We all go through several changes as a result of social or physical distance, including what we eat, how much exercise we get, and how we go about our daily activities. With so much change occurring at once, it’s understandable that we occasionally experience symptoms that are out of the ordinary, like bloating.
Bloating is the sensation that your stomach is too bloated. Bloating can also be described as having a balloon-like sensation in the stomach. Bloating frequently disappears on its own. However, if it persists, these are some typical causes:
1. Constipation could be the cause.
You might not be moving around as much as you normally would since you are spending a lot of time at home. You can also be consuming other meals. This might cause constipation. If you see any of the following:
You’ve had fewer bowel motions than usual.
A stool with lumps or stones in it
Having trouble passing stool or feeling as though you need to go again after finishing
Fortunately, you can modify a few things about the house to aid with constipation. These consist of:
Alternate your diet.
Increase your fiber intake if you can. This includes things like whole grains, legumes, skin-on fruits and vegetables, nuts, and beans. Be sure to consume lots of water or other clear liquids, such as broth, as you increase your fiber intake. By doing this, you can soften the food you eat and make it simpler for you to pass stools.
Try fiber supplements or stool softeners.
Grab some over-the-counter stool softeners or fiber supplements the next time you head to the store. Drink a lot of water to assist you to cleanse your system and make sure to adhere to the label’s advice.
2. Perhaps hormones are to blame.
Before and during their period, women may suffer bloating, stomach discomfort, and cramps. This is typical and typically brought on by hormonal adjustments that control the menstrual cycle. Try the following preventative measures if you get bloating before your period:
Eat meals low in salt.
A daily salt consumption of no more than 2,300 grams is advised by the American Heart Association. It is roughly equivalent to 1 teaspoon of salt. Attempt to flavor your meals with natural acidities like lemon and lime or herbs like oregano and thyme.
Consume water.
Fill a bottle with water, then drink from it all day. Drinking water aids in flushing your body with extra salt and water that might cause bloating during your period. Drink 48 to 64 ounces of water each day as a goal.
Steer clear of Alcohol .
Alcohol use alters your sleep pattern, which in turn causes edema and inflammation. In addition to causing diarrhea, excessive alcohol consumption can also induce bloating and stomach discomfort. Replace alcohol with decaffeinated tea or water in the days before your period to avoid dehydration.
3. Extra gas can accumulate.
Although gas is a typical byproduct of digestion, if it accumulates in the intestines, it can hurt and make you feel bloated. When food that has not been properly digested breaks down in your colon, gas results. Methane and hydrogen are created during this process, which you naturally breathe in gas form.
If you do experience bloating due to gas, modifying your food intake may help. Here are some common drinks and foods that can cause bloating:
Foods high in fiber or fat
Fried and spicy dishes
Carbonated drinks, such as soda or beer
Lactose found in milk, cheese, and yogurts
Over-the-counter supplements can even trigger bloating.
4. consumption of excess calories
Let’s be honest. Sometimes baking is the most entertaining thing you can do when your schedule is off. However, taking too many calories, particularly those contained in bread, cakes, and cookies, can result in weight gain and bloating of the abdomen.
If cooking is your thing when you’re taking cover, save the high-calorie dishes for rare occasions or limit yourself to just one meal each week.
5. An illness that is more severe, like irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a prevalent disorder that causes bloating, diarrhea, or constipation along with stomach pain. Although the exact etiology of IBS is unknown, some triggers, such as:
Bacterial illnesses
Food intolerance
Tense situations
Contact your doctor for a diagnosis if you believe you may have IBS. Frequently, medications and lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms. You could also experiment with some at-home remedies to reduce your bloating.
