What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Stomach Bloating?
Dealing with stomach bloating is more common than you think. Not only is it uncomfortable but if you’re trying to lose weight, it could constantly make your stomach look bigger than it actually
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Stomach Bloating?
Dealing with stomach bloating is more common than you think. Not only is it uncomfortable but if you’re trying to lose weight, it could constantly make your stomach look bigger than it actually is.
Many people correlate this bloating with what they're eating on a regular basis. While the food you eat could definitely be a factor, being deficient in certain vitamins and minerals could also be the cause.
It's very important to understand the relationship between vitamin deficiencies and stomach bloating so you could improve your symptoms and overall health. In this article, we will explore the different vitamins that can cause bloating, as well as supplements and lifestyle changes you could make to help.
Before we dive in, it's important to consult with a doctor before taking any action we mention within this post.
Vitamins Deficiencies That Could Cause Stomach Bloating
There's a lot of factors that go into optimal gut function. One of the most common reasons people have bad gut health is because of the lack of essential nutrients. In this section we will discuss the most common vitamin deficiencies related to stomach bloating including vitamins B12, D, and last but not least magnesium. We will go over how each of these vitamins are related to your gut health and how you could prevent or reduce stomach bloating.
Vitamin B12 deficiency could cause bloating due to the many pivotal roles B12 plays in the body. It helps with digestion, the nervous system, defend agains anemia, and last but not least, helps the gut microbiota.
First off, when it comes to digestion vitamin B12 aids in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The more efficient your body is at breaking down these macronutrients the less bloating you will feel.
B12 is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system. The nervous system has a connection with your gut which basically coordinates digestion. If you lack B12 then your nerves won't be able to send the proper signals for healthy digestion (causing bloating).
B12 Deficiency Anemia
When you lack B12, your body doesn't produce enough red blood cells which leads to anemia. Anemia could lead to many different symptoms including headaches, rapid breathing, vision problems, and last but not least the issue we are writing about today, bloating.
Due to the fatigue and stress brought on by anemia, the body's digestive system could be put under a lot of strain leading to bloating. On top of that, when you have anemia, your body has a reduced oxygen supply, which also comprises the digestive system.
Your microbiota are the multiple microorganisms that live in the gut. They play an important role in digestion and help keep your digestive system healthy. Vitamin B12 helps with diversity in the gut. This helps support optimal digestion which helps to reduce bloating and other digestive issues.
Some symptoms of a B12 deficiency include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vision problems
- Feeling weak or tired
- shortness of breath
Vitamin D is good for reducing inflammation in the gut and enhancing diversity of the gut microbiome which is great for gut health and getting rid of bloating. Many bloating issues have to do with the inflammation in the gut.
When you have an inflamed digestive system, it can lead to a buildup of gas and fluid in the gut, resulting in you feeling extremely bloated.
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency Include:
- Feeling tired but not sleeping well
- Bone pain
- Feeling depressed or sad
- Hair loss
- Muscle Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Getting sick more
Magnesium helps make enzymes in your saliva that break down food. If you have a magnesium deficiency, the breaking down of food could be compromised leading to bloating. This deficiency is not as common as the other ones but is still a possibility.
Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency include:
- Pins and needles
- Muscle spasms
- Fatigue and weakness and vomiting
Zinc helps repair the lining of your gut and helps to reduce inflammation. Therefore if you have a Zinc deficiency, it can lead to inflammation in the gut which as we said before, can cause bloating. Zinc deficiency could also lead to constipation, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Other signs of Zinc deficiency include:
- hair loss
- changes in nails
- getting sick more often
- eye issues
The Importance Of Pinpointing and Treating Vitamin Deficiencies For Bloating
You don't want to just guess what the deficiency is. Self diagnosis can be potentially harmful. Treating the wrong potential deficiency could make symptoms worse or even cause new health problems. Here's the recommended steps you should take to get it right.
Keep a food diary
If you don't track what you eat on a regular basis you need to start. Keeping a food diary is a great way to track exactly when you are having bloating episodes and what foods you're eating around