Hi, I’m Anna, Co-Founder of The SABI.
Bloating isn’t just a minor discomfort—it’s one of those things that can quietly chip away at your confidence and sense of ease in your own body. I’ve experienced it all: the sudden tightness after a meal, the persistent discomfort that made me second-guess what I was eating, and the days when I’d feel so distended that even my favourite clothes felt like the enemy.
But there was a time when it shifted from being an occasional annoyance to something more unsettling—persistent, unpredictable, and harder to ignore. It wasn’t just about what I ate or the stress I was under. My body was trying to tell me something deeper, and I’d spent so long brushing it off, assuming it was "just bloating." That experience changed how I viewed my health. It taught me that bloating isn’t always just about food or hormones—it can be a sign that your body is out of balance, asking for attention.
This personal journey is one of the reasons Hilary and I created The Digestive Herbata. We wanted to offer more than just a natural remedy for bloating—we wanted to create a product that encourages people to reconnect with their bodies, to listen, and to respond with care.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is this normal?” or questioning whether your bloating is just part of life or a sign of something more, you’re not alone. Here’s what I’ve learned about the different faces of bloating—how to find relief, when to dig deeper, and when it’s time to seek support.
What Is Normal Bloating?
Bloating often occurs when your digestive system is under temporary stress. Common causes include:
-
Dietary Triggers: High-FODMAP foods (like onions, garlic, and beans), dairy, or gluten.
-
Overeating: Eating large meals or eating too quickly.
-
Hormonal Changes: Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause.
-
Stress: Anxiety and high cortisol levels can disrupt digestion and cause bloating.
If your bloating improves with dietary changes, stress management, or digestive-supporting remedies like herbal teas, it’s likely part of your body’s normal response to temporary triggers.
When Is Bloating a Concern?
Persistent or severe bloating, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, can point to an underlying condition that needs medical attention. Here are signs that your bloating might be more than just a common annoyance:
1. Pain That Doesn’t Go Away
Mild cramping is normal with bloating, but sharp or prolonged abdominal pain is not. If you’re experiencing significant pain that doesn’t improve after passing gas, using the restroom, or trying herbal remedies, it’s worth investigating.
2. Sudden, Severe Onset of Bloating
If your bloating comes on suddenly and is accompanied by intense pain or nausea, this could be a sign of something urgent, like a bowel obstruction or ovarian torsion. Seek immediate medical attention.
3. Persistent Bloating That Lasts Weeks
Bloating that doesn’t go away, even with dietary changes or treatments, may signal an underlying issue like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or endometriosis.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
If you’re losing weight without trying and also experiencing bloating, it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even certain cancers.
5. Changes in Bowel Habits
Constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating between the two, especially if they’re accompanied by bloating, could indicate IBS, IBD, or an infection.
6. Blood in Your Stool
Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools are signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and require immediate medical attention.
7. Severe Fatigue
Chronic fatigue paired with bloating may be linked to underlying conditions like anaemia, celiac disease, or hormonal imbalances.
Common Conditions Linked to Chronic Bloating
If your bloating is persistent or severe, it may be related to one of the following conditions:
-
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common disorder affecting how your bowel works, causing bloating, pain, and changes in bowel habits.
-
Endometriosis: Tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, often causing bloating, pain, and digestive symptoms.
-
Celiac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine and leads to bloating, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies.
-
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth): An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine that causes gas, bloating, and malabsorption.
-
Food Intolerances: Difficulty digesting certain foods like lactose or gluten can lead to chronic bloating and discomfort.
Practical Tips for Everyday Bloating Relief
For everyday bloating, small changes to your diet and routine can work wonders. Here’s what I recommend:
1. Sip on Soothing Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are my go-to remedy for calming the gut and reducing bloating. The Digestive Herbata is a blend of powerful herbs that target bloating naturally:
-
Cinnamon and Cardamom: Stimulate digestion and reduce gas.
-
Holy Basil: Lowers cortisol and soothes stress-related bloating.
-
Nettles: Flushes out excess water and reduces puffiness.
2. Keep a Food Diary
Tracking what you eat and how you feel afterward can help you identify potential triggers, like dairy, gluten, or high-FODMAP foods.
3. Practice Stress Management
Because stress directly impacts the gut-brain connection, reducing anxiety can improve digestion. Deep breathing, yoga, or a short walk can all help.
4. Hydrate and Move
Staying hydrated and incorporating gentle movement after meals can encourage digestion and reduce bloating.
When to See a Doctor
If your bloating is persistent, painful, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. Your body’s signals are important, and seeking help early can make all the difference in finding relief and addressing any underlying conditions.
Listen to Your Body
Bloating is common, but it’s not something you have to live with indefinitely. Whether it’s caused by a heavy meal, stress, or something deeper, your body is always trying to communicate its needs. By paying attention to patterns, trying supportive remedies like The Digestive Herbata, and knowing when to seek help, you can take control of your gut health.
Let’s make bloating less of a mystery and more of an opportunity to care for ourselves. After all, feeling good in your body starts with listening to what it’s telling you.
References
-
"The Role of the Gut in Chronic Bloating" - Nature Reviews Gastroenterology
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41575-018-0008-5 -
"When to Seek Help for Digestive Symptoms" - American College of Gastroenterology
https://gi.org/ -
"Herbal Remedies for Bloating and Digestive Health" - Complementary Therapies in Medicine
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229919300837 -
"The Gut-Brain Connection in Bloating and Pain" - Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
HORMONAL & PROUD
Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI aims to change the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.
We offer you an invitation to get to know your body and its cycles better –– an invitation to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormonal cycle to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. Look for the right sources of information. Know that there is help, and know that you’re supported.
DISCLAIMER
The SABI blog and articles are not meant to instruct or advise on medical or health conditions, but to inform. The information and opinions presented here do not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals for your unique situation.
