What is bloating?
Bloating happens when gas becomes trapped in your stomach, giving you the sensation of being pumped full of air. “Bloating frequently refers to an accumulation of gas in the abdomen, resulting in a full or tight sensation.”
However, bloating is not a permanent cause of weight gain; rather, it is a transitory condition in the body that may be alleviated by measures such as dietary adjustments.
Difference between bloating and weight gain
Weight gain and bloating are produced by various factors and are hence mainly unrelated.
The rate at which bloating and weight gain appear is one of the most significant distinctions. If you’ve gained weight, it’ll be a more progressive process over time (due to a calorie excess, decreased physical activity, an underlying hormonal imbalance, an increase in stressful inputs, or anything else), whereas bloating might strike you like a ton of bricks.
The simplest way to tell the difference is if you woke up with a flat tummy and concluded the day with it feeling firm and full of air—this is bloating, not weight gain.
Causes Of Abdominal Bloating
Bloating is caused mostly by gas buildup in the gastrointestinal tract, which extends from the mouth to the anus and includes the digestive system. A bloated stomach feels full, tight, unpleasant, or (rarely) painful.
In a survey of 88,795 patients, 13.9% experienced bloating in the previous week. 58.5% of those who noticed bloating never sought medical attention, and 29% reported self-managing their bloating or being uncomfortable communicating symptoms with their healthcare providers.
It is a transient syndrome produced by some meals, particularly those that are difficult for the stomach to digest, and can lead to weariness at times. The most prevalent explanations are as follows:
- Aerophagia (breathing in air) caused by fasting, smoking, consuming carbonated beverages, and chewing gum
- Consumption of high-fiber foods such as lentils, beans, and vegetables such as cabbage and Brussels sprouts
- Overgrowth of bacteria, constipation, and sugar and lactose intolerance
- Scleroderma is an example of an autoimmune disease.
- bowel or bladder obstruction
- IBS is an abbreviation for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
- Infection or inflammation (for example, diverticulitis)
Signs That Water Weight Is Making You Bloat
Water retention might make you feel heavier and bloated than normal. Skin indentation (when pressing the skin for a minute), weight swings, stiff joints, swollen feet, legs, and ankles, puffiness of the face, belly, and hips, and constant boating, especially in the stomach area are all warning indications.Prevent Bloating At Home
To reduce bloating
- To avoid swallowing air, avoid chewing gum and drinking water through a straw.
- Limit your intake of foods like lentils, dry beans, and cabbage vegetables.
- Limit your consumption of carbonated beverages.
- Consume your food slowly and thoroughly.
- Stick to meals high in protein and complex carbohydrates.
Long-Term Solutions For Bloating
Treatment And Medications
If bloating is caused by an underlying ailment, it is preferable to see a doctor. The doctor will identify the reasons of bloating and provide a personalized treatment strategy. Endoscopy, breath testing, and small intestine imaging may be used to determine the specific cause. Depending on the findings, they may recommend over-the-counter drugs, dietary and lifestyle changes, laxatives, antispasmodics, antibiotics, and prokinetic agents.Reduce Salt Intake
Excess sodium promotes water retention, resulting in a puffy and bloated sensation in the abdomen and other parts of the body, such as the hands and feet. Bloating can be relieved by limiting your sodium consumption.Consume Probiotics
Probiotics contain gut-friendly microorganisms that can aid digestion and avoid bloating. Include probiotic items in your diet such as yogurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, pickles, kombucha, kimchi, and buttermilk.Warning Signs
Ascites
Ascites is a disorder that causes fluid collection in the abdomen or pelvis, resulting in bloating and weight gain. Ascites can be a sign of major consequences such as liver disease, renal failure, or malignancy.
It is suggested that you visit your doctor if you observe any of these symptoms or are taking medicine that produces unpleasant side effects such as bloating and weight gain. They may be able to treat the illness more effectively by recommending a different drug or treatment.
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