Have there been times when you feel full and stuffed like a balloon without eating much? Does your body feel swollen up along with pain in your abdomen?
If yes, there is a high chance that your body is bloated. This often happens when you have a big meal and there is no room for any more food in your stomach. Thus, your stomach ends up feeling tight and full and looks bigger. You can feel discomfort when this happens.
However, eating excessively is not the only reason. Let’s check the other reasons!
Irritable bowel syndrome (Gas)
IBS causes a problem with bacteria in the gut. Bacteria can create certain toxins that may cause excessive gas that results in bloating.
Acid reflux
Frequent swallowing is common with a sore throat or when stomach acid begins to back up into the esophagus. This may lead to swallowing more air, a feeling of being bloated, and frequent belching.
Constipation
The longer your stool sits in your colon, the more time bacteria have to ferment causing bloating.
Hemorrhoids
A feeling of needing a bowel movement that does not go away after having one which in turn causes a feeling of bloat.
Menstruation
Changes in progesterone and estrogen levels during menstruation as well as the pre-menses period cause the body to retain more water and salt. The body’s cells become swollen with water, causing the feeling of bloating.
High sodium-intake
Salt causes your body to retain water, predominantly around your abdomen. Water retention is even harder to alleviate than gas, so it is important to avoid high-salt food.
Soda
Carbonation is mostly water, and it’s calorie-free, however, it can really bloat your belly.
Water retention
When water builds up in the body, it can cause bloating and puffiness, especially in the abdomen, legs, and arms.
Bloating tends to involve large amounts of solids, liquids, or gaseous substances in your digestive system. It is most often caused by diet intake and the ingredients.
If food plays a critical role then what are the possible foods that could curb this irritable feeling and provide instant relief?
Here are the things you should consume to get rid of that puffed feeling:
“Make fruits and vegetables your best friends”.
Cucumbers
Cucumber primarily helps you flush out unwanted toxins preventing constipation, gas, and bloating.
Ginger
Known to be helpful in relieving inflammation, it can also be used to alleviate gas, bloating, and stomach pains.
Mint
Mint has antispasmodic properties, which calms the digestive tract and can reduce the pain of bloating.
Turmeric
Loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce the swollen feeling. Adding milk to it will do wonders as it helps in digestion, gives healthy skin, and treats acne.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, the antioxidant that has been shown to have a wide variety of anti-inflammatory and de-bloating effects.
Papaya
Containing enzyme papain, this fruit is known to help in digesting food and breaking down the protein that helps in bringing down the puffed-up feeling.
Pineapple
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down protein further aiding digestion and decreasing bloating. Plus, it reduces chronic inflammation as well.
Banana
High in potassium and soluble fiber, bananas help in flushing out the extra sodium and bring down the inflammation. The soluble fibers help in relieving constipation, too which is mostly an underlying cause.
Curds
Not all dairy products cause gas. Curds carry good bacteria which helps your intestines process food better and in turn beats the swollen up feeling. Probiotic curds can help keep a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.
Chamomile or green tea
Both the teas are anti-inflammatory that produce a calming effect inside-out. This helps in clearing your digestive tract and keeping your gut healthy.
Add these foods to your diet and prevent yourself from feeling like a balloon or swell up. Cut out on fatty junk food and eat healthily.
