How to relieve the feeling of a bloated and hard belly
The feeling of a bloated belly usually appears due to the accumulation of intestinal gas, which makes the person feel bloated and slightly uncomfortable. However, this sensation is also quite common during a woman’s menstrual period, especially due to fluid retention.
Therefore, it is important to identify the possible cause of 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 the functioning of the intestine, while in the case of fluid retention, it is important to have a diet that helps eliminate excess fluids.
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 swollen belly and what to do in the following video:
How to improve bowel function
To improve bowel function and eliminate bloating, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of foods that can increase the formation of intestinal gases, 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 gases .
Some dietary tips to reduce belly bloating 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 industrial juices with water and coconut, as in addition to having fewer calories, they facilitate digestion;
- Swap red meat, processed meats and canned goods for grilled white meat without sauce and natural products.
In addition, exercising and eating a diet rich in water and 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 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 menstruation, it is important to reduce the amount of salt in your diet, as well as increase your intake of diuretic foods, such as watermelon or cucumber, for example.
Another good option is to drink 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 .
