Expert: Joanne - 2/1/2008

Question
Hello: I have been chewing and spitting for almost 3 years, getting worse over
the past year.  I do it every day and almost wait for the moment to do it when
someone leaves the house! I feel so bloated afterwards (end of night) and
have a lot of gas! I also notice weight fluctuations from 8 pounds up at the
end of the day than the beginning! What is the bloating from, and what is the
fluctuations from in weight?? It is really fustrating me! I also notice my
saddlebags are bigger.  Please help!

Answer
Becky

Bloating and gas are quite often caused by swallowing air while eating.  I would reckon that when chewing and spitting, you may be swallowing air.

The fluctuations in weight over the course of the day I think would be most likely due to water fluctuations, especially since they are quite big over a very short time period.  If you aren't eating much during the rest of the day, your body will tend to retain water.

Joanne