A Bit About the Digestive System and Why We Bloat
So, why do we bloat, to begin with? It all starts in the digestive system, more specifically, the gastrointestinal tract (GI). The gastrointestinal tract is made up of a series of " hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus," and is a part of the digestive system along with the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. When there's a buildup of gas stuck in the GI, bloating occurs. Air can become trapped in the gastrointestinal tract in two ways - we can swallow air with eating and drinking, or it is created by the bacteria or microflora in our gut. Symptoms of bloating include the stomach feeling full and tight, abdominal pain and tenderness, as well as increased flatulence in addition to general discomfort.