Why do I have a swollen belly like that of a pregnant woman?
Digestive disorders are a taboo, yet nearly half of the French population (45%) is affected by this type of discomfort(1). Among the most common disorders, abdominal pain with gas (23%) and bloating (10%). These result in a particularly uncomfortable phenomenon: having a swollen belly like that of a pregnant woman. But how can it be explained? What are the causes and above all, are there solutions to stop suffering from it?
What causes abdominal swelling?
Several types of reasons can explain that we display an indulgent, uncomfortable belly, asswollenas that of a pregnant woman.
1- Food
Aerocolie (presence ofgasin the belly) and abdominal meteorism (bloatingand flatulence) can be foodborne:
- Some fibercan irritate the lining of the intestines. This is the case of insoluble fibers (starch, cellulose) which, unlike solublefibersthat dissolve in water to form a mild gel (mucilages, pectin), do not disintegrate in the liquid and can have an unfortunate tendency to ferment in the colon, generating swelling of the belly accompanied by discomfort;
- excessive consumption of protein, for example as part of a high-protein diet (ketogenic , low carb, Dukan) can cause digestive problems. Indeed, protein digestion is slow and promotes dehydration, resulting in the possibility of constipation, a swollen and hard belly and aerophagia;
- Dietfoodsanddrinkscan also cause abdominal discomfort. In question, the sweeteners they contain (aspartame, sorbitol), known to cause gas and swelling;
- A diet too rich in salt, fat or sugarcan also be synonymous with a swollen belly. What for? Lipids induce slow and demanding digestion for the organs; saltcontributes to water retention, including abdominal water; fructoseis digested in the small intestine and potentially fermentable;
- foods rich in sulfur amino acids (red meat, eggs, potatoes, legumes, cruciferous) naturally increase the production of intestinal gas;
- The abuse of puffed foods and carbonated drinkscan also lead to swelling of the belly, since the latter induce increased air absorption.
2- A food intolerance
- bloating, flatulence and belly swelling;
- intestinal cramps and transit disorders ;
- other symptoms ranging from a simple headache to more serious damage (allergic reaction, ataxia).
3- Other reasons
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can explain a change in the appearance of the belly. Hormonal fluctuations can indeed lead to more stress, uterine cramps, intestinal laziness,(PMS) may explain a change in the appearance of the belly. and a change in diet leading to abdominal swelling;
- Stresscan also be involved, since it disrupts digestion, not to mention that the belly is, like the brain, endowed with nerve cells;
- behaviors causing increased absorption of air(tuxedo,chewing gum , eating quickly and without chewing, talking while eating) can lead to bloating and flatulence at the end of the day;
- individuals, abdominal meteorism;
- finally, certain diseases can be the cause of abdominal swelling – intestinal pathologies (Crohn’s disease, IBS, SIBO), but also conditions generating dysbiosis (degradation of the intestinal microbiota).
What can be done to avoid this phenomenon?
1- Detection of a food cause
The process can take time, especially if the phenomenon is food-borne. Indeed, if you regularly have a swollen belly like that of a pregnant woman, it is necessary to carry out avery careful examination of your diettag. To do this, keeping aFood diary is a good option:
- every day, write down what you eat and the physical reaction to this or that food;
- then comes the elimination phase: if you suspect that a food is the cause of your gas and bloating, remove it from your food bowl for a while and see a possible improvement;
- repeat the operation with other foods, until you find those responsible for your discomfort.
This tedious but ultimately effective procedure could allow you to detect your food sensitivities and intolerances and adapt your diet accordinglytag. It is commonly used prior to the establishment of agluten-free diet , a definitive avoidance of lactose or a FODMAP diet .
If you need support in your approach, a consultation with a nutritionistseems very appropriate. A doctor specializing in nutrition, he is even able to diagnose a possible food sensitivity and therefore help you put in place an adequate diet.
Finally, and if the phenomenon of a swollen belly only appears occasionally, you can always consider additional Treatments , based on antispasmodics, digestive dressings, activated charcoal, Herbal Teas“Anti-bloating (Fennel, Anise, Lemon Balm, Milk Thistle…), orHomeopathytag. Be aware, however, thatThese remedies are not a substitute for medical advice .
2- A proven behavioral origin
If your belly is swollen because of a particular behavior , you simply have to act accordingly:
- consider Tuxedo cessation ;
- be sure to consume less chewing gum ;
- eat calmly , without speaking and slowly, trying to chew each bite well;
- avoid wearing clothes that are too tight at the waist, so as not to compress your digestive organs and facilitate the digestive process;
- if your discomfort is intimately associated with stress, give yourself Soothing Moments to reduce tension, even if it means practicing abdominal breathing;
- is also a good way to relieve stress and also helps stimulate abdominal muscles and transit, for greater intestinal comfort.
3- A medical reason
Finally, if you suspect a medical or drug cause for your swollen belly, you may need to consult.
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.