Thursday, April 25, 2024

What Causes Your Stomach To Get Big

How Do You Get Rid Of Your Hard Beer Belly

How to fix a Bloated Stomach naturally in 4 minutes

Now that you know whats causing your hard stomach fatand the risks it posesits time to tell it to get lost, literally. One study in the journal Obesity found that when people with extra body fat but a normal Body Mass Index lost five percent of their body weight, visceral fat dropped by 11 percent. If you weigh 200 pounds, five percent of your body weight is only 10 pounds.

There are, as you no doubt know, many healthy ways to lose five percent of your body weight. Start with these easy tips for burning more fat, making eating easier by eating foods that are closer to nature, and by minding your microbiome, those all-important bacteria that help your body out in so many ways .

Emerging research also suggests that sodium-linked glucose transport inhibitors, which are used to treat people with diabetes, can reduce visceral fat and generally help you lose weight. “This does point to the possibility that there may be some physiological mechanisms that target visceral adiposity,” Dr. Barbara Kahn, the George Richards Minot Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, told Harvard Health Watch.

If do you have a hard beer belly, don’t panic. But you should take it as a sign that now is a good time to make a few changes to your lifestyle that will bring your belly back to where you and your health both want it.

Are There Any Solutions Available For Your Big Stomach

As you can see, many factors can contribute to a growing abdomen in females. If you are a woman and want to lose your belly fat, there are steps you can take.

While you cant change your genetics or the way your body reacts to life events like pregnancy and menopause, you can become more active. You can choose to lower or eliminate the amounts of sugars and trans fats you consume. And you can do wonders for your waistline by de-stressing once in a while and by cutting back on drinking alcohol.

Even if your efforts are sidelined by pregnancy or menopause that prevent the weight from shifting, taking active steps toward maintaining your weight, or losing weight, can make all the difference.

If you consider yourself a big belly woman and would like more information about popular bariatric surgeries like the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, gastric balloon surgery, and others, contact Healthy Life Bariatrics. You can schedule a consultation with world-renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Moeinolmolki in Los Angeles, California .

  • Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! Its the little changes that produce the largest changes. Many thanks for sharing!

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.

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Hard Stomach When To See A Doctor

In most cases, having a hard and bloated stomach is just a temporary discomfort that passes. Very often, home remedies help to get quick relief from the causes of a hard stomach. However, sometimes, a distended stomach is a sign of a more serious health condition.

Doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that you should visit a health care professional for bloating if you also have the following symptoms:19

  • Severe pain along with a hard and bloated stomach
  • Blood in your stools

Symptoms Of Hard Stomach

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Abdominal bloating and stomach distention are related conditions. According to the journal ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology, a distended stomach is usually accompanied by more symptoms than just bloating.1

For example, a hard stomach may also be associated with mild to severe abdominal pain and excess gas. If you have excess gas with bloating you may find that you have to belch or pass gas to get relief from bloating. Because indigestion can sometimes cause a swollen belly, you may get cramping pains in your abdomen or a burning sensation in your chest .

Dr. Melissa Conrad Stöppler on MedicineNet says that along with abdominal pain, a rigid stomach can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.2

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The Wrong Gut Bacteria:

There are trillions of bacteria in a human body, also helps in normal metabolism. Gut bacteria are found in the intestine. It determines how much food you are eating. It also tells you about your hunger. Getting the wrong gut bacteria is a problem that causes an increase in stomach size. You can get the right gut bacteria through plant-based food and eating more fibers.

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.

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Constipation Can Cause A Hard Feel Of The Stomach

Constipation can also be a cause of bloating. If youre bothered by a rock-solid stomach with abdominal pain that worsens through the day and its relieved by pooping constipation is the likely cause. With constipation, normal intestinal gas gets trapped behind the slow-moving poop and builds up.

Fast For At Least 12 Hours

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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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Sedentary Lifestyle And Physical Inactivity

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for negative health events. It involves prolonged sitting throughout the day .

Even if a person is physically active, meaning they engage in physical labor or exercise, prolonged sitting may increase the risk of negative health events and weight gain (

47 ).

In one study, researchers reported that people who performed resistance or aerobic exercise for 1 year after losing weight were able to prevent regaining visceral fat, while those who did not exercise had a 2538% increase in belly fat .

Another study showed that those who sat for over 8 hours each day had a 62% increased risk of obesity compared with those who sat for less than 4 hours each day .

Its recommended that most adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity each week and engage in regular resistance training.

Further, try to limit sedentary behaviors and prolonged sitting. If sitting is part of your work, try to incorporate standing breaks every 3090 minutes by standing for 510 minutes or taking a quick walk around your office, home or neighborhood.

Summary

A sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity are associated with a number of health risks, including weight gain and increased abdominal fat. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week.

What Causes Bloating In The Stomach

Gas

Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion, but too much intestinal gas means your digestion is gone awry. While you can ingest gasses by swallowing air or drinking carbonated beverages, these gasses mostly escape through belching before they reach your intestines. Gasses in your intestines are mostly produced by gut bacteria digesting carbohydrates, in a process called fermentation.

