Colitis, Gas, and Bloating

By Traci Musick-Shaffer

4 min read

In the morning, I'm skinny. Well, I'm not rail-thin skinny. I've never been that size. Overall, I'm just an average-sized female.

But I wonder... Why can't I stay that size all day long? When I first wake up, I feel comfortable in my clothes. They're usually not too tight. I leave for work feeling... well, normal.

Then, by the end of my workday, I'm ready to rip off all my clothes. They're way too tight and cutting off my circulation. Why is this? I watch my sodium intake. And, to be honest, I don't eat that much food over the course of my day.

So, I began wondering... Could there be a connection between my ulcerative colitis and my gas and bloating?

Why the gas pain and bloating with ulcerative colitis?

Since I'm not scheduled to see my GI, I thought I would do a little "research." Yep, you guessed it, I began Googling. What I quickly discovered made sense. People with IBD, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, possess intestinal inflammation, which lends itself to producing gas and bloating. When the intestines struggle to break down food properly, bacteria along the intestinal lining attempt to. This effect can cause more gas.

Now, I don't fully understand all the medical reasoning behind the bacterial breakdown of food in my intestines. But what I do grasp is that colitis patients have a more difficult time breaking down gas because of bowel lining inflammation.

Add to this information, I am also a vegetarian. That means my intake of gas-producing foods is higher than one whose diet doesn't center on fruits and vegetables. So, what should a vegetarian with UC do?

Based on the many articles I read about IBD and gas, I need to rethink the way I eat, the way I drink, and the amount of talking I do.

How can I reduce gas and bloating?

Talk less?

First, let me address all the air I'm ingesting through talking. As a school teacher, cutting back on verbal communication might be a problem. I can just envision a less talkative me in the classroom. Instead of opening my mouth, I could just stand at the front of my class, message my students through the computer, and point at assignments for them to do. No mouth movements. Just type, click, and point.

Nooo... That won't happen. Rambunctious 9th grade students are like 1,000 kittens needing guidance and direction. As much as my students might prefer a less chatty me, I just don't have it in me to keep quiet. I didn't come into this world with my mouth closed. It's not going to happen now.

Comma rules, prepositions, and capitalization all need verbalizing when teaching. So, let's move on to another gas prevention.

When and how I eat?

Could I eat smaller meals more frequently instead of larger meals? Yes, I could try to eat 6 small "meals." Still, that's challenging as a teacher. I don't want to eat in front of my students, but I might find out a way around it. (I'm envisioning cramming down apples and bananas during the 4-minute class changes. Okay... That's also not a workable scenario.)

Could I avoid foods that my gut is sensitive to? Absolutely! Gluten and lactose are nasty buggers that my gut cannot handle. So, I don't include them in my diet.

Could I also eat more slowly with my mouth closed? Yes, and I'm working on this one. I know that digestion is said to be better for those who chew eat bite thoroughly. I'll work on this suggestion.

What I drink?

Could I cut out my fizzy drinks that are gas-producing? Absolutely. I don't need carbonated beverages. I can be content with water only... on most days. Besides, I know that carbonated beverages and my colitis dragon just don’t play well together. The gut pain has proven this over the years. (Note to self: Drink more water.) Also, taking smaller sips rather than gulping down a drink is also better for digestion. (Additional note to self: Drink more water more slowly. Got it!)

Plus more ways to avoid gas pain and bloating

Could I also avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods? As a vegetarian, I don't ingest much fat, but I sure get lured into sugar. Maybe I could cut down on my sweet treats that I reward myself with on stressful days. Instead of reaching for M&Ms, I suppose I could take a walk outside when the chocolate temptation strikes. (Extra note to self: This managing of gas and bloating is TOUGH business! Goodbye, sweet treats! Sniffle. Sniffle.)

Other notes of interest for avoiding the nasty bloat include avoiding gum, avoiding long periods of sitting, and taking more walks to move digested food and air around intestinally.

Caring for my UC gut

Now that I'm more informed, it's time for me to go grab some water and get moving. While I'm heading out to do that, I think I'll also grab some Gas-X.

Relieving pressure and pain in my gut is important when suffering from IBD. With an inflamed digestive system, other issues can creep up like hormonal imbalances, mood disorders, and other autoimmune issues.

