You’ve cut gluten. You’ve said goodbye to dairy. Sugar? Not even a sprinkle. And yet… your jeans still feel tight. The bloating, the gas, the discomfort—it’s all still there. Sound familiar?
If you’re frustrated because your body isn’t responding the way you hoped, you’re not alone. Many women find themselves stuck in this exact loop: eliminating food after food, chasing relief that never really lasts.
Let’s talk about why that might be happening—and what you can do to finally feel better.
Elimination Diets Aren’t Always the Answer
Eliminating common “trigger” foods can bring relief—but it’s not the full picture. In fact, constantly removing more and more foods can actually make your gut more sensitive over time.
Here’s why: when we take out major food groups without addressing what’s going on under the hood, we may quiet symptoms temporarily… but we never fix the root issue. And that can lead to even more frustration down the line.
What’s Really Causing the Bloat?
If you’ve cleaned up your diet but still feel off, it’s time to look deeper. Here are some common underlying reasons why bloating might still be hanging around:
Low Stomach Acid
Believe it or not, bloating is often caused by too little stomach acid—not too much. Without enough acid, your body can’t properly break down food. This leads to fermentation, gas, and bloating.
Tip: If protein-heavy meals leave you feeling heavy or uncomfortable, low stomach acid could be a culprit.
Bacterial Overgrowth
When your gut bacteria are out of balance (think SIBO or dysbiosis), even “healthy” foods can cause issues. That fiber-rich salad or bowl of cauliflower soup? It might be feeding the wrong bugs.
Watch for: gas that comes quickly after meals, bloating that worsens as the day goes on, or chronic constipation/diarrhea.
Enzyme Deficiencies
Your digestive enzymes help break down fats, proteins, and carbs. If your body isn’t producing enough (common in women over 35 or under chronic stress), you may feel bloated or gassy no matter how clean your diet is.
A Sluggish Liver
Your liver does so much behind the scenes—especially when it comes to digestion and hormone balance. When it’s overloaded, your body struggles to detox effectively, and the digestive system often pays the price.
Symptoms of sluggish liver? Skin issues, fatigue, stubborn belly bloat, and feeling “puffy” all over.
So… What Should You Do Instead?
Instead of hopping on another restrictive diet, try this:
- Support your digestion – Think bitters, enzymes, mindful eating, and proper hydration.
- Balance your microbiome – Probiotics may help, but testing and targeted support can make all the difference.
- Check in with your stress – Your gut and nervous system are deeply connected. Chronic stress can slow digestion and worsen symptoms.
- Nourish your liver – Leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, and deep breathing go a long way. Sometimes, you need targeted detox support too.
If you’re ready to stop playing diet detective and start getting to the root of your bloating, I’d love to help.
Let’s chat—book a free discovery call with me here. We’ll go over your symptoms, goals, and map out a personalized plan that actually works with your body—not against it.
