Bloated abdomen? Causes and solutions

Does your abdomen feel swollen, fuller than normal? So much so that not even your favorite pants close you.

The truth is that having a swollen belly is unpleasant, uncomfortable and sometimes painful, which can be due to multiple factors that must be taken into account.

I invite you to continue reading this post if you want to know the causes of a swollen abdomen and its possible solutions.

What is abdominal bloating or distension?

Abdominal bloating is a feeling of pressure or tension in the abdomen that occurs when the gastrointestinal tract is full of air or gases.

It feels like your stomach has expanded and stretched, which can be uncomfortable; It can also become hard and deformed due to various causes.

Swelling is usually accompanied by:

• Acute abdominal pain.
• Frequent belching.
• Abdominal noises or gurgling.
• Excess gas (flatulence).
• Intense need to defecate.
• Nausea.

Causes why you could have a swollen abdomen

No need to worry; Bloating can be a temporary stomach symptom. However, if inflammation is frequent, it may indicate a dietary problem or perhaps be the sign of a more serious condition.

Some causes of this so-repeated illness in women are:

Gases and air

They are the most common cause of swollen abdomen, especially after eating.

Gas begins to accumulate in the digestive tract when undigested food is broken down or simply when air is swallowed.

We all swallow air when we eat or drink, but some people may swallow more than others because of:

• Eating/drinking too much or too quickly.
• Overindulge in junk food.
• Smoke.
• Wearing loose dentures.
• Chew gum.

Other medical conditions that can cause a swollen abdomen are:

• Food intolerance.
• Weight gain or obesity.
• Indigestion.
• Hormonal flow (especially for women).
• Intestinal parasite infection.
• Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa.
• Mental health factors such as stress, anxiety, depression and more.
• Some medications.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease .
• Other functional gastrointestinal disorders.
• Constipation.
• Acidity.
• Celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Solutions to avoid or reduce a swollen abdomen

Quick fixes are not always effective for some causes of bloating.

However, people who have frequent inflammation and change their lifestyle can address its causes and reduce them over time.

Follow a varied and balanced diet

Include fruits and vegetables in your diet. It is important to chew slowly and drink plenty of water, preferably still, which facilitates intestinal regularity.

Also, avoid foods like collard greens, dried beans, and lentils.

Depending on the cause of bloating, there are several foods and supplements that can help prevent or reduce it.

The fibers

The fiber in plant foods is essential for having regular bowel movements and preventing constipation, which can cause bloating.

Some people have sensitivities to foods that contain fiber, which can cause them to bloat. Therefore, choose carefully which fibrous foods to eat.

Some of those that contain healthy fiber are: lettuce, carrots, chives, cucumber, fennel, eggplant, celery, bean sprouts, blueberries, green bananas, zucchini, baby spinach, strawberries, pineapple, grapes, oranges, kiwi, quinoa and rice comprehensive, among others.

probiotics

They are useful because they reduce the production of intestinal gas, restore the balance of the bacterial flora, promote cell division of the colon walls, reduce bacterial fermentation of food and reduce gastrointestinal hypermotility .

They are present in certain foods and supplements that help relieve the annoying symptoms of a bloated belly, irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory diseases.

And they are “good” bacteria that restore an adequate balance of the intestinal flora by counteracting the action of germs and bacteria that attack its lining.

Foods that naturally contain probiotic bacteria are: plain yogurt, sauerkraut , kimchi , kefir , miso , tempeh , kombucha .

Evolution Advance has two effective and natural supplement options to help improve abdominal bloating.

One is Good Bacteria , which provides 30 billion good microorganisms that help strengthen the immune system and keep the digestive system healthy. In addition, it contains DE111™, a probiotic that has been clinically shown to maintain the balance of the microbiota.

The other is Happy Poo , which contains a probiotic that protects against the discomfort caused by antibiotic use and improves stomach health.

Digestive enzyme supplements

Certain over-the-counter products can help with bloating , such as supplemental enzymes that can help break down indigestible carbohydrates, such as:

• Lactase: Enzyme that breaks down lactose; It is useful for people with lactose intolerance.

• Beano: Contains the enzyme alpha-galactosidase, which can help break down indigestible carbohydrates in various foods.

Reduce emotional stress and lead a more relaxed life

Many people experience bloating as the first symptom of irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis or colitis.

These are inflammatory diseases whose cause is not yet well defined, but which cause difficulty in digestion, heartburn and constipation alternating with diarrhea and bloating.

Well, many of them have an emotional and/or psychological basis. Not in vain, people affected by the problem are generally anxious, manifest tension, aggression or depression.

Go to the doctor

If abdominal bloating is prolonged, severe, or has other concerning symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, bleeding, or a family history of bowel cancer, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, it is important to visit a gastroenterologist.

The doctor will take your history, perform a physical examination, and perform laboratory tests. And, if necessary, he or she may recommend a colonoscopy.

Home remedies

When bloating occurs immediately after a meal, it usually resolves on its own, but you can often speed up the process with:

• Ginger is a home remedy for many gastrointestinal complaints, such as indigestion, nausea and bloating, it has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate digestive processes. Take it in the form of tea.
• Go for a walk , as physical activity can cause the intestines to move more regularly, which helps release excess gas and stool.
• Apple cider vinegar can be mixed with a glass of warm water and taken once a day, early in the morning.
• Perform relaxing breathing exercises , yoga, and meditation to relieve symptoms of bloating.
• Massaging the abdomen can help the intestines move. A massage that follows the path of the large intestine is especially helpful.
• Take a warm bath, soak in and relax. The heat of the bath can relieve abdominal pain, relaxation can reduce stress levels, allowing the gastrointestinal tract to function more effectively and bloating is reduced.

The abdomen is a part of the body that swells for various reasons, which especially worries women, because it looks larger than normal; You may also feel tender or sore.

Try the recommendations that we offered you in this post, you could notice the improvement in less than you expect.

But, if the symptoms persist, visit a specialist to determine its causes and medical solutions.