What Causes Stomach Bloating In Females

It Could Be Constipation

While youre spending a lot of time at home, you may not be moving as much as you usually do. You may also be eating different foods. This can lead to constipation. You may be constipated if you experience:

• Fewer bowel movements than normal for you
• Stool that is lumpy or looks like pebbles
• Difficulty passing stool or a feeling that you still need to go after youre finished

Fortunately, you can make a number of at-home changes to help relieve your constipation. These include:

Beat Bloating In A Week

Nutritional therapist Natalie Lamb has outlined a seven day plan in order to help with bloating. Here are the seven steps:

For a more detailed outline of the seven day plan, click the link below and look into creating your own food diary.

How Do I Know If My Stomach Pain Is Serious

Speaking with your healthcare provider is the best way to find out if your stomach pain is serious and requires medical intervention.

Check for imbalances in 10 key hormonesâwhich can cause stomach pain and bloatingâwith the at-home Women’s Health Test, which gives you easy-to-read results you can share with your healthcare provider.

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Changes In Bathroom Habits

Another clue that bloating could be a sign of ovarian cancer is a change in your bathroom behavior. Out-of-the-ordinary bowel or urinary issues can be a tip something is wrong.

For example, you might suddenly need to go to the bathroom more urgently if a mass is big enough and pressing on the bladder, says Dr. Swain.

Reasons Why You Feel Bloated All The Time

Being bloated is no fun, and weve all been there. Whether it was an ice cream sundae bar or Chinese buffet, theres been a time that we just ate too much and had to loosen the belt a few notches just to get some extra relief. However, bloating can happen for a number of reasonssome not related to foodand Matt Hoffman, FNP, clinical assistant professor with the Texas A& M College of Nursing, breaks down why youre feeling uncomfortable and a little extra puffy in your midsection.

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Try The Low Fodmap Diet

Only recently devised, this has helped many people with IBS, although its quite restrictive and can be difficult to follow. It involves avoiding foods in particular fruit and veg that contain fermentable sugars known as FODMAPs. These feed the bad bacteria in your gut, releasing the gas that causes uncomfortable bloating, stomach pain and diarrhoea for some. FODMAP foods includes onions, garlic, cauliflower, apples and cabbage. But make sure you get the advice of a registered dietitian first to ensure you dont miss out on important nutrients.

Coeliac Disease Aka Gluten

Could be the cause if: You often feel tired youve lost weight for no apparent reason you are suffering from abdominal pain.

Coeliac disease is an adverse reaction to gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye and all foods containing them everything from pasta and bread to pies and some gravies and sauces.

It is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakes substances in gluten for a threat and attacks them, leading to damage to the surface of the small bowel, which then affects your ability to absorb nutrients from food.

It used to be mainly diagnosed in children, but its now known people can go undiagnosed into middle age.

If you have these symptoms, see your doctor and ask to have a blood test for coeliac disease. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines state that anyone with bloating and other IBS-type symptoms should be tested for it.

If youre diagnosed, youll feel better once you start avoiding all foods containing gluten.

For more information about it visit www.coeliac.org.uk.

Could be the cause if: You are premenstrual or in the early stages of pregnancy.

During pregnancy, and just before your period, levels of the hormone progesterone are raised.

This can slow down gut motility or movement, which means food passes more slowly through the body, leading to bloating and possibly constipation.

You can beat the bloat. Exercise can help improve gut motility and walking for 30 minutes a day could be enough to make the difference.

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How Common Is Stomach Bloating

Between 10% and 25% of otherwise healthy people complain of occasional abdominal bloating. As many as 75% describe their symptoms as moderate to severe. About 10% say they experience it regularly. Among those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome , it may be as much as 90%. Up to 75% of women experience bloating before and during their period. Only 50% of people who experience bloating also report a distended abdomen.

Fast For At Least 12 Hours

“Having a fasting stretch of 12-14 hours between dinner and breakfast can promote weight loss and encourage beneficial bacteria to thrive in the gut which can improve metabolism and balance hunger hormones,” says Jeannette.

“Its easy to do if you are eating nice and early say 7pm for dinner and then just having water between then and a 7am breakfast the next day.”

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Are You Ready To Turn It Around

There are some things that you can do to flatten your stomach with a method that helped women worldwide. One of the best ways that you can extra weight is to try the Cinderella Solution program.

The program has helped women lose extra weight and to look fit and comfortable in their bodies. Everything can be done at home, so you dont need to invest money in other extra stuff.

