The most common cause of stomach pain and bloating is excess intestinal gas. If you get a bloated stomach after eating, it may be a digestive issue. It might be as simple as eating too much too fast, or you could have a food intolerance or other condition that causes gas and digestive contents to build up.
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.
You could have a condition called Diastasis Recti Abdominus, or DRA. DRA is caused by an increase in abdominal pressure and occurs when the rectus abdominus, the abdominal muscle that runs down the center of your stomach, separates.
Although a bloated stomach is a common symptom that is not harmless, it can actually be a sign of something serious. A bloated stomach that lasts longer than 2 weeks after taking medications, weight loss, pale skin, loss of appetite and yellowing of the skin can be warning signs of cancer.
If your bloating is accompanied by abdominal pain, cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, then it might be a serious problem.
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.
For milder gas, there are some things you can do to relieve your symptoms at home. Relieving yourself as soon as you need to pass gas or have a bowel movement, walking, applying heat, and taking deep breaths can all help relieve gas pain. You may also find OTC remedies and supplements helpful.
When you are bloated, you feel as if you've eaten a big meal and there is no room in your stomach. Your stomach feels full and tight. It can be uncomfortable or painful. Your stomach may actually look bigger.
There are many reasons why people gain belly fat, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Improving nutrition, increasing activity, and making other lifestyle changes can help people lose belly fat. Belly fat refers to fat around the abdomen.
You should consider seeing a doctor if you are: Experiencing other chronic symptoms: If you're experiencing bloating by itself, it probably isn't a big deal. However, if it is persistent and comes along with other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and bloody stools, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Large amounts of diarrhea, especially if it's bloody or looks like black tar. Nonstop vomiting. Extreme bloating, especially if you can't pass gas or stool. Inability to urinate or significant pain or blood with urination.
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.
Bananas. Also a good source of fiber, bananas contain potassium, which can help regulate sodium levels and prevent water retention. A small 2011 study also indicated that bananas may be associated with less bloating. It found that females who ate a banana twice a day had less bloating than those who did not.
The Mayo Clinic lists milk and milk products as one of several gas-producing foods that can lead to bloating, noting that avoiding or reducing your intake of it may help decrease that puffed up feeling.
"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."
Coffee is a diuretic and a stimulant that increases the production of stomach acid, which can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and heartburn. However, some people may be able to tolerate coffee without experiencing any negative effects.
Belly fat caused by stress is more common than you think. In fact, it's so common that medical experts dub it “stress belly.” Although not a medical diagnosis, stress belly is a term used to describe how stress and hormones caused by stress affect your belly. Stress affects weight for a number of reasons.