How to Get Rid of Bloating: Expert Tips to Support a Happier Gut

Bloating is one of the most common digestive complaints – uncomfortable, frustrating and often disruptive to daily life. While occasional bloating is normal, persistent or severe bloating can signal that your gut needs extra support.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of bloating or looking for practical ways on how to reduce bloating, this guide walks you through the most effective lifestyle and nutrition strategies.

What Causes Bloating?

Bloating occurs when the digestive tract fills with excess gas or retains water. Common causes include:

  • Eating too quickly
  • A diet high in ultra-processed or gas-producing foods
  • Food intolerances (e.g., lactose, gluten, FODMAPs)
  • Constipation
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Imbalanced gut microbiota
  • Hormonal changes

Understanding your personal triggers is the first step in reducing bloating effectively.


1. Slow Down and Chew Properly

Rushed eating means swallowing more air, which increases gas and bloating. It also makes digestion harder.

Try:

  • Taking smaller bites
  • Chewing food thoroughly
  • Eating in a calm environment

Mindful eating allows your gut to work at its natural pace.

2. Identify Potential Trigger Foods

Certain foods, especially those high in fermentable carbohydrates, can cause digestive discomfort for some people.

Common triggers include:

  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Beans and lentils
  • Dairy
  • Wheat
  • Carbonated drinks

Keeping a simple food-and-symptom diary can help you track and identify patterns. Professional gut testing provides even more personalised insights.

3. Increase Fibre Gradually

Fibre is essential for digestive health but increasing it too quickly may worsen bloating.

Helpful approaches:

  • Add high-fibre foods slowly
  • Prioritise variety (fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains)
  • Drink plenty of water

Remember: some people are sensitive to specific fibres like inulin – listen to your gut, it will soon let you know!

4. Stay Hydrated

Water supports healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation, which is a major contributor to bloating.

Try:

  • Drinking consistently throughout the day
  • Limiting carbonated drinks, particularly if they trigger symptoms
  • Incorporating herbal teas like peppermint or ginger

5. Support Your Gut Microbiome

A balanced microbiome can help reduce gas production and improve digestive comfort.

Ways to nourish your gut microbes:

  • Eat a diverse, plant-rich diet
  • Include fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi)
  • Use targeted probiotics only when recommended by a professional

Gut-microbiome testing can reveal imbalances that may be contributing to bloating.

6. Move Your Body Daily

Movement stimulates digestion and reduces trapped wind.

Great options include:

  • Walking after meals
  • Light stretching
  • Yoga poses such as twists or cat-cow
  • Breathing exercises

Even a short walk can make a big difference.

7. Manage Stress for a Calmer Gut

Stress impacts the gut–brain axis, affecting gut motility and increasing bloating.

Try incorporating:

  • Deep breathing
  • Meditation
  • Mindfulness
  • Consistent sleep routines

Calming the nervous system supports smoother digestion.

8. Address Constipation

Constipation commonly leads to bloating.

Support regularity with:

  • Adequate fibre and water
  • Magnesium-rich foods
  • Gentle exercise
  • A consistent bathroom routine

Persistent constipation may require professional assessment.

When to Seek Professional Support for Help with Bloating

If bloating is persistent, painful, or accompanied by other symptoms (fatigue, weight changes, stool changes), professional gut support may be beneficial. Gut testing can help identify:

  • Food intolerances
  • Microbial imbalances
  • Enzyme insufficiencies
  • Inflammation
  • Hormonal contributors

Understanding the condition of your gut lining and microbiome can reveal what’s driving discomfort.

ION* Gut + Microbiome focuses on supporting the integrity of the gut barrier and overall microbiome communication – foundational elements of healthy digestion. Strengthening this barrier can help reduce environmental and dietary stressors that may contribute to bloating.

Get Rid of Bloating – Final Thoughts

Learning how to get rid of bloating begins with understanding your personal triggers and supporting your gut’s natural ability to regulate, repair and respond. By combining mindful eating, movement, hydration and nervous-system support with tools that nourish the gut barrier, you can gently and effectively reduce bloating over time.

If you’re exploring how to reduce bloating in a holistic, whole-body way, ION* Gut + Microbiome offers a unique, science-informed approach to helping your gut communicate better, so you can feel lighter, more comfortable and more energised from the inside out.

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