You Could Be Constipated
Constipation is one of the most common GI problems, according to Johns Hopkins Health, and it affects women more than men. Along with your period, not drinking enough water, not eating enough fiber and taking some medications may make you constipated. The lower GI is where you tend to feel very distended, saysDeborah Fisher, M.D., a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine. Constipation may make you feel bloated or like you need to pass gas. Cramps are also common, and if you’re feeling bloated at the same time, you might resolve both by making a few trips to the restroom.
Your Bloating Could Be Due To A Medical Condition
“From stomach problems to colon problems, anything that interferes with the normal digestion of food can lead to excess gas in the system,” cautioned Everyday Health. Conditions like gastritis, lactose intolerance, Celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome are among the most common medical causes of painful bloating.
Gastritis is typically caused by swelling or irritation of the stomach due to ulcers, medications, or overproduction of stomach acid whereas lactose intolerance is a result of the body being unable to digest a natural sugar called lactose found in dairy products. Similarly, Celiac disease is also categorized by an intolerance, not to dairy but to gluten. This can be found in foods made from wheat. The science isn’t clear on what causes irritable bowel syndrome, but it may occur when muscles in the digestive system move in an unusual or unexpected way.
Unfortunately, all of these conditions have one thing in common: bloating. If suspect any of these conditions or if your bloating is accompanied with other serious issues like unexplained pain, vomiting, heartburn, bleeding, cramps, or unusual or unexpected weight loss, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Is Bloating A Cause For Concern
October 26, 2018 By Yenny Rojas
Weve all had that bloated, uncomfortable full belly feeling at some point. Most of the time, its perfectly normal and no cause for concern. On rare occasions, it could be an indication of a more serious problem. Unless your bloating is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and weight loss, its probably nothing to worry about. Most of the time, diet and other simple reasons such as eating a big meal or too much salt can explain the bloating youre experiencing. Lets discuss some common causes of bloating, and when bloating can be a cause for concern.
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Remedies For Belly Fat
While a simple diet change helps get rid of bloat, belly fat takes a bit more work. Try for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Following a healthy diet filled with lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and lots of water can also help shed those pounds. It is important to remember that everyone gains and loses weight differently, so be sure talk to your doctor about what fits best for you.
Why Is My Stomach Bloated Causes And 10 Ways To Reduce Bloating
Why is my stomach bloated, you may ask. Rightly so. A bloated tum can at best be uncomfortable and at worst be a cause for concern. Here are some of the reasons why you may be suffering and how to ease your discomfort.
Bloating is a common issue for many women and can be caused by a number of factors, says Claire Snowdon-Darling, a hormones expert, head of The College of Functional Wellness and founder of kinesiology clinic Balanced Wellness. And women suffer from bloating more because high levels of oestrogen will cause water retention. Women also experience more IBS symptoms due to hormonal imbalances, and one of the symptoms of IBS is bloating, she explains.
Abdominal bloating can have different reasons behind it. Its characterised by a feeling of gassiness or feeling distended, explains The Gut Stuff team, aka Lisa and Alana Macfarlane, co-authors of The Gut Stuff: An empowering guide to your gut and microbes .
Youre not alone in thinking Why is my stomach bloated? either. Its one of the most common gut symptoms, and one of the things we get asked about the most, says The Gut Stuff team. In fact, its become a popular Instagram trend that people tend to associate with how bloating LOOKS, but a lot of people are still confused as to what it actually is and if they should worry about it.
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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.”
Causes Of Serious Bloating You Need To Know About And What To Do About Them
1. Ovarian cancer isnt the most likely, but it is one of the most lethal. Although ovarian cancer is only the fifth most common cancer in women, it causes more deaths than any other reproductive cancer mostly in women over 50. Risk factors include never having children or having them late in life, obesity, a family history of ovarian cancer, certain genetic abnormalities, and long-term treatment with hormone replacement therapy. Persistent bloating, feeling full faster, and pelvic pain are typical symptoms.
What to do if youre concerned about ovarian cancer:
A thorough pelvic exam or transvaginal ultrasound is the best way to diagnose ovarian cancer. The blood test CA-125 isnt a reliable screening test, but it can be helpful for following the course of treatment after diagnosis.
