High stomach: how to relieve and prevent this problem

High stomach is a disorder usually caused by abdominal distention, which causes this part of the belly to become larger. In addition to the aesthetic issue, this is also a health issue.

The problem can have different causes, both related to weight gain and genetics, as a thin person can also have a high stomach.

Nutritionist Haline Dalsgaard, creator of the online project “Health on the plate”, and cosmetologist Lia Mezzomo, from the Jacques Janine Rio Sul salon, in Rio de Janeiro, explain that the most important thing is to know how each organism works and, thus, identify what might be happening.

Next, they explain some common situations for those who have this problem, talk about the most and least recommended foods, as well as tips to help avoid or reduce a high stomach.

What are the possible causes?

Poor digestion or the formation of gas, caused by the way we eat, can influence the appearance of an upper stomach. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Excessive consumption of food, which overloads and slows down digestion.
• Intolerance to some type of food, which can cause fermentation and gas production.
• Gastrointestinal problems such as excessive flatulence, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.
• Situations that lead to the accumulation of fat in the abdominal region.
• Genetic issues, regardless of body type or diet.

For each case, the way of dealing with the problem must be different. You should consult a nutritionist or gastroenterologist to help you identify what needs to be done.

How to treat?

Regarding the treatment of an upper stomach, food is the main point, since the way we eat and the foods consumed make a difference by aggravating or mitigating the problem. Physical activities and other treatments can also help. Check out:

proper food

According to nutritionist Haline, the first measure is to reduce the amount of food in meals and increase the number of meals a day. “Instead of simply having breakfast, lunch and dinner, it is more interesting to reduce the amount of food on the plate and ‘break’ the morning and afternoon break with small snacks”, she explains.

eat right

The way you eat can also influence the production of gases, due to swallowing air or poor digestion, which cause flatulence. “Eating too fast or talking while eating can be a great enemy of digestion”, warns the nutritionist.

Avoid unhealthy foods

Haline also lists some foods that should be consumed in moderation, such as: sugars, honey, corn syrup; refined flours (because they do not have fiber); milk and dairy products, when lactose causes fermentation and discomfort; sweeteners such as xylitol, mannitol and sorbitol, widely used in candies and diet gum; vegetables like kale, cabbage, cauliflower and chicory, vegetables like beets and carrots, fruits like watermelon, persimmon and mango, and grains like beans and peas.

Physical exercises

Another important tip is to bet on localized exercises, as they help to strengthen the muscles and this will support the organs in the abdominal cavity.

aesthetic treatments

Cosmetologist Lia Mezzomo says that the most suitable aesthetic treatment for an upper stomach is cryolipolysis. “Procedure in which fat cells are frozen until destroyed,” she explains.

It is important to make it clear that digestion disorders are very individual and what works for one person may not be good for another. The important thing is to know how to identify what type of food may be hindering digestion and what measures work best in each case.

Simple tips and habits to relieve a high stomach

In addition to treatments, some measures can help you relieve the sensations of a high stomach. See the tips given by the experts:

• Before cooking beans and peas, soak the beans in water for about 30 minutes, then discard the water and use another water to cook them. This procedure helps to reduce the production of gases generated by these foods.
• Increase your water intake throughout the day. Water is essential to help the action of fiber in food to improve digestion, in addition to preventing constipation.
• Reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages, as alcohol increases intestinal permeability and contributes to the production of gases.
• Bet on fiber-rich foods, which increase satiety, and on digestive teas, such as green tea, mint, mint, hibiscus, psyllium, lemon balm, boldo and cascara sagrada, which are diuretics and can facilitate calorie burning, in addition to fight swelling.
• Start the day with a green digestive juice. Nutritionist Haline Dalsgaard’s tip is to hit the blender with 1 slice of pineapple, 6 mint leaves, ginger zest, 200ml of coconut water and ice.

Even following all the guidelines correctly, professionals say that, like any other aesthetic problem, the high stomach can disappear and return, depending on the person’s diet and lifestyle.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.