Overall, my goal is to improve my health. Understanding my gas and bloating triggers will help. Besides, my clothes just might fit better at the end of the workday if I implement some changes. And for that alone, maybe I can breathe a little easier.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The InflammatoryBowelDisease.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Vern Laine Moderator & Contributor
I totally get it. It took me years to figure out about gas and bloating with my Crohns and how to get rid of it sometimes by laying on my stomach to force it out (when I didn't have an ostomy). I tried very hard to avoid gas-producing foods and drinks and I haven't had any soft drinks in many years. Now with an ostomy, it is even more important to avoid these. Sometimes it's easy to avoid, like onions and cauliflower, but I miss other foods and I really miss Coke! I know it's hard, believe me. Vern - IBD Team Member
1. Traci Musick-Shaffer Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Vern Laine" user-id="2235632"/> Thank you, Vern, for being understanding. I don't know... It's a challenge for me to apply these strategies every day. Some days are easier than others. So, I guess I just need to live with tight pants. As my dad says, "It is what it is." Thanks for reading! --Traci, UC-IBD Team Member
CommunityMember0983bb Member
I am living proof that inhaling more air,, eating gluten, and fat, and sugar, and carbonated beverages and STRESS are causes of horrible gas an bloating with UC and IBS,, which I have both.. I quit gluten 6 years ago,, and would NEVER go back,, I dont eat a lot of sugar, and I havent been able to drink carbonated drinks since my 20s,, which was 40 years ago,, and talking,,, yes, amen,, the more I talk the more gas I produce, because I am in introvert , and talking in general exhausts me becuase I have R.A. and fibromyalgia,,,, talking less is no problem for me... Being away from home is horrible,,, it causes stress because I cannot eat away from home,,, I have nighmares, or daymares of having to rush to the bathroom , and then making a lot of noise while in there... So when I have to be away from home,, I DO NOT EAT. Just this weekend we went to see my grandbaby, its only about 45 minutes away, but I did not eat the whole time,, and because it was at my worst time of day,, late afternoon,, we didnt get home until well past my normal supper time. So yes,, I totally get everything you wrote about and I am so glad there is research to back up what so many of us already have known for decades... Another point,, no matter how many times Ive explained to my husband and family why I cannot eat away from home,, I was still questioned this weekend.. UGH... It just makes being away from home more stressful to be questioned and obviously not understood about whey I cannot and do not eat away from home. Why is it no one questions a cancer patient about why they do or dont eat without question, but when someone with U.C. and IBS says we ,, or I ,,, cannot eat away from home, or has to plan small meals around daily activities, or errands, we get looked at like we are out of our minds.. or like we are being doubted. I happen to be of low weight,, I get questioned about having a food disorder, or eating disorder. there are days when the gas and bloating are just so bad and eating even a bite of something makes me so uncomfortable and in actual pain, so I choose not to eat, or eat very little so I am not in more pain,, I already have multiple chronic pain diseases and autoimmune diseases which include daily chronic pain,, why would I add more pain to my already pain every day by forcing myself to eat and be absolutely miserable... on good days,, I eat well,, and avoid as always gas and bloating causing foods. . Even so called medical professionals dont get it, good thing we do our own research... I cant tell you how many gastroenterologists have dismissed me because their tests dont show enough disease for them to bother with. But our symptoms say otherwise... Thank you for your article,,, it resonated with me BIG TIME!!!!! Im so glad to finally have good support sites, that are fact based to turn to.. thank you, 
1. thedancingcrohnie Moderator & Contributor
 I can relate to all you say here. Please know you aren't alone. I am underweight too because I have a fear of eating and the consequences that come with the aftermath. Also, leaving the house can bring on so much anxiety as not knowing where bathrooms are and what food will be available can be debilitating. And when family and friends criticize rather than offer support, it's like a punch in the gut. You can feel so lonely. Just remember this community is here for you and we understand how difficult and complicated IBS can be. How have you been feeling lately? -Elizabeth (team member)
C-IBS-runt Member
I didn't get diagnosed with Crohn's n IBS but untill I lost close to 30lbs! Then, did the medical people saw the danger I was living with. Even after diagnisis, I still had ALL the symptoms in your article! The a God sent GI physician assistant was my new GI doc. She prefers MRI's to see the insides of her patients and she got to work on me, stat! After 8mos reporting to her the aforedmentioned issues, she did another MRI. She found a possible culprit: gallbladder. It came out, and life is so much better! No longer afraid to eat, however, low-low fiber carbs / super lean proteins are my main diet. I'm reintroducing fruits w/out skin (I know), as veggies. I'm having some success, but still under the watchful of my fantabulous RD! So, I can remember like it was yesterday ALL the frustration and the pesky issues that this well written article is conveying! My Crohn's is different from everyone, but we ALL share these headaches. #FindTheCure 