2. Uterine cancer. In addition to bloating, uterine cancer can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, a watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pain with intercourse or urination. But its important to know that sometimes bloating or a change in bowel habits may be the only initial signs of uterine cancer. Important risk factors include taking tamoxifen taking estrogen supplements that dont also contain progesterone radiation therapy a family history of uterine cancer or a family history of a form of inherited colon cancer called Lynch syndrome.
What to do if youre concerned about uterine cancer:
What to do if youre concerned about colon cancer:
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Food Intolerance And Bloating
Food intolerance can lead to bloating when:
- your bowel does not empty properly
- the food causes gas to be trapped
- too much gas is produced as a reaction to the food
The most common foods to cause problems are wheat or gluten and dairy products.
The best approach if you have a food intolerance is to eat less of the problem food or cut it out completely.
Keep a food diary for a couple of weeks, noting everything that you eat and drink and when bloating troubles you most. But do not get rid of food groups long-term without advice from your GP.
Find out more about food intolerance.
You’re A Big Fan Of Beans
Kidney, pinto, black, redbeans are an awesome source of high-quality plant protein. Unfortunately the carbohydrates in beans tend to be indigestible, and that’s what gives them their gassy, belly-bloating reputation, says Brill. Thing is, beans boost the health of so many dishes, from chili to soup to burritos, that it would be a nutritional crime to dump them out of your diet entirely. The solution: take an over-the-counter anti-gas product such as Beano along with your beans. “These contain the enzyme we’re missing that makes the carbohydrates digestible,” says Brill. “It’s safe to take, and it prevents the uncomfortable puffy feeling.”
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Why Do I Look Pregnant When I Am Not & Its Solutions
It is obvious to have a bulgy stomach when you are pregnant. But it is a weird feel when your tummy looks pregnant even though you are not! There are many women who complain about having a stomach that makes them look like pregnant. Why do I look pregnant when I am not? If you too are one of those women who is looking for an answer to this wondering question then this article would be a helpful read for you. We will talk about the conditions which would make you look pregnant even without being so. Find out the causes and some solutions to the causes which can bloat your tummy out or make you look like pregnant without being pregnant in real.
What It Means If Your Dogs Stomach Is Bloated
In the most general sense, dog bloat refers to an enlargement or swelling of the abdomen. If your dogs stomach is bloated, it could be due to a number of underlying causes, ranging from mild to severe, including pregnancy, heart failure or liver dysfunction, uterine infection , internal bleeding, GDV, and several others. Many of these are very serious and concerning conditions, including GDV. Because of this, it’s fair to say that, across the board, a dog that “looks bloated” should always be taken to the vet ASAP.
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Take Digestive Enzyme Supplements
Certain over-the-counter products may also help with bloating, such as supplemental enzymes that can help break down indigestible carbohydrates.
Notable ones include:
- Lactase: An enzyme that breaks down lactose, which is useful for people with lactose intolerance.
- Beano: Contains the enzyme alpha-galactosidase, which can help break down indigestible carbohydrates from various foods.
In many cases, these types of supplements can provide almost immediate relief.
If youre interested in trying a digestive enzyme supplement, a wide .
Summary
Many over-the-counter products can help fight bloating and other digestive problems. These are usually digestive enzymes that help break down certain food components.
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My Stomach Is Bloated And Hard At Night What To Do
Ever sat at the dinner table well beyond the time which the plates have been removed, only to sigh at your family or friends, and whisper I feel bloated when asked why you have elected to skip the movie or board game? Youre not alone. Many people feel discomfort associated with a hard bloated stomach at night, and often, this sensation follows us into the bedroom making sleeping awkward and uncomfortable.
If you are finding yourself searching for answers to the question of why my stomach is bloated unfortunately you may get a lot of answers. Overeating, especially before bedtime, can leave you with telltale signs of bloat, including a hard, distended belly at night. If you are finding this a frequent occurrence, and that you are constantly complaining to your bedmate that my stomach is bloated, you might consider not eating close to bedtime, and taking a quick walk after eating, especially after a large meal.
