Everyday bloating, could it be structural?

From Nutritionist Emma

Nutritionist Emma shares her easiest gut health tip recently to help tackle bloating.

@emmatalksnutrition
Bloated everyday, could it be structural? Whilst I do have a background in physiology, I’m no expert in all the technicalities of structural conditions, so see @mrguthealth for more information and a better example of how to do this exercise(!) and always visit your doctor for any formal diagnosis. But recently, I must admit, I’ve been thinking about the structural considerations when it comes to bloating. As always, we need to be really asking questions about our own individual situations, looking at our health from every angle, and for me, I know that posture is always a bit of battle since I also have scoliosis. So, apparently, if you are experiencing bloating or distention. But when you do this… stand by a wall, bring your shoulders back to touch the wall, take a slow, deep breath in to fill your ribs, and if your bloating noticeably disappears – it could be something called abdominophrenic dyssenergia. And this is a problem with the coordination of the muscles in the diaphragm and the abdomen. Apparently, with this, you may also notice bloating after a normal-sized meal, getting worse as the day goes on, even when there is little or no excess gas. I’ve been trying this little routine daily, just in case, although, I don’t necessarily think I’m affected, or am I just not doing it right!? What about pelvic position, as I know this is important too? Additional insights welcome! I’m definitely keen to keep up with my Reformer Pilates to help with my breathing, support good posture, and help keep my core, and all the muscles around my spine as flexible and as strong as possible as I get older ?
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Emma Thornton
Qualified Nutritionist (BSc, MSc, RNutr)
@emmatalkshealth
@EmmaThornton
Ask Emma

04 June 2026

Bloated Every Day? Could It Be Structural?

When it comes to bloating, we often focus on food, digestion, and gut health. But lately, I've been wondering whether structural factors might sometimes play a role too.

Looking Beyond Digestion

While I have a background in physiology, I'm not an expert in structural conditions, so always speak to your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

As someone with scoliosis, posture has always been a challenge for me, which is why I’m interested in how body mechanics might influence symptoms like bloating.

A Simple Test

I recently came across an interesting idea. If you're experiencing bloating or abdominal distension, try standing against a wall, bringing your shoulders back to touch it, and taking a slow, deep breath to expand your ribs.

If your bloating noticeably reduces in this position, it could be linked to a condition called abdominophrenic dyssynergia, where the diaphragm and abdominal muscles aren't coordinating as they should.

What Are the Signs?

People with this condition may notice:

Bloating after normal-sized meals
Symptoms that worsen throughout the day
Visible abdominal distension despite little or no excess gas

My Thoughts

I've been trying this breathing and posture routine daily, although I'm not convinced it applies to me—or perhaps I'm just not doing it correctly! It also raises questions about pelvic position, which I know can play an important role in posture and breathing mechanics.

Supporting the Body

Regardless, I'm keen to continue with weekly Reformer Pilates which I'm loving at the moment. It helps me focus on breathing, supports good posture, and keeps my core and spinal muscles strong and flexible as I get older.