One easy way to tell the difference between bloat and belly fat is to note belly fat does not cause your stomach to expand wildly throughout the course of a day; bloat does. One other way to tell the difference between bloat and belly fat is you can physically grasp belly fat with your hand, you cannot with bloat.
Bloating happens when the GI tract becomes filled with air or gas. This can be caused by something as simple as the food you eat. Some foods produce more gas than others. It can also be caused by lactose intolerance (problems with dairy).
Bloating will usually go away by itself. Adjusting your diet can help. Try to take note of any foods that make your bloating worse and try to avoid them. You may need to try an elimination diet to find out which food or foods are causing your problems.
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.
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.
"When we are hungry or when our bodies anticipate food, our bodies produce stomach acid, which is necessary to absorb the nutrients," Lal explained. "When there is stomach acid but no food, that stomach acid can produce gas which can, in turn, lead to bloating."
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. Even a moderate cutback on carbs (grains, pasta, sugars) can help, too.
The most common causes for bloating include high-fiber foods like beans, dairy products, overeating, consuming too much salt, swallowing air, and chewing gum.
Drink Plenty of Water
Whether you had a little too much alcohol or had a giant cheeseburger, drinking plenty of water can help you debloat overnight—or even faster, says Burgess. "Although it may sound counterproductive to drink more, water can actually help flush our system and reduce the puffiness."
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.
Upper abdominal bloating may be related to slow movement of the intestine called gastroparesis, swallowing air while eating, an infection, or overeating. Lower abdominal bloating can be from constipation, IBS, gas caused by food intolerance, or fluid retention.
While trapped gas may cause discomfort, it usually passes on its own after a few hours. Some people may be able to relieve pain due to trapped gas using natural remedies, certain body positions, or OTC medications. Avoiding known trigger foods or drinks can help prevent trapped gas from occurring.
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.
eating raw, low-sugar fruits, such as apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, grapefruits, peaches, strawberries, and watermelons. choosing low-carbohydrate vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, okra, tomatoes, and bok choy. eating rice instead of wheat or potatoes, as rice produces less gas.