Hidden Causes of Bloating That Have Nothing to Do With Food

33. Undiagnosed Magnesium Deficiency: The Muscle Relaxer Mineral

Magnesium is vital for over 300 bodily processes, including muscle relaxation and nerve function – both crucial for proper gut motility. Modern diets, soil depletion, and chronic stress can lead to widespread, often undiagnosed, low magnesium levels. Insufficient magnesium can contribute to sluggish digestion and constipation (leading to bloating) because the intestinal muscles can't relax and contract effectively. While food sources exist, discussing potential deficiency and appropriate testing or supplementation with your doctor might be warranted if bloating and constipation are chronic issues.

34. Swallowing Air While Drinking: The Beverage Blunder

We often focus on what we drink, but how we drink can be a major cause of bloating. Sucking drinks through a straw, drinking quickly, or chugging from a bottle can cause you to swallow a significant amount of air, which gets trapped in your stomach and intestines. This trapped air can lead to that uncomfortable, gassy, and bloated feeling, even if the beverage itself is not carbonated. Fix it: Try to drink from a glass slowly, without a straw, and take your time. This simple habit can drastically reduce the amount of air you ingest.