This Is Why You Get So Grumpy When You're Bloated

Bloating is a common symptom of digestive discomfort. For so many people, all it takes is to eat a big meal - or to eat the 'wrong' foods for their digestive system - and their stomach inflates along with a nice dose of abdominal pain.

If this scenario sounds familiar to you, think back to the last time it happened. Did you become notably irritable at the same time? If so, there's a scientific reason why.

According to Tom Jenane, nutritionist at Nature's Health Box, becoming grumpy as a result of bloating is a natural eventuality due to the close link between the brain and the gut. Speaking to METRO, Jenane revealed there's actually a 'direct line' of sorts between the two parts of the body.

"There is an actual connection between your intestinal functions and the emotional centres in your brain, known as the gut brain axis (GBA)," he said. And it's the same reason you might suffer from the undeniably glamorous 'nervous poos' when you're anxious about something.

Janane explained there's increasing scientific research demonstrating the communication between the brain, which is why discomfort in the abdominal region can often result in a negative emotional effect.

See? Totally not your fault you become a grouchy witch the second your jeans feel too tight.

The bad news is, there's not really a way you can stop the grumpiness. You'll just have to try to tackle the root cause of the bloating instead.

Often, bloating can occur as a result of everyday behaviours you didn't even notice you were doing. Not chewing properly, eating too quickly, not drinking enough water and eating foods you are intolerant to can all be causes of bloating as well.