Bloating may occasionally add a pound or two, but it doesn't actually signify weight gain. A simple way to tell the difference between bloating and weight gain or fat is how your stomach looks and feels. If your stomach is tight and hard, then bloating is the cause. If your stomach is soft and thick, then that's fat.
Bloating Is Localized While Belly Fat Is Widespread
One easy way to tell the difference between bloating and belly fat is that, with bloating, only the stomach expands due to the excess gas accumulation. You will likely notice other bulges with excess fat, particularly on the abdomen, thighs, hips, and back.
Some people have a bloated stomach for a long period of time due to gastrointestinal tract disease, including gastritis, gastric ulcer, gastrointestinal or colorectal cancer, parasitic infection, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal dysfunction, and other system disorders such as thyroid and diabetes, which can ...
One is that belly fat doesn't greatly increase as a result of one meal or even a day's worth of meals. Bloating, on the other hand, can happen rapidly and resolve just as quickly. Another way to tell the difference is that if you can physically grab the bulge you see, it's belly fat. You can't grasp your bloated belly.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce bloating is by drinking water. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to flush out excess sodium and toxins in the body, which can contribute to bloating.
Dehydration leads to constipation, which leads to bloating. And while it may seem counterintuitive to drink more water, when your body gets the hydration it finally needs, it lets go of the liquid it doesn't. Be sure to drink at least eight, eight-ounce glasses a day.
Lemon water can help with digestion
To relieve bloating, gas, and constipation, drink a cup of lemon water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Lemon contains minerals that promote healthy digestion, alleviate heartburn, and stimulate healthy bowel function by reducing bloat and stimulating bowel movements.
Eat A High-Potassium Snack Before Bed
Too much fluid in our systems can make us feel bloated, Mancella says, and this is especially common around your period thanks to the change in estrogen-to-progesterone ratio. Luckily, foods rich in potassium, like bananas, nuts, and asparagus, can help regulate fluid retention.
Firstly, when you chew gum, you tend to swallow more air, which can cause bloating and discomfort in the abdomen. This is especially true if you are a fast and aggressive gum chewer. Secondly, chewing gum can stimulate the production of stomach acid, which can also contribute to feelings of bloating and indigestion.
Causes might include: Gas from functional indigestion, food intolerances or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Constipation causing a build-up of feces and back-up of digestive contents. Urinary retention causing a build-up of urine.
In most cases, feeling bloated after pooping can be caused by what we have eaten; for example, dairy or high-fibre foods may cause you to feel puffy afterwards. Another possible culprit is gas that hasn't been released during your bathroom session.
If you're feeling bloated from excess sodium, “the best tip for quick-ish relief is to drink more water and eat mild foods with potassium, like banana, avocado, and sweet potato,” says Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD. “Both water and potassium help flush excess sodium and fluid out of the body.”
Bloating typically goes away within 24 hours, but if you're looking for immediate relief, Michael D. Brown, MD, a gastroenterologist at Rush University Medical Group, recommends trying simethicone, an over-the-counter medication that is available under brands like Gas-X and Equate.
Unhealthy eating is the biggest driver of big bellies. Too many starchy carbohydrates and bad fats are a recipe for that midsection to expand. Instead, get plenty of veggies, choose lean proteins, and stay away from fats from red meats. Choose healthier fats in things like fish, nuts, and avocados.
Abdominal swelling, or distention, is more often caused by overeating than by a serious illness. This problem also can be caused by: Air swallowing (a nervous habit) Buildup of fluid in the abdomen (this can be a sign of a serious medical problem)
Causes include poor diet, lack of exercise, and short or low-quality sleep. A healthy diet and active lifestyle can help people lose excess belly fat and lower the risk of problems associated with it.
There is no scientific evidence to say ACV helps with bloating. Due to its acidic nature, ACV may help people with poor digestion or low stomach acid levels, but advocates may overstate these claims. With that said, some people may find relief by trying ACV for bloating, especially if they have low stomach acid levels.
So, can coffee really cause bloating? The short answer is yes, it can. Coffee is a natural laxative that stimulates the muscles in your digestive system, which can lead to an increase in bowel movements. This can cause the production of gas, leading to bloating and discomfort.