1. Traci Musick-Shaffer Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="C-IBS-runt" user-id="6723584"/> I'm so glad that you now have relief and life is so much better. That's AWESOME that you found a new and better GI doctor. That makes all the difference, doesn't it? Just having someone who listens and approaches the body in a more logical way is what we all need. You are right that everyone's IBD is different, but the frustrations are definitely the same. That's why I LOVE this community forum. Finding others who understand and share similar--but always different--stories in their journey is inspirational to me, personally. I am thankful that at least everyone here understands and offers their positive words and thoughts as we navigate our intestinal struggles. Thank you so much for sharing your uplifting words of encouragement. Together we're better. --Traci, UC-IBD Team Member.
ejwithj-pouch Member
Dear Traci, I just want to send a message of support. The pattern of my days are so similar to what you describe for yourself! I was forced into disability retirement from teaching because of refractory UC. It is HARD, really hard, to manage IBD for everyone in our community but I truly sympathize with the struggles you describe being a teacher. As a teacher, we have virtually no control over our schedule, and it is SUCH a stressful job. Please be gentle with yourself, and remember it is imperative you say "no," and speak up when you just don't feel well at work. Most teachers I know, definitely including myself, tend to do the "chin up, persist, this too will pass" approach. (There are a few complainers, of course, who do everything they can to pass the load onto someone else, but in my experience they tend to be the exception among classroom teachers.) Problem is, the job is not actually doable, so you always feel behind the 8 ball, which adds to the constant sense of pressure and stress. Hmmm...that is NO good with our illness. It's great you have identified some strategies, and I commend you for making the necessary life changes! Sending much support, Eunice
1. Traci Musick-Shaffer Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="ejwithj-pouch" user-id="2241047"/> Awww...THANKS for your reading and support! I do appreciate your comments. I'm sorry to read that UC forced you out of the classroom. It's definitely a struggle for me at times. In the past, I considered applying for disability, but changing doctors over the years (long story there) made me wonder if I might get rejected for it (disability). So, I'm now in year 30 in education. In essence, I could retire at this point, but the retirement percentage I would walk away with at age 52 is pitifully small. It's a professional conundrum--especially in the current climate and direction of education. For now, I choose to remain in the classroom and just use "sick days" when the symptoms are too challenging for me. That reality does create its own sort of "stress" on me, but I just do what I can do. On a side note, I look almost every day for a new job within education but not within the confines of the classroom walls. I would love to find another opportunity within the state of Ohio (where I teach) that didn't mandate my being restricted to a bell schedule or to 4 concrete walls. But to date, no new professional opportunities have availed themselves. I keep the faith, though. I still hope I can find another profession that might be more accommodating to my UC flares while also contributing to my state retirement. Time will tell. If you have any suggestions, PLEASE let me know. As it stands, I just do the best I can. Thank you for your support. We ALL definitely need it. --Traci, UC-IBD Team Member
ejwithj-pouch Member
Sick days are such a double edged sword, because you have to do so so much careful prep for the sub!!! I read your response yesterday and gave myself a day to think about what to include in my reply to you. My thoughts go in several different directions, obviously based on my own experience, and of course your situation might be entirely, entirely different. I've decided to focus on the disability path, partially because the timing might be right. (Applying in Feb might be necessary to get a decision before the end of this school year, if that is important to you.) So...something I didn't understand and no one helped me understand is that there are 2 routes for disability, and you can apply for both at the same time. [My HR dept told me I couldn't apply for both - I had to choose. If you are told this, double check with a 2nd source.] There is probably disability insurance connected with the contract you signed with your district. This you would research through your Human Resources office. Separately, there probably is an avenue for disability through your State's Teachers Retirement Board. It's likely you would be able to learn quite a bit about that procedure on the Ohio's TRB website. I waited way too long (for a number of reasons, including denial) to realize I was very sick and rapidly getting worse. My condition now is, in the words of more than one doctor, "quite dire" and "there's nothing more Western medicine can do for you." I truly wish I would have pursued some course earlier than I did (maybe applying for disability, maybe a different line of work) that offered more flexibility and less stress. Maybe I would still find myself this sick, but more than one doctor has suggested maybe not. Think of it, Traci: you CAN'T get to a bathroom when you teach. That's stress enough, let alone the layers upon layers upon layers... Those are my thoughts. I hope something inside of all of that is helpful. Likely you know all of this, but I had no one - literally no one - to talk to, to help me see these rather obvious things. BTW, does Ohio have a solid Education Association? Someone there may actually be assigned the task of assisting teachers through the disability process, if you go that route. 