Antacids are the most common treatment for bloated and hard stomach, however if you are noticing that you cant remedy your situation with an antacid, a walk or herbal remedies or teas such as ginger tea, speak to your health care provider. He or she will want to evaluate your consistent night tummy troubles to ensure that you dont have an underlying condition that is affecting your midsection.
The Way You Eat May Lead To Bloating
If you chew with your mouth open, eat super quickly, or talk exceptionally fast and you regularly suffer from bloating you may have a condition called aerophagia. But don’t worry! It’s nothing life-threatening. Rather, it simply means you’re a person who tends to swallow a lot of air. And that swallowed air can leave you feeling bloated.
WebMD described aerophagia as a disorder that occurs when you swallow enough to make you burp frequently or to upset your stomach and leave it feeling bloated or uncomfortable. An estimated 25 percent of the population will experience the condition at some point in their lives. Symptoms of aerophagia include stomach pain, a swollen midsection, and frequent belching sometimes several times within a single minute.
People who have anxiety or depression are especially at risk. However, antacids can help if the condition is caused by acid reflux. Changing the way you eat and making an effort to eat slower are behavioral modifications that help the problem to go away.
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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.
Fasting Your Way To A Flat Stomach
During this time, your body will go into ketosis and burn the fat for fuel.
A few problems that may occur for people are food cravings, hunger, caffeine withdrawal and so on.
For most people, getting through the first 24 hours will be a Herculean task. Youll feel hungry at the times you usually have your meals, but you can live through it.
For example, if you have dinner at 7 pm daily, thats the time youll feel most hungry.
After an hour or so, the hunger will flatten out, dissipate, and go away. It always comes in waves.
Getting through each wave is what matters. Your mind will cook up a hundred reasons as to why you should eat, and theyll all seem valid, but you must NOT give in.
Once youve made it through 24 hours with no food, youll have the confidence to go without for 2 or 3 days.
Ideally, you should aim for a 36-hour fast two times a week. This is one of the best ways to lose weight.
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Other Causes That Can Make You Look Pregnant Even Though You Are Not
Are you a mouth breather? If yes then you have one more cause with you reserved that can make you look pregnant even without being pregnant. Apart from this there are other causes which can get you a stomach that looks like you are pregnant even though you are not. Some of the causes can be drinking via a straw, drinking carbonated drinks, talking while eating and also chewing gums.
Solution: Sometimes you may have real problems in breathing through nose and that would make you a mouth breather. In such a case, go for a proper diagnosis and have the best treatment for it. And for other absurd things like chewing gums, drinking carbonated drinks etc you just need to stop doing them.
Hope this was pretty beneficial for you! Dont worry for the weird thing your stomach gets you and makes you look pregnant even without your pregnancy. There are causes and solutions to everything. Go for the best solutions that suit you and your cause for a big belly. You will be right standing there tall with your flat and happy tummy!
| Written, Edited or Reviewed By:Pramod Kerkar, M.D., FFARCSI, DA Pain Assist Inc.This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimerLast Modified On: January 29, 2019 |
Looking Pregnant When You Are Not Can Be Caused Due To Celiac Disease
Have you heard of Celiacs disease? This can also be a cause for bloating. Your stomach may bloat and make you look pregnant if you have Celiacs disease.
Solution: A gluten-free diet would help you in Celiacs disease. You can go for the best treatment as prescribed by your doctor for Celiacs disease that can make you look pregnant though you are not. However, from your side you can try to avoid gluten in our diet if you have Celiacs disease.
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Drinking Too Much Soda
Carbonated beverages, such as soda or sparkling water, are a common reason for bloating. The fizz in your favorite sodas can cause gas to get trapped in your stomach, which can lead to bloating and belching.
Try limiting the amount of soda you drink and switch to a healthier alternative. Water with cucumber or lemon can offer a flavorful drink with your meal, and black tea can provide the caffeine kick you may need in the early afternoon. If youre already feeling bloated, peppermint tea is a common remedy that can be used to help reduce the discomfort.