Swollen belly: know what are the possible causes of the problem

It is essential that we feel good every day. It is clear that a nuisance, such as, for example, a headache or a pain in the body, day or another, can occur, for several reasons; but any symptom that persists for a long time, or recurs frequently, should be investigated.

The fact that the belly is swollen, for example, should not be ignored either, as this can be one of the symptoms of some disease or health problem.

In the case of women, a swollen belly is often associated with menstruation. This is because, according to Eduardo Grecco, gastroenterologist at Hospital Leforte, during the menstrual period there is even greater fluid retention, leading to this symptom.

But, as the swelling tends to disappear naturally with the end of menstruation, the symptom is not usually a concern. However, if the discomfort is great in these situations, a tip is to drink a diuretic tea, such as green tea.

On the other hand, there are cases in which the swollen belly comes from a bad diet or even an intolerance to certain types of food. Therefore, if you have suffered from this problem, it is worth knowing, below, some factors that may be causing this symptom. But it is worth noting that only a doctor will be able to diagnose what your case is and indicate the best type of treatment.

intestinal gases

Many people, as soon as they notice that their belly is a little (or a lot) swollen, associate the symptom with intestinal gas. This is because this can be considered a “common” problem.

“Usually, they are associated with an irregular and unbalanced diet”, explains gastroenterologist Eduardo Grecco.

Also according to the doctor, so that intestinal gas does not occur, certain foods should be avoided. Are they:

• Milk and sour cream. And the situation is even worse in lactose intolerant people.
• Some vegetables, such as watercress, Swiss chard, garlic, onions, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, sweet potatoes, ginger, corn, cucumbers, turnips, radishes, bell peppers and black pepper.
• Legumes such as peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans.
• Some fruits, such as dwarf banana, cashew, persimmon, avocado, guava, apple, jackfruit, jabuticaba, melon.
• Very fatty cheeses.
• Sweets such as guava, marmalade, chocolates. “Sugar is fermentative and leaves residues”, highlights Eduardo Grecco.
• Fizzy drinks, coffee and very sweet drinks.
• Some carbohydrates, such as breads with crumbs, panettone, homemade bread (where there is a lot of yeast), croissant, stuffed cookies, flour.
• Fatty meats such as chuck, lamb, ribs, muscle, pork and veal.
• Cold cuts and sausages.

Gastroenterologist Grecco adds that a diet that contains a lot of fat, in addition to the greater formation of gases, can end up generating a picture of obesity and the famous “love handles”.

Lactose intolerance

Another point to be considered is that milk and dairy products cause, in some people, inflammatory processes in the body, due to lactose and milk proteins (casein and beta-lactactoglobulin). This causes bloating, gastric discomfort and excess gas. When milk is eliminated from the menu, these symptoms disappear.

However, milk and its derivatives should only be eliminated from the menu if this is a medical recommendation. And, in the case of people who are really lactose intolerant, the diet should be prepared by a professional.

gluten intolerance

Gluten is a protein that can cause inflammation in some people, resulting in joint pain, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, feeling unwell and bloating. In general, these symptoms are felt by people who have gluten intolerance or celiacs.

Removing the substance from the menu of these people eliminates the symptoms, however, as in the case of lactose, it is worth remembering that the elimination of gluten from the diet should only happen with the help of a nutritionist or after medical recommendation.

Can a swollen belly be a sign of pregnancy?

If your belly starts to get more swollen from the belly button down and your period has been delayed for a few days, the two factors associated can be a sign of pregnancy. Thus, the best way is to take a test and / or consult your trusted doctor as soon as possible to receive all the necessary guidance.

When to seek medical help?

It is worth mentioning that all these cases mentioned above are just possibilities, because, taking into account a single symptom – in this case, the swollen belly – it is impossible to diagnose a health problem or a disease.

Gastroenterologist Grecco highlights that, in some cases, belly swelling can even be a sign of a more serious health problem. “Therefore, whenever a person feels that something is out of the ordinary, they should seek medical assistance so that they can be evaluated with greater criteria”, he concludes.

Now you know that, even if the belly bloating causes, apparently, only a little discomfort, the case should be evaluated, especially if other symptoms are associated with it.

If you notice that your belly is often swollen, do not hesitate to see a gastroenterologist or gastrosurgeon. After all, with health you don’t play!

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.