1. Traci Musick-Shaffer Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="ejwithj-pouch" user-id="2241047"/> Gosh! I can't think you enough for the valuable insight and information in your last response. I, too, wanted to mull over what you shared before I responded. My conundrum is that I've made it this far (30 total years, but 29 years in Ohio) that I feel compelled to "tough it out" to receive all that I've put into retirement. So, I'll just do the best I can. The administration where I teach understands I have a disability, so they seem all right with me taking as many "sick days" as I need. Plus, my small school district (like most others across the country) just doesn't have people with my certification "waiting in the wings." In fact, the school in which I teach is screwed if any of the current high school educators leave. Educators are leaving (or have recently left the profession) en masse, so I almost feel compelled to stay as long as I'm physically and mentally able to remain in the classroom. But I do keep my eyes and ears open for another opportunity that would be more suitable to my UC issues and flares within the state retirement system but outside the classroom. As my dad says, "It is what it is." Until then, I'll just keep writing about UC issues that arise as an educator. This profession does offer many a good story for this forum and allows me to advocate, too. So, I keep on, keeping on. Thanks for all the information you provided. I'll keep it all in mind. Have a great weekend!--Traci, UC-IBD Team Member
ejwithj-pouch Member
So hope it all goes well for you, Traci! Please keep us posted. I know I will be thinking about you!
CommunityMember3d3ae8 Member
M I dt. Is going to let me know if I have UC n ext week. I am leaning all I can now so I can be prepared. Joyce 
1. Traci Musick-Shaffer Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember3d3ae8" user-id="6779579"/> Oh, Joyce! If the results turn out that you have UC, then this forum is definitely the place to begin learning. I wish all of the information we have available here at <a href='https://IBD.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>IBD.net</a> had been available back when I was diagnosed in 1989. I didn't have a clue as to what to do at the time of diagnosis. Today, so much information can be found online that it might seem a bit overwhelming. But that's another reason I love this site and community. You can plug in the topic you're interested in learning in the "search" bar and discover all the articles written about whatever aspect of UC you need to know. Plus, we offer personal testimonies on what works and what doesn't work for individuals. So, please update us on your diagnosis. We're always here to help in the ways that we can--with support and information. Air Hugs!--Traci, UC-IBD Team Member
2. thedancingcrohnie Moderator & Contributor
 Please keep us posted. I think it is great that you are being so proactive. Let us know if you have any questions. -Elizabeth (team member)
CommunityMembera23016 Member
My Crohns has also given me a massive gallstone, I look 9 months pregnant some days, it is so shameful as I am in my late 50s, and no clothes fit me at all.
1. Richard Faust Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="CommunityMembera23016" user-id="8499218"/>. I have to admit that I was not aware that up to 1/3 of those with Crohn's will develop gallstones (see: https://www.everydayhealth.com/crohns-disease/symptoms/crohnies-guide-gallstones/#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20the%20discomfort,that%20form%20in%20the%20gallbladder.) Has your doctor discussed any treatment options? I hope you can get some relief and a reduction in the stress it causes soon. Best, Richard (Team Member)
CommunityMembera23016 Member
 At present I am on bio meds for unresponsive colitis, have developed my own antibodies to treatment, so now going in for infusions, if this doesn't work then it's surgery, they have suggested taking gallstone out while doing bowel reconstruction. 
1. Traci Musick-Shaffer Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMembera23016" user-id="8499218"/> Wow! I hate that you are experiencing all this with gallstones and unresponsive colitis. How long will the doctor give you on infusions before resorting to surgery? I understand the frustration of it all. Please hang in there. We're here to offer emotional support as you travel this UC and gallstone journey. Air Hugs! --Traci, UC-IBD Team Member
CommunityMembera23016 Member
I have been on Amgevita adalimumab self-injected since Sept 2022, so it is anyone's guess how long I will be on the new meds, to be honest, I want the surgery now, I am so tired of it all, liquid diets, being hungry. I do try to keep positive most days.