10 Reasons You Might Be Bloated (that aren't from food)

Bloated… But barely ate anything?

We’ve all had those days: you eat a normal meal (or barely anything), and suddenly your stomach feels like it’s doubled in size. Annoying, uncomfortable, and kind of a mystery... what the heck?!

But bloating isn’t always about what you ate. In fact, for a lot of women — especially those dealing with hormone imbalances like PCOS — it’s often about everything else.

Here are 10 surprisingly common reasons you're bloated that have nothing to do with food:

Let’s break down some sneaky causes of bloating that have nothing to do with what you ate:

1. Ovulation
Mid-cycle hormone spikes (especially estrogen and LH) can slow digestion and lead to water retention. Bloating around ovulation is normal — but also super frustrating if you don’t realize what’s causing it.

2. Stress
When cortisol is high, digestion takes a backseat. Your body prioritizes survival over breaking down your lunch — and that leads to bloating, gas, and that heavy, uncomfortable feeling.

3. Constipation (even if it’s not obvious)
If you’re not going daily or not fully emptying, waste builds up and bloating becomes inevitable — even if you’re eating light or clean.

4. PMS
In the days before your period, progesterone drops and your body can get a little... sluggish. Digestion slows, water retention increases, and bloating becomes part of the pre-period package.

5. Dehydration
Not drinking enough water can cause water retention. It sounds backward, but it’s true. Plus, dehydration slows down digestion and makes everything feel heavier.

6. Gut imbalances
Poor gut health = poor digestion. Antibiotic use, hormonal birth control, stress, and inflammation can all throw your gut bacteria out of whack — and your body will let you know via bloat.

7. Low stomach acid
Common with stress, under-eating, and PCOS. Without enough stomach acid, your body can’t break down food efficiently — especially protein — so it just sits there and ferments.

8. Blood sugar imbalances
When your blood sugar swings up and down, bloating can follow. This is especially true with insulin resistance, which is super common in PCOS.

9. Not chewing enough
Digestion starts in the mouth. Rushing meals, distracted eating, or barely chewing your food puts way more pressure on your stomach to finish the job — which often leads to bloating.

10. Lack of Movement
Lack of movement means slower digestion, sluggish circulation, and reduced lymphatic flow — all of which can lead to bloat. Even a short walk can help get things moving.

The bottom line?
Bloating is your body’s way of waving the white flag. And it’s usually a sign of something deeper going on — hormones, gut health, stress, digestion — not just what was on your plate.

If bloating feels like your norm, it doesn’t have to be. There is a way to feel better, and I can help you get there.

💬 Have questions or want support? Book a call and let's chat.