Check some of the women that had great success with it:

What Causes Excess Gas

Many people who feel as though they have excess gas may have increased levels or just an increased sensitivity to it in the gastrointestinal tract. Passing gas, bloating, burping, and belly pain and discomfort are common sensations in those who feel like they have excess gas. These symptoms may be due to a variety of conditions. Health problems including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth , gastroesophageal reflux disease , irritable bowel syndrome , and difficulty digesting certain types of carbohydrates may all contribute to gas build up. Other conditions like abdominal hernias, masses in the GI tract, abdominal adhesions, and dumping syndrome can affect the way gas moves through the intestines.

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When To Talk To Your Health Care Provider

Bloating can be normal, but it can also be a sign of serious conditions. Its important to keep track of what foods cause you to feel bloated, but also note if you experience other symptoms that have accompanied bloating.

If you notice a drastic change in weight or changes in your bowel movementssuch as changes in color or consistencyyou need to tell your provider that as well, as they can be signs of an underlying condition, Hoffman said. If you ate too much and are having trouble digesting your food, then you know that was the likely cause of your bloating and cramping, but if its come on suddenly with a healthy diet, you should err on the side of caution and visit your provider.

What Is Bloating What Does Feeling Bloated Mean

Why am I so bloated? Abdominal bloating or “feeling bloated” is a very frequent and familiar symptom most people have experienced at some time in their lives. There are many reasons you may feel bloated. Most causes are simple, harmless, and easily treatable with over-the-counter or home remedies. Very rarely, abdominal bloating is caused by something more serious, leading to a rapid worsening of uncomfortable symptoms.

The definition of “bloated” is swelling or distension, and it usually refers to abdominal bloating, which is a distended belly. Bloating may be accompanied by burping , gas , abdominal discomfort, and a feeling of fullness. People sometimes refer to abdominal bloating as a “bloated stomach” or “bloated belly.”

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Can Bloating Be Prevented

To keep your digestive system working well, follow a healthy diet and eat at least 30g of fibre every day. Cut down on processed and fatty foods, and drink less alcohol. Drink plenty of water and take any medicines as directed by your doctor.

Dont overeat, and try to eat more slowly. Eating regularly will help to prevent digestive problems.

Regular exercise is also important for your gut because it strengthens the muscles in your tummy and stimulates the digestive system to push food through. It also helps with stress, which affects the nerves in the digestive system and can slow down digestion.

Smoking is very bad for your digestion. If you smoke, try to quit now.

Are These Signs Or Symptoms Accompanying Your Bloat

Fortunately, if you feel bloated its usually harmless and caused by something as simple as gas, indigestion, or premenstrual symptoms.

But when there are other symptoms occurring with your persistent bloating symptoms you may want to dive deeper into the actual cause.

Other signs and symptoms to look out for with your constant bloating include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or both
• Jaundice

Dont shrug your constant bloating off if youre experiencing any of the above symptoms.

Because when detected early, certain diseases such as colon cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, or diverticulitis are easier to treat and can reduce more complications.

And if gastrointestinal issues like leaky gut syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases arent properly treated it could lead to other complications such as autoimmune diseases or cancer.

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Having A Food Intolerance

Typically, if someone is feels bloated, it is because of their food or water intake, but even if you havent eaten too much, you may have eaten the wrong thing. Certain food intolerances or sensitives to spicy or acidic foods can cause the gastrointestinal tract to have a more difficult time than usual.

An undiagnosed intolerance to foods can cause a lot of bloating, Hoffman said. The body is trying to break down the foods for the body to use, and a lot of gas can be the result of that work.

If you experience a lot of bloating, try keeping a food journal to track what you eat, when you notice bloating and the amount of discomfort you experience.

Coeliac Disease And Bloating

Coeliac disease is a common digestive condition where your intestine cannot absorb gluten found in wheat, barley and rye.

If you have Coeliac disease, eating foods containing gluten can also trigger diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fatigue.

See your GP if you suspect you may have Coeliac disease.

There is no cure for Coeliac disease but, once the condition has been diagnosed, switching to a gluten-free diet should help.

Find out more about Coeliac disease.

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Questions To Ask Your Doctor

• Do I need a test to diagnose lactose intolerance?
• Why do certain foods cause my bloating when they never used to?
• What can I do if I have diabetesand my medicine or artificial sweeteners cause bloating?
• Could my bloating be a sign of something more serious?
• What kind of tests will I need?
• What kind of over-the-counter medicine can I try?

How Is Bloating Diagnosed

Your doctor can generally diagnose the cause of your bloating through a physical exam in the office. They will ask you questions about your symptoms. They will want to know if your bloating is occasional or if it occurs all the time.