If theres too much fermentation going on, its because too many carbohydrates werent naturally absorbed earlier in the digestive process, before reaching those gut bacteria. That could be for several reasons. Maybe you just ate too much too fast for proper digestion. Or you might have a specific food intolerance or gastrointestinal disease. Some possible causes include:

Digestive Contents

These can include solids, liquids, and gas. Digestive contents can build up in your digestive system when there is a backup or restriction in your digestive tract or when the muscles that move digestive contents along are somehow impaired. Any build-up of digestive contents along the digestive tract will leave less room for normal amounts of gas to process through. It also leaves less room for other things in your abdomen, including circulatory fluids and fat, making everything feel tighter. Causes of build-up can include:

Hormones

Other Causes

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Causes Of Hard Stomach And What To Do About It

Lets look at the various reasons why your stomach can become swollen and hard. You will also find some easy ways to relieve the symptoms and reduce hardness and bloating around your abdomen. At the end of the article, there are some home remedies you can try at home for general relief from abdominal bloating.

When Should You See A Healthcare Provider For Bloating

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Bloating is rarely a sign of a serious medical problem. However, bloating that is long-term and doesn’t respond to changes in eating habits or OTC treatments can sometimes be associated with certain diseases and conditions such as:

If you notice you’re frequently bloated or that you become bloated after eating certain foods, you may want to make an appointment to see your healthcare provider. Try to note what triggers your bloating and bring these notes to your appointment.

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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.

Why Is My Stomach Bloated

The most common cause of stomach pain and bloating is excess intestinal gas. If you get a bloated stomach after eating, it may be a digestive issue. It might be as simple as eating too much too fast, or you could have a food intolerance or other condition that causes gas and digestive contents to build up. Your menstrual cycle is another common cause of temporary bloating. Sometimes a bloated stomach can indicate a more serious medical condition.

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The Link Between Fight

The blood in the veins and other blood vessels carries oxygen throughout the body. When an organ is in normal use, it receives its normal amount of blood, or even more than usual, in transient activities such as exercise or digestion.

But during our fight-or-flight response, our blood moves into organ systems that are essential for defense, attack, intense movement, and exertion, such as our muscles.

Digestion isnt a priority for the body during what it experiences as impending doom. So the body puts it on hold. As the blood rushes away from our stomach, it can feel as though our intestines are falling.

Additionally, when we are swept along by a wave of nerves and the hormones begin to course within our bloodstream, our muscles contract, including those in our core. Combine the effect of tense muscles with the rush of blood away from the digestive system, and we experience everything from butterflies to an anchor.

Interestingly, when we experience a prolonged period of anxiety, a few other changes can occur in our stomachs. As we tend to breathe heavily when we are nervous, we take in more oxygen than we need into our gut. As a result, we may experience flatulence, which can also cause the stomach to feel a bit bloated as if the bottom is lower than normal!

Ageing And Lifestyle Pattern

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As you tend to age, the body has a tendency to start depositing fat towards the abdomen in comparison to other parts, this further leads to a fat disproportion in the body. Moreover, ageing also affects muscular mass and skin firmness. While muscles tend to become flaccid, skin tends to become lose due to loss of collagen.

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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.

When Should I Seek Medical Attention

Its unlikely that your swollen abdomen is the result of any serious illness, but there are a few things you should look out for. Call your doctor if your abdomen is getting bigger, or if you have other symptoms that accompany the swelling, such as fever or nausea.

Seek medical care if you have extreme diarrhea or blood in your stool. If you find that youre unable to eat or drink for more than eight hours, tell your doctor.

You can connect with a primary care doctor in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.

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Slow Down At Mealtime

Eating too fast is a common cause of abdominal bloating because it results in swallowed air. Once that air reaches the intestines, you may feel pain and be bloated. The stomach stretches as you eat and sends signals to the brain alerting you that you are full. However, it takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to alert the brain, so you could be overeating and swallowing lots of air before you feel uncomfortably full. Slow down, chew thoroughly, and enjoy your meals. Drink enough water and stay hydrated to help ensure healthy digestion. Eat slowly to avoid bloating.

Having An Undiagnosed Condition

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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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Say No To Foods That Could Promote Abdominal Bloating

  • Diet regulation is the key you need to follow in addition to your exercise regime. Keep a track and find the foods that cause bloating simply avoid them. Eventually, the calories you take up and the number you burn will determine the result, so do not underestimate the power diet can bring in.
  • Stay away from preservative sugars, or refined carbs them as that could lead to belly fat. In case you cannot avoid them, make sure you lose them out by increasing your work output. Maintain a dietary plan and try sticking to it to manage your calorie intake.
  • Avoid too much snacking throughout the day. Go for dry fruits like raisins, walnuts and seasonal fruits like apple, avocado when feeling hungry after meals. Sprinkle them over regular meals or simply eat them right in the morning with a glass of lukewarm water to begin your day in the energy mode.

What Causes Abdominal Bloating

  • Ascites: Sometimes you may feel bloated due to the accumulation of fluid within the abdominal cavity, called ascites. This is often the result of liver disease.
  • Tumours: Very occasionally, you may feel bloated because there is a tumour present within your abdomen, of the ovaries, liver, stomach or elsewhere. The present of a lump or swelling should alert you to the possibility of a tumour or cancer.
  • Infection: Certain parasitic disorders can cause abnormal dilatations of the colon associated with symptoms of bloating.

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Protein Is Important For Balance

If your diet is lacking adequate levels of quality protein, you may see a few extra pounds find their way to your stomach. The good news is that you can easily shift your macronutrients to increase your protein. “When you increase your protein intake you can balance out your blood sugar while reducing insulin levels to promote a much faster metabolic rate,” Vince Sant, lead trainer at V Shred, told INSIDER.

Sant said protein also helps to control hormones that increase your appetite, which can help you lose weight naturally. Just how much protein do you need? Well, that depends on your activity level and body size. Consult a registered dietitian or check out one of the websites online that explains protein requirements.

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