Stress and dietary habits linked to abdominal bloating

Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Muzaffer Keçeci has highlighted the significant impact of stress and fatigue on gastrointestinal health, noting that psychological factors can disrupt stomach and intestinal motility, leading to abdominal bloating.

Dr. Keçeci categorizes the causes of bloating into two main groups: organic and functional. Organic causes include serious conditions such as gastric ulcers, gastritis, reflux, celiac disease, and occasionally stomach or intestinal cancers. Functional bloating, however, is primarily related to gastrointestinal movement issues and can be more complex to treat.

Dietary habits also play a critical role. Factors such as eating too quickly, swallowing without chewing, and frequent fast food consumption can trigger functional bloating. Experts recommend avoiding food for at least three hours before sleep to reduce reflux and digestive load. Additionally, managing obesity and liver fat through weight loss and regular exercise can alleviate symptoms.

For stress-induced dyspepsia, Dr. Keçeci suggests that motility-regulating medications may not be sufficient alone, and multidisciplinary approaches involving psychiatric support and stress management may be necessary for significant improvement.