If you're dealing with chronic bloating, it's important to take a look at your habits and determine if any of your habits are causing or aggravating the situation. You might not know that some of the things you're doing on a regular basis are known for leading to bloating symptoms. The following are eight habits you want to get rid of to reduce the occurrence of bloating:

Failing to adequately chew the foods that you eat

Chewing your foods properly aids in digestion. When food is adequately broken down before it is swallowed through chewing, less pressure is placed on breaking it down entirely in the digestive tract. This leads to a situation where food travels through the gut more quickly and produces less gas.

Chewing gum frequently

When you chew gum, you swallow air. Any air that is swallowed can lead to bloating as it works its way through the intestines. Another aspect of gum chewing that can lead to bloating is the presence of sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols often cause bloating as they go through the digestive system.

Eating foods that are known to cause bloating

Certain foods are known to cause bloating. In particular, foods that are high in fiber like beans and whole-grain products are known for causing bloating. Also, dairy products are known to cause bloating during digestion. Try not to overeat on such foods if you are struggling with bloating issues. 

Overeating frequently

One of the worst things you can do if you're trying to prevent bloating is overeating. Make sure that you stop eating when you start to feel full. Eat smaller portions of foods to avoid eating too much. 

Not drinking enough throughout the day

You need to stay hydrated to avoid bloating. When you're dehydrated, your bowel can function more slowly than it should. Being adequately hydrated keeps bowel movements soft and prevents things from getting backed up in your intestines and throughout your digestive system.

Allowing everyday life to stress you out

It might surprise you to learn that being stressed can actually aggravate feelings of bloating. Stress can lead to the elevation of hormones, and these hormones can aggravate one's digestive system. Be aware of your stress level and take some time out to relax now and then. 

Eating your meals very quickly

It's important to take your time when you eat. Eating too quickly can cause discomfort in a variety of ways. Eating quickly can cause bloating because people swallow more air as they eat when they eat quickly. Air in the digestive tract is a common cause of bloating. 

Being sedentary

Being sedentary causes you to gain weight. When your belly gets larger, it increases any discomfort you feel when you do become bloated. Therefore, it's a good idea to incorporate physical activity into your everyday routines to keep your belly slim.