If you suffer from chronic stomach bloating, you are not alone. In fact, bloating has become so common that it is considered an epidemic. The westernized diet, which is often very poor, contributes to this epidemic. Also, high levels of stress, prescription drugs, and exposure to pollution and toxins can add to the feeling of a bloated belly.
Here are 10 possible causes of a swollen belly
The problem is, belly bloating isn't just about feeling full or experiencing gas. It can be much more serious than that. Inflammation, for example, is one of the symptoms of candida. Find out more about what could be causing you a bloated belly.
1. Digestive disorders
Various digestive disorders could be causing you a bloated stomach. Those who suffer from IBS, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease often deal with bloating, gas, bloating, and other distressing symptoms.
In fact, some reports show that 23 to 96 percent of people who have SCI experience swelling. Fifty percent of those with functional dyspepsia also experience bloating, and 56 of those with chronic constipation also experience bloating.
2. Fluid retention (called Edema or Ascites)
Body fluids can sometimes accumulate around the body. Common places for this to occur are near the abdomen or pelvic area, and it causes excessive swelling, as well as temporary weight gain. If you have fluid retention, you may notice that your jewelry doesn't fit the way it used to.
However, this fluid retention could be a sign of a serious underlying condition. For example, an abdominal infection, liver disease, and although rare, even cancer can cause fluid retention. Be sure to check for other symptoms of liver failure or hepatitis, such as yellowing of the skin, changes in the whites of the eyes, or pain in the abdomen. Stomach cancer often shows no early symptoms. However, in addition to a swollen belly, you may also see unexplained weight loss, indigestion, nausea, blood in vomit, and abdominal pain.
3. Dehydration
You most likely noticed a bloated stomach the day after eating a lot of salty foods or drinking alcohol. You were probably dehydrated too. When you don't get enough water, your body clings to the water it has. This leads to bloating.
Also, when you don't drink enough water, you can experience constipation. And when you do finally drink liquids, then they are stored around your midsection, making you feel extra bloated. Make sure you drink enough water every day and cut down on salty foods and alcohol consumption.
4. Constipation
This could be the most likely reason why you have a bloated stomach. If you have to "go" but can't, it could mean stool is building up in your intestines, leaving you with a hard bowel, pain, discomfort, and gas. If you experience constipation, try adding more fiber to your diet. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
5. Food allergies or sensitivities
It could be hidden food allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances that are causing your bloated stomach. Common culprits are dairy products, foods that contain gluten, and a type of carbohydrate called FODMAPs.
An elimination diet can help you identify what is making you bloat. A food intolerance means that your body cannot properly break down food and digest it.
6. SIBO
It could be a bacterial growth that is causing your bloated stomach. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, is caused by large amounts of abnormal bacteria that live in the digestive tract, usually the intestine. In fact, some foods can cause SIBO symptoms, including FODMAPS, which can sometimes ferment abnormally during the digestion process.
7. Infection
Fighting an infection can also make your stomach bloat. Infections trigger inflammation, due to elevated white blood cell count. Be sure to check for a fever, redness, and sore and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms can often accompany a serious infection.
8. Intestinal obstruction
In some cases, a severe case of stomach bloating can be a symptom of a bowel obstruction. Other symptoms of this include constipation, nausea, and vomiting. A bowel obstruction can be caused by a scar or tumor in the small intestine or colon. When these grow and press against the intestine, the intestines become blocked and remain in fluid and in the stool. This is an extremely painful experience. It is crucial that you see your doctor immediately if you suspect that you may have a bowel obstruction, as it can lead to a ruptured bowel.
9. Hormonal changes
PMS can also cause a variety of digestive problems, including bloating. This is common and is nothing to cause too much concern. Some women may experience great water retention for up to two weeks. However, if you have irregular periods, fibroids, or severe cramps, you may have an underlying medical condition.
10. Cancer
Usually this is not what causes swelling in most cases. However, one sign of uterine or colon cancer is inflammation. If you can't seem to get rid of the swelling even after trying the suggested remedies, talk to your doctor about what could be causing this symptom.
When you experience a bloated belly, be sure to look for other symptoms. This can help you and your doctor reduce what may be causing the swelling.
Check for other symptoms like
· Fever
· Rash or hives
· Watery eyes, itchy throat, and other signs of an allergic reaction
· Constipation or diarrhea
· Vomiting or nausea
· Blood in your urine or stool
· Unintentional weight loss
· Trouble going to the bathroom
· Pain around the lymph nodes, including in the groin, throat or armpits
· Fatigue
· Brain fog and trouble concentrating
· Irregular periods
· Hemorrhoids.
If you're only on a health kick to lose weight or look a certain way, it will be hard to lose weight permanently. Weight loss is a fine goal, but finding something else to motivate you can help. It takes time to lose weight, and you need to motivate yourself throughout the journey. One way is to find more reasons to be healthy. Remind yourself of all the benefits of exercise, including increased energy, better moods, and an improved night's sleep, just to name a few.