotics or dietary tweaks), and potentially medical investigation are needed.

30. Circadian Rhythm Disruption (Beyond Just Sleep): Shift Work Woes

Woman Waking Up In Bed With Voice Assistant On Bedside Table Next To Her. Photo Credit: Envato @monkeybusiness

Even if you get 7-8 hours of sleep, working irregular shifts or having erratic daily schedules throws off your body's internal clock (circadian rhythm). This master clock regulates hormone release, body temperature, and crucially, gut motility and digestive enzyme secretion. When disrupted, your digestion can become sluggish and uncoordinated, leading to bloating independent of what you eat or how much total sleep you get. Sticking to regular meal and sleep times as much as possible, even on days off, helps regulate your internal rhythms.

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29. Lingering Effects of Past Gut Infections: Post-Infectious Bloating

30. Circadian Rhythm Disruption (Beyond Just Sleep): Shift Work Woes

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