Bloating is one of the main reasons most people don’t want to wear a two piece bathing suit after eating. It’s not exactly an epidemic. However, many people are uninformed on this common annoyance caused by the digestive system and foods they’ve eaten.
New Year’s resolution successes:
While the New Year’s resolutions were a major fail, some are in full effect. Many goals and resolutions pertain to health and fitness. For those people that are successfully sticking to their goals for 2019, they may have already seen and felt the benefits.
Sometimes, individual do not have the best track record for eating healthy. Many Americans eat fast food, junk food, or just eat too much in general. Switching to a healthier lifestyle may create a drastic change on the body’s digestive system.
Adding greens, fiber, and protein is an ideal way to supply the body with the fuel and nutrients it desires. However, it may cause some discomfort or irritable bowel movements. This is not to say it will last forever though.
Making a dramatic change in what foods we are eating can actually upset the digestive system, even if it is better for us! Many people start to see the number on the scale go down or pants start to feel loser. Others start to see the number on the scale go up and look more defined and toned. Whatever the fitness goals are, the body takes time to adjust.
Why the stomach can still poke out after weight loss:
For those that are seeing the fat go away and those muscles shine through, they may see things they do not want that was not there before. We are speaking of that lower and upper belly poof or pouch. That wretched thing thin and overweight individuals alike experience– bloating.
Some people hit their fitness goals and look in the mirror confused. They may not see what they expect after seeing their weight drop. Bloating is just a bummer all around, but do not let it discourage you and your health journey. Speak to a gastroenterologist about this sounds at all familiar.
You may not be going to the bathroom as much as you did before. Eating too much fiber or too little can cause irregular bowel movements. This may not be news to you, but more often than not, this is something people overkill. Too little bowel movements causes the hard stomach and bloated stomach appearance.
Bloating often causes pain or at least a bit of discomfort. When the belly is swollen, or distended, it not only feels bad but can make a women look a four months pregnant. After working out religiously and following a healthy meal plan, this is the last thing anyone wants.
Here are a few ways to avoid or reduce bloating to make you look your best and exhibit your hard work as well as feel positive and motivated to continue the hard work. Bloating is caused by excess gas or disturbances in the movement of muscles in the digestive system.
Many get confused with water retention and bloating. These are not the same challenges. According to Healthline, about sixteen to 30 percent of people report that they regularly experience bloating. Keep in mind, these are suggestions and their may be food intolerance or allergies patients need to be tested for, so seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
Eat a little at a time:
No we are not speaking to a toddler. No we are not speaking of etiquette. Eating less at each meal can greatly reduce bloating.
Feeling that stuffed feeling after eating too much can make you feel huge. For a large group of people that experience bloating, they don’t actually have increased pressure or an enlarged stomach. For some, it is simply sensory.
Take a longer time chewing food. This is easier on the digestive system and decreases the amount of air swallowed. This can help reduce bloating. Plus, this helps with eating smaller portions.
Intolerances may be causing bloating:
As mentioned before, food intolerances or food allergies can cause mild to severe bloating. Along with bloating, cramping can really throw a punch. Consider common bloat triggers such as lactose, fructose, eggs, wheat, and gluten.
Discuss limiting the amount of these ingredients with your gastroenterologist. Follow up with our next blog for more ways to avoid bloating and ways to feel your best!
Staff Writer