Why It Happens

Stress is a powerful trigger for bloating. When you’re under pressure, the brain communicates differently with the digestive system, slowing movement, altering hormones, and disrupting gut bacteria.

Elevated Cortisol: Chronic stress keeps cortisol high, which slows gut motility and alters the microbiome.

Shallow Breathing: Stress often changes breathing patterns, increasing air intake and gas buildup.

Stress Eating: Eating too quickly or making poor food choices under stress can worsen bloating.

Reduced Enzyme Output: Stress reduces stomach acid and enzymes, leading to incomplete digestion.

Gut-Brain Axis Dysregulation: Ongoing stress disrupts the neural feedback loop between your gut and brain.

How to Manage

Practice Box Breathing: Simple breathwork lowers stress and reduces gas from shallow breathing.

Slow Down at Meals: Mindful eating improves digestion and reduces bloating.

Choose Calm Foods: Avoid fried, spicy, or ultra-processed options that add pressure to your gut.

Use Digestive Bitters: These can stimulate stomach acid and aid breakdown under stress.

Move Gently: Walking or yoga helps relieve pressure and restores gut-brain harmony.

Stress-related bloating is real — but manageable with nervous system support.

Key Biomarkers

• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

• High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP)

Expert-Backed Reads

• Heard of hsCRP? Test for This in Your 30s To Live Longer

• ESR (Sed Rate) Test: Detect Chronic Inflammation and Improve Longevity

• A Guide on hs-CRP Test for Inflammation and Heart Health

You Might Also Be Experiencing

• Bloating During Menopause

• Bloating With Anxiety

• Bloating In Men

• Bloating In 30S

• Bloating During Fasting

References

• Mayo Clinic – Anxiety

• Mayo Clinic – Depression

• CDC – Mental Health