Is a belly swollen with gas synonymous with weight gain?
About half of French people say they are concerned about digestive problems(1). Among the disorders most often felt, abdominal pain accompanied by gas (23%) and bloating (10%) are mentioned. But how to explain this phenomenon of belly swollen with gas? Does it have an influence on weight gain? And above all, how to solve it?
Where does intestinal gas come from?
Why, sometimes, do we have aswollen belly? There are several elements of an answer to this question.
The food in question
Often, the presence of gas in the belly (aerocolia) is due to diet. Bloatingcan be caused by:
- Difficult digestion of certain fibers. There are two types offiber: soluble and insoluble. The former (pectin, gums, mucilages) dissolve in water and form a gentle viscous gel for the intestinal wall. They usually do not cause gas or discomfort. On the other hand, the latter (starches, celluloses) do not dissolve in the liquid and may tend to ferment in the colon, generating unwanted gases.
- Food sensitivity or intolerance. Lactose, the main sugar in milk, andgluten, a sticky substance found in some cereals, are particularly incriminated. Not everyone reacts to it – it all depends on their digestive system. But in case of lactase deficiency (the enzyme used to digest lactose) or sensitivity to prolamins (allergenic gluten proteins), gas and transit disorders are systematic.
- A diet too rich in salt, fat and / or sugar. Lipids, complex molecules, involve slow and demanding digestion, so they can cause intestinal discomfort. Salt, on the other hand, promotes water retention, which can result in swelling of the belly. Finally, sweet foods, especially those that contain a lot of fructose, are very irritating to theintestines. “Light” products rich in sweeteners are no more recommendable: aspartame and sorbitol are also known to cause gas.
- An abuse of proteins. High protein diets (Atkins, ketogenic diet, Dukan) are on the rise. However, they can cause chain reactions in the body: greater dehydration, slow digestion, constipation and, logically, gas and aerophagia.
- Air-laden food. The consumption of puffed foods and sparkling drinks leads to increased air absorption, so that the stomach and intestine tend to swell.
Other causes
Other factors can contribute to the appearance of intestinal gas.
- Any behavior that causes abnormalair aspirationeventually has repercussions on the belly. Thus, chewing gumthroughout the day, smoking, talking while eating or eating and drinking too quickly can lead to bloating and abdominal meteorism.
- Somemedications, such as laxatives, can also cause gas.
- Somediseasescan of course be incriminated. This is the case for all diseases affecting the intestines (celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, SIBO), but also infections and parasites generating dysbiosis (imbalance of the intestinal flora).
- Stress, by disrupting the digestive process, can also play its role.
Can stomach gas lead to weight gain?
Strictly speaking, not really. The weight of these gases is far too insignificant to have an impact on the total mass of an individual. On the other hand, they induce a feeling of discomfort such that one may have the impression of having gained weight. The stomach is hard,Swollen and painful, so that you feel tight in your clothes and you have the (false) impression of having grown.
However, if the bloating is regular, it may be indicative of overeating or a Nutritional Imbalance which could lead to weight gain.
Finally, a word about the Gut Microbiotatag. It is still, at present, poorly understood by scientists. On the other hand, we know that it plays a role in thesynthesis of energy(therefore in the release of calories) since the fermentation of some of the nutrients takes place at the intestinal level. In addition, intestinal bacteria also have a role to play inhormones and inflammation , which are directly involved in weight (2)tag. Also it is quite possible that the quality of the microbiome can have repercussions on the weight. It is therefore strongly advised to take care of it, both by consuming prebiotic foods (which promote bacteriological development), such as fruits and vegetables, andProbiotics (contribution of good bacteria), such as fermented foods.
How to get rid of intestinal gas?
To soothe your belly and deflate, however, there are solutions.
The first is very simple and follows directly from the previous explanations: it is a question of taking stock of your dietand seeing if it is too rich, unbalanced or sensitizing. Self-diagnosis can be a bit tedious, as it involves avoiding certain classes of food, one by one, and seeing if the avoidance has an impact in terms of digestion and well-being. Yet the method is proven, and many people discover their own sensitivity to certain foods.
The second involves taking medication pure and simple , such as a digestivegoldantispasmodicDressing. The former act as an “absorbent” and therefore limit the gases, water and toxins present in the intestines. The second can treat digestive spasms and calm the involuntary contractions of the ventral muscles. Finally, if the bloating is accompanied byHeartburn , it is possible to take an antacid in addition .
You can also bet on more natural solutions, if you are resistant to taking drug treatments. Among the most common solutions:
- activated vegetable charcoal , commonly proposed to solve digestion and transit disorders – unfortunately its effectiveness is not systematic;
- based on eupeptic and carminative plants, such as fennel, green anise, peppermint, rosemary, caraway, lemon balm or chamomile;
- Homeopathy4 CH (in case of malodorous gas and swollen belly), China rubra 8 DH (if the emission of gas does not relieve the discomfort), Kalium carbonicum 5 CH (in case of bloating associated with constipation ) or Gastrocynesin (homeopathic preparation).
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.