If your BMI is closer to normal than one would expect for your size it may be that the cause is bloating which requires a different approach to its management. The bloat will in all likelihood be a consequence of your stomach biology reacting to different types of food. And depending on your gut bacteria mix, different foods will cause different amounts of gas to be emitted when the bacteria lunch on the food and drink you consume. In addition the position of the bacteria in the gut may cause bloating. Bacteria that has moved to the upper gut for its lunch (because you are not digesting your food properly) is particularly culpable. That bacteria shouldnt be in that part of your gut. That condition is known as small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and requires to be eliminated.
To establish the amount and cause of the hydrogen or nitrogen the bacteria responsible for bloat are causing there are two methods. Either investment in a device called marble here. Or undertake a home based SIBO test here. We would suggest the former for the following reasons:
First it tells you what foods you are reacting to (ie producing gases). Obviously eliminate or reduce foods causing the problem. Second. It tells you the timing of the gas reactions. The time after a meal is important. Too soon and it is likely the reaction is occurring in the upper gut and likely caused by SIBO. Not to soon and it is being caused by bacteria lower in the digestive system – but you will be able to tell by which specific foods. You can use Marble as often as you like and track the impact of lots of different foods. When you have used it for a while you should know what foods cause your bloat. And when the food cause the bloat – leading to an initial indication about whether you have SIBO which is a massive cuase of population bloat often linked or even confused with IBS. If its seems you may have SIBO then you should do the SIBO breathe test at home here. A positive outcome mean either antibiotics, a rigorous diet or a fast in order to remove the bacteria from the upper gut.