“I Feel Heavy”: What’s Happening in Your Body and Why Digestion Isn’t Working Well

What It Means to Feel Heavy

That sensation of heaviness often appears when:

• Digestion slows down

• There is excess intestinal fermentation

• The digestive system is overloaded

In people with SIBO, this feeling is especially common.

Slow Digestion and Fermentation

When food isn’t properly digested:

• It stays in the intestine longer

• Bacteria ferment it

• Gas and inflammation develop

This leads to bloating, abdominal pressure, and general discomfort.

The Link Between Heaviness, Anxiety, and Stress

Chronic stress reduces digestive capacity. Eating quickly, with anxiety, or without breaks keeps the body in “alert mode” rather than “digestion mode,” making heaviness and discomfort more likely.

Foods That Often Worsen the Feeling

• Simple sugars

• Refined flours

• Dairy with lactose

• Very fatty meals or heavy combinations

It’s not just what you eat — it’s how and when you eat.

Changes That Help Relieve It

To ease this heavy sensation, try:

• Eating at regular times

• Choosing simple meals

• Reducing fermentable foods

• Prioritizing easy-to-digest recipes

These changes can help digestion work more smoothly and reduce the feeling of heaviness.