The feeling of a swollen belly usually appears due to the accumulation of intestinal gases, which makes the person feel a bloated belly, in addition to a small discomfort. However, this sensation is also quite common during a woman’s menstrual period, especially because of fluid retention.
Therefore, it is important to identify the possible cause for the appearance of a swollen belly, as the treatment will depend on the cause. In the case of excess intestinal gas, it is generally important to invest in a diet that facilitates bowel function, whereas in the case of fluid retention, it is important to have a diet that helps eliminate excess fluid.
In any case, when the discomfort is very great, it is advisable to consult a general practitioner, as there may be another problem that is causing this swelling and that requires more specific treatment. See more about the possible causes of a bloated belly and what to do in the following video:
How to improve bowel function
To improve bowel function and get rid of a bloated belly, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of foods that can increase the formation of intestinal gas, especially those that ferment in the intestine, such as foods with gluten, lactose, or foods with yeast, for example. . Check out the main foods that cause intestinal gas.
Some eating tips to slim your belly are:
- Replace regular bread with pita bread and special gluten-free toast, as well as cereal or any food containing wheat;
- Swap milk and dairy products for soy-based products, for example;
- Replace soft drinks and processed juices with water and coconut, as they not only have fewer calories, but also facilitate digestion;
- Swap red meat, sausages and canned products for grilled white meat without sauce and fresh products.
Furthermore, exercising and eating a diet richer in water and foods with fiber is also very important to improve bowel function and prevent the formation of intestinal gas, relieving the feeling of a bloated belly. Check out a list of fiber-rich foods to add to your diet.
There are also some remedies that can be used to reduce the amount of intestinal gas, such as Luftal or activated vegetable charcoal capsules, but in this case, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
How to reduce fluid retention
In cases where the feeling of a bloated belly is caused by fluid retention, as happens during the menstrual period, it is important to reduce salt in your diet, as well as increase your intake of diuretic foods, such as watermelon or cucumber, for example.
Another good option also includes drinking teas with diuretic action, such as parsley, dandelion or horsetail tea, which increase the amount of urine and eliminate the accumulation of fluids in the body. See 6 diuretic teas for fluid retention.