Temporary bloating is usually not serious. If it happens all the time, your doctor may order other tests. These could include an imaging test to look inside your abdomen. This could be an X-ray or CT scan.

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Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth

A medical condition called SIBO can cause stomach pain and bloating, as well as malabsorption of food. In this condition, there is an alteration in the gut microbiome, and an overabundance of bacteria grows in the small intestine.

This bacterial overgrowth produces excess gas as a metabolic byproduct, leading to stomach pain and a sensation of a bloated stomach or abdomen. This condition is typically seen when intestinal movements slow down this can happen due to increasing age, chronic pancreatitis, and other factors. Antibiotics are generally used to help manage this condition.

A Excess Eating Of Gas

Eating too many foods that are known to cause excess gas can make you bloated.

It is the most benign and the most common cause of bloating that can make you look pregnant.

Eating excess amounts of such food can cause bloating even in an average individual without any disease. In addition, the more you eat, the more bloating and distension you get.

The list of food that commonly causes gas and bloating include :

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What Causes Bloating In Women

What causes bloating in women is not an easy question to answer because there can be a number of reasons why this debilitating condition can occur.

What we do know is that a bloated stomach is uncomfortable, can make you feel tired, miserable and if that wasnt bad enough it can give you an aching back.

In addition, more women are being affected by this digestive disorder every year.

The truth is, pinpointing the true cause of your bloating is going to be a matter of elimination. Fortunately, the most common causes of bloating in women are diet related. The food you eat can cause certain reactions or allergies that can trigger bouts of bloating.

Having An Undiagnosed Condition

There are a few conditions that can cause bloating. Heart and liver disease and venous insufficiency can cause excess fluid in the abdomen or limbs. These conditions come with more prominent and tell-tale symptoms, and your health care provider can help you identify them and other illnesses that can cause bloating.

Chronic conditions can cause swelling and bloating in certain areas, Hoffman said. If you have a history or concern of these conditions, then its best to talk with your primary care provider.

Other gastrointestinal conditions can also cause bloating and stomach ailments. Conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease and irritable bowel syndrome can all cause bloating. Acid reflux, and the medications to treat it, can cause bloating and a feeling of increased gas in the abdomen, leading to belching.

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Can Bloating Be Prevented Or Avoided

There are many ways to prevent and avoid bloating:

• Avoid the foods that are known to cause gas. These include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, turnips, beans, and lentils.
• Avoid chewing gum.
• Avoid using straws for drinking.
• Reduce or avoid drinking carbonated drinks .
• Reduce or avoid eating and drinking foods that include fructose or sorbitol. These artificial sweeteners are often found in sugar-free foods.
• Eat slowly.
• Eat more foods high in fiber to prevent constipation. If foods alone dont help, consider taking a fiber supplement.
• Avoid dairy products if you notice they cause gas and bloating.
• Quit smoking.

Excess Gas Can Build Up

Gas is a normal part of digestion, but if it builds up in your intestines, it may cause bloating and pain. Gas happens when food that is not digested is broken down in your colon. This process produces methane and hydrogen, which you pass naturally as gas.

If you do experience bloating due to gas, modifying your food intake may help. Here are some common drinks and foods that can cause bloating:

• Foods high in fiber or fat
• Fried and spicy dishes
• Carbonated drinks, such as soda or beer
• Lactose found in milk, cheese and yogurts

Over-the-counter supplements can even trigger bloating.

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Minerals And Thyroid Functions:

There are two main thyroid hormones:

• Triiodothyronine
• Tetra iodothyronine

Generally, T4 is converted into T3 and these two hormones control the metabolic processes of the body. The T3 stimulus increases oxygen consumption and heat production by the mitochondria and stimulates the production of new mitochondria. If you absorb more fats than normal, then you will burn less fat.

If the T3 level is low, you are not utilizing carbohydrates present in the food, and it is converted into fat by the liver. This is because of not enough iodine.

Table salt is not an adequate source of iodine so for maintaining its level you should:

• Take zinc by any external source.
• Take iodine by any external source.

Why Am I So Bloated And Looking As Pregnant 6 Main Causes Doctor Explains

Our content is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for medical advice by your doctor. Use for informational purposes only.

• Bloating is the feeling of an inflated balloon inside your belly .
• Distension occurs when gas causes a visible swelling in your abdomen. If youre a female, severe bloating can make you look as pregnant.
• Flatulence: is defined as the excess passage of flatus .

Severe bloating and distension are often caused by excess gas inside your digestive tract. Eating gassy food, excessive fermentation of foods due to food intolerances or SIBO, excess air swallowing, and abnormal sensitivity to gas are the commonest causes.

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