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The bloated belly is a relatively common symptom that is usually associated with the excessive presence of intestinal gases, especially in people who suffer from constipation.
However, if other symptoms are associated, such as anal bleeding, hemorrhoids or yellow skin, for example, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist to assess the situation and start the best treatment.
Another common situation of bloating in the belly is poor digestion, so if you think this may be the problem, watch the video by nutritionist Tatiana Zanin to learn the causes of poor digestion and how to solve it:
The main causes of bloated tummy include:
1. Excess gases
They are the most common cause and usually occur due to situations such as eating high in fats, fried foods or sweets. The consumption of very spicy foods, with excess spices are also some of the frequent causes of the swollen belly, as they stimulate the formation of intestinal gases, which tend to dilate the lower abdominal region.
What to do: eat slowly, do not swallow air when eating and drink fennel tea are some natural and simple options to calm the production of gases, relieving symptoms quickly. You can also make use of medicines, such as Luftal. See other natural ways to fight intestinal gas.
2. Constipation
Constipation can be related to low fiber consumption, little physical activity and little water intake, which can affect people of all ages, although it is more common in sedentary and bedridden people.
In addition to the swelling of the belly, constipation is also accompanied by difficulty in defecating and feeling of gas trapped in the belly, for example.
What to do: consume foods rich in fiber, as they favor the formation of fecal bolus, reducing constipation and the gases associated with it. Good examples are oats, muesli, wheat bran, whole foods, fruits and vegetables, raw or cooked in water and salt.
In addition, you can still take a glass of natural yogurt with 1/2 papaya papaya daily. This recipe has no contraindications and can be used by people of all ages. See other natural ways to combat constipation.
3. Excess weight
Sometimes, the belly is not only swollen with fat accumulation in this region and in this case it is necessary to make changes in lifestyle and thus lose weight and burn fat in the abdominal region to solve the problem.
What to do: exercise daily and eat less food rich in fat and sugar, in addition to nutritional and medical monitoring for weight reduction. If you need help adjusting your food, watch the following video:
4. Menstruation
It is very common for women to complain of having a swollen belly during the period of PMS and menstruation. This is due to the accumulation of fluids in the abdominal area at this stage, which tends to disappear naturally with the end of menstruation.
What to do: to reduce the swollen belly during menstruation, what you can do is take a diuretic tea, like green tea or eat a few slices of melon, for example.
5. Pregnancy
When the belly starts to get more swollen from the navel down and menstruation is delayed for a few days, this can be a sign of pregnancy. It is normal for the belly to start to become more prominent below the navel in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and, over time, it grows with a more uniform shape until it gets close to the breasts.
If you think you may be pregnant, take the following test:
Know if you are pregnant
Start the test
In the last month have you had sex without using a condom or other contraceptive method such as an IUD, implant or contraceptive?
Have you noticed any pink vaginal discharge lately?
Are you getting sick and want to throw up in the morning?
Are you more sensitive to smells, getting bothered by smells like cigarettes, food or perfume?
Does your belly look more swollen than before, making it harder to keep your jeans tight during the day?
Does your skin look more oily and acne prone?
Are you feeling more tired and more sleepy?
Has your period been delayed for more than 5 days?
Have you had a pharmacy pregnancy test or blood test in the last month, with a positive result?
Did you take the pill the next day until 3 days after the unprotected relationship?
During pregnancy, women tend to accumulate a lot of fluids, making them look swollen, especially in the ankles, hands and nose. In this regard, what can be done is to reduce the consumption of salt and sodium and drink plenty of water. It is not recommended to take any tea without the doctor's knowledge, as many can cause premature birth.
6. Ascites
Ascites is a medical condition where fluid accumulation occurs in the abdominal region, mainly due to liver problems, such as liver cirrhosis, for example. The belly is swollen not only by the accumulation of fluids, but also because organs such as the liver and spleen have their functions altered.
What to do: If ascites is suspected, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to assess the cause of the problem and start the most appropriate treatment. Learn more about ascites and how treatment is done.
7. Intestinal obstruction
Intestinal obstruction is an emergency situation that happens when feces cannot pass through the intestine due to interference in its path, with symptoms such as difficulty in evacuating or eliminating gas, swelling of the belly, nausea or abdominal pain.
What to do: Treatment for intestinal obstruction varies according to the location and severity of symptoms, and should always be done at the hospital, as surgery may be necessary. Understand better when the obstruction happens and how it is treated.