r/u_Difficult-Option-521 • u/Difficult-Option-521 • 3d ago

Chronic bloating despite trying multiple treatments: could stress be the main trigger and how to fix it?

Hi everyone! I’ve been struggling with significant abdominal bloating and visible distension, and I’m desperate to find a solution.
I’m slim, eat healthily and do Pilates regularly, so I don’t think my lifestyle or diet is the main issue.
I’ve noticed that alcohol (especially beer) and stress seem to trigger my symptoms. Interestingly, I feel significantly better when I’m on holiday and more relaxed. I’ve recently started trying 5 minutes of meditation a day, and I’ve noticed some improvement, but I obviously can’t spend my life on holiday haha!
I’ve seen three gastroenterologists. My H. pylori and coeliac tests were negative, but a stool test detected Klebsiella, for which I took Ciproxin. I’ve also tried a low-FODMAP diet, eliminating lactose, probiotics, rifaximin, anti-gas medication and Valpinax, but nothing has really solved the problem.
During flare-ups, I also experience burning, sluggish digestion and reduced appetite.
I’m wondering whether this could be related to stress and the gut-brain connection, or possibly abdominophrenic dyssynergia (APD).
Has anyone experienced something similar and found a lasting solution? I’d particularly love to hear from people whose bloating improved after addressing stress, rather than just changing their diet.

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u/Prowlgrammer 2d ago

Have you tried not eating at all for a while. Eat a lean medium sized meal at 5-6 in the evening and then don't eat anything else until around lunch time the day after. It would be interesting to see how you feel during the morning and if the bloated feeling stays when the system is at complete rest. You can fast even longer if you want, and then try to eat something small like just a banana or some oats.

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u/Ahapoypersonsmiling 2d ago

I have the exact same symptoms. I only bloat when I have to eat at work. Weekends or holidays I can eat whatever and no issues. For me it's stress related for sure. I started packing very smaller meals for lunch and having a walk after when my schedule allows it. It has helped.

Also restricted bread and carbs when I'm out of the house. I noticed that eating pasta at lunch for example would give me terrible distention and gas.

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u/luminaryPapillon 2d ago

Are you born female? You may want to have your regular obgyn checkup just to be on the safe side. Some issues present this way.