Post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links
Belly bloat is uncomfortable and frustrating. It can leave you feeling heavy and gassy and wondering, “Why am I so bloated? I look pregnant!” This is especially true for women over 40 experiencing hormonal changes such as PMS, perimenopause, and menopause. If you’ve been asking, “Why is my belly bloating so much?” or “How can I stop being bloated all the time?” you’re not alone.
Bloating after eating, or even bloating immediately after eating anything, can be caused by many factors, some of which you might not expect. In this blog, we’ll explore natural, holistic ways to stop bloating, from the foods you eat to simple lifestyle habits and calming teas. We’ll also dive into how stress and high cortisol levels contribute to stubborn belly bloat and fat, and what you can do about it.
1. Stress and Cortisol: The Hidden Cause of Belly Bloat and Fat
Stress isn’t just in your mind—it can physically impact your belly. When stress levels run high, your body produces more cortisol, the so-called “stress hormone.” Elevated cortisol can lead to increased belly fat storage and digestive disturbances, including bloating.
Cortisol signals your body to hold onto fat around your midsection while also affecting your gut’s ability to digest food efficiently. This hormonal imbalance can cause discomfort, indigestion, and that frustrating belly bloat many women notice after 40.
Fortunately, there are natural ways to support your body in balancing cortisol levels and calming the stress response. One powerful tool is the Cortisol Belly Fat Tea Bundle, a thoughtfully crafted set of four herbal teas designed to reduce bloating, soothe stress, support digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy metabolism.
2. Eat Fewer Raw Vegetables and More Cooked Ones
Raw veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and carrots are packed with fiber and nutrients, but they can be tough to digest, especially if you’re over 40. Cooking breaks down some of the fibers, making digestion easier and reducing bloating after eating.
Quickest ways to relieve bloating: Try steaming or roasting your veggies instead of eating them raw.
Tip: Use the Instant Pot for easy meal prep
3. Walk After Meals Whenever Possible
Taking a 15 to 30 minute walk after eating helps stimulate digestion, reduce inflammation, and keep blood sugar stable. This simple habit can significantly reduce bloating immediately after eating.
Bonus: Adding lightweight ankle weights can increase calorie burn and improve circulation during your walk.
These adjustable weight ankle weights will help you get more benefit from your walks.
4. Reduce or Eliminate Foods That Cause Inflammation
Certain foods are well-known culprits for bloating and inflammation, especially for women over 40. Dairy, gluten, fried foods, and processed snacks are common offenders.
Try an elimination diet—cut out one food group at a time for four weeks and track your symptoms. You might find relief by avoiding gluten or dairy.
The IBS Elimination Diet and Cookbook
5. Drink Bitter Teas Before Meals to Stimulate Digestion
Bitter teas like dandelion root, fermented puerh, and chicory encourage your digestive system to secrete enzymes that break down food better. This helps prevent bloating after meals.
Teas from the Cortisol Belly Fat Tea Bundle, especially Bye Bye Bloat and Sleek & Slender, support liver function and digestion naturally.
6. Drink Aromatic, Gas-Relieving Teas After Meals
Herbal teas with peppermint, ginger, fennel, cardamom, and chamomile help soothe the digestive tract, reduce inflammation, and expel excess gas. These provide almost immediate relief for bloating.
Our most popular aromatic teas include Bye Bye Bloat, Joint Support, Happy Place, and Detox Chai.
7. Eliminate Added Sugar and Avoid Sugar Substitutes
Sugar and many sugar substitutes feed bad gut bacteria and Candida overgrowth, leading to bloating, brain fog, and inflammation.
Sleek & Slender in the Cortisol Belly Fat Tea Bundle supports gut health while helping you curb sugar cravings naturally—perfect if you struggle with persistent belly bloat related to diet.
8. Consider Using Probiotics
Probiotics help balance gut bacteria, improving digestion and reducing bloating. Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir are great natural sources.
For targeted support, try probiotics formulated specifically for women over 40.
These probiotics were formulated specifically for women.
9. Give Yourself an Aromatherapy Belly Massage
Massaging your belly with aromatic essential oils (well diluted in carrier oil) can help relieve bloating and gas, and can be especially soothing when done at night. Gently rub your abdomen in a clockwise motion to stimulate digestion and reduce discomfort. To do an aromatherapy belly massage, you will need one teaspoon of a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba, or almond oil, and one drop of an aromatic essential oil (yes, only one single drop, essential oils are potent!). The best essential oils for belly massage include spearmint, lavender, and patchouli.
Bonus Tips: Comfort Matters and Mindfulness Helps
-
Try a Happi Tummi belly band to provide warmth and gentle pressure that can ease bloating quickly.
Get the Happi Tummi belly band here -
Go up a pant size for comfort if you’re noticing more belly bloat and shifts in your body shape due to menopause.
These comfortable pants are stretchy, made from breathable bamboo for maximum comfort. -
Practice mindful journaling to track stress and eating habits, helping you stay aware of triggers.
Try this 5-minute mindfulness journal made for busy people! -
Use calming teas like those in the Cortisol Belly Tea Bundle to support your body’s stress response daily.
When to See Your Doctor
Consult your healthcare provider if you experience persistent bloating that doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes. Conditions like IBS, SIBO, or food intolerances might be involved.
Conclusion
Natural ways to stop bloating don’t have to be complicated. From choosing the right foods and teas to managing stress and hormones, these simple, holistic strategies can bring you relief and help you feel comfortable in your skin (and jeans) again.
Ready to try a gentle, natural approach to reduce stress-related belly bloat? The Cortisol Belly Fat Tea Bundle is here to support you every step of the way.
If you enjoyed this, you may also like The Connection Between Inflammation and the Food You Eat
Disclaimer: The information on this website is has been compiled from published sources and is provided only as a guide. While every effort has been taken to ensure that information published on this site is correct and up to date, this is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Also, although all of our teas are generally regarded as safe, please consult your doctor before trying any teas or natural products, especially if currently using medication, pregnant or breastfeeding.