Chewing Too Much Gum Can Leave You Bloated
Just as Violet experienced with that mythical piece of blueberry-flavored bubble gum, chewing gum can leave a person feeling painfully bloated albeit not as severe. There are actually a number of different triggers responsible for creating the sensation. Nutritional therapist Naomi Mead told Cosmopolitan that chewing gum can cause a person to accidentally swallow air while they chew. This trapped air in the gut can leave you feeling like a childs balloon and can also be a major cause of painful bloating.
If youre watching what you eat, chances are youre also likely picking sugar-free gum over regular. Nutritionist Anne Mauney wrote in an article for the journal Food & Nutrition that sugar substitutes found in these gums can also be a very common cause of bloating. The issue comes from substances called sugar alcohols in the gum. While these substances taste sweet on the tongue and make you feel like youre eating actual sugar theyre actually very hard for the body to digest. Once in the intestinal tract, the sugar alcohol will meet bacteria that ferment it and release gas, which leads to bloating, cramps, pain and diarrhea, she explained.
Menstruation Weight Gain: Symptoms And Causes
Weight gain linked to menstrual cycle varies from one woman to another. It can happen before, during, or after the period cycle. Regardless of which stage it occurs, weight gain often starts with bloating due to gas trapped in the digestive system and constipation that often occurs in the first three stages of the cycle.
Many health care practitioners consider weight gain as one of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. However, it is a misnomer that it only occurs during the premenstrual stage because it can occur during the first stages of the cycle up until the actual period starts. Thus, it can occur in the premenstrual, follicular, or luteal stage.
The female sex hormone, estrogen, is partly to blame for the extra pounds. This hormone peaks right before your period and, since high levels of estrogen means water retention, you end up bloated up until your period starts.
Progesterone is another reason why you cant fit in your pants around that time of the month. This hormone spikes around the second half of your cycle, causing your body to transfer fluid from blood vessels to the tissues. This is pretty handy if you end up pregnant, but if not, progesterone levels fall and you go back to normal.
Do You Retain Water On Your Period
Some women think they just feel bad about their weight due to the mood swings associated with PMS, but research shows there is a definite boost in water retention during your period.
A fascinating study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology International Journal tracked fluid retention over the course of 765 menstrual cycles. This study concluded that women are more likely to have fluid retention during their period .
In general, women retain more fluid in the days leading up to their period, with an overall peak in fluid retention on the day their period starts.
Why does this happen? Doctors still arent positive, but it seems to have something to do with the sharp in progesterone and estradiol on the day your period starts.
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Say So Long To Stress
Women with higher perceived levels of stress are more likely to have disruptive PMS symptoms, bloating included. Finding ways to relax and unwind can help tame the tension, and as a result, stave off some puffiness.
Start hitting up yoga more often, carve out time for meditation or journaling, schedule a massage, or get in the habit of sniffing some calming essential oils. If it helps you feel more chill, it works.
What Are Common Period Symptoms
There are 10 super common signs that your period is about to start. Just because we need something to look forward to .
1. Crampsugh, make sure you have your favorite pillow to hug.2. Breaking outno matter your age, your period can make you feel like a teenager again! Hurrah3. Tender breastsfor some women, you might hardly notice this. Others find even putting a bra on can be painful.4. Mood swingsever feel like killing someone and you have no idea why? Or perhaps you get emotional when watching Daniel Tiger with your kids.5. Exhaustionneed a nap three times a day? We totally understand. Your body is working super hard, and you might need to take it easy.6. Upset stomachgassiness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation.7. Headaches8. Lower back painthe contractions in your uterus and your abs can often cause your back to contract, too.9. Trouble sleeping
10. Bloating.
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When Does Bloating Usually Start And When Will It End
So, is it normal to be bloated before your period? Absolutely. This is the most common time for women to feel like their stomach is big and poochy. In fact, its likely the first day of your period will be the worst. So at least theres a positive side to thisyou know whats coming.How long does period bloating last, you may ask? Most women feel bloated off and on during their period. Some women experience it more in the morning, some more at night, and for others its an all-day thing. Luckily, period bloating and gas will go away around the time you stop bleeding.
Keep Up Your Regular Exercises
Even though it`s perhaps the very last thing you want to do, specialists claim that getting the heart rate up is among the best methods of reliving PMS signs, bloating included. People who have a sedentary lifestyle have a tendency of having slower digestive systems. Sweating it out can reduce constipation and aid you feel active.
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Drink Some Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has anti-spasmodic and therapeutic properties that are helpful in relieving various symptoms of PMS . Consider keeping some chamomile tea handy when you know your period is just around the corner.
Apart from these home remedies, you can also try some other remedies that involve OTC medicines.
When Should I Talk To A Doctor About Endo Belly
If you have symptoms of a reproductive health issue, the sooner you make an appointment with one of the pelvic pain experts at Maiden Lane Medical, the better.
Many health conditions can cause symptoms like a swollen abdomen and pelvic pain, and the first step in treatment is diagnosing the underlying condition.
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Bloating During Period And Weight Gain
Gaining weight and bloating before and during your period is mostly contributed by the retention of water and overproduction of gas.
As the body experiences an increase in the levels of progesterone and estrogen hormones, a lot of changes will occur which contribute to gaining weight in preparation for a pregnancy. These changes include
- Thickening of the endometrium.
- Slowing down the digestive system.
- Retaining water in the body and many other processes.
Most of these processes cause abdominal bloating and bloating in its general meaning.
Score A Little More Shut
Sleep is often impacted by the pain of menstruation, bloating, and feeling out of sorts, says Dr. Roy. Its during these crucial hours, though, that the excess fluid in your belly is able to move back into the body and be eliminated, she explains. So aim to get eight hours a nighthere are tips to help you drift off.
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How Much Can Weight Fluctuate Daily
There are several factors that can influence how much your weight shifts in a day. Of course the biggest is simply water weight.
Your weight can drop or rise by five to six pounds depending on how much water weight you are carrying.
Weight is also slightly influenced by digestive issues. Being gassy, eating a big meal, or not having a recent bowel movement can all make you carry around a few extra pounds.
Finally, your weight can fluctuate daily based on actual fat loss. Usually, you can only gain or lose about a quarter to half of a pound in a day.
Treatment Of Menstrual Bloating
There is a tendency by many women to use over-the-counter water pills to treat menstrual bloating. This should be avoided as far as possible. If the distension is due to fluid retention then it should be investigated further to identify any disorders associated with the kidneys and electrolyte levels. While a diuretic may help despite the bloating is not due to fluid retention, it is a dangerous practice as the additional fluid and electrolytes are lost unnecessarily and this can lead to dehydration.
Bloating should not be viewed as a symptom on its own but in conjunction with the changes that are occurring in the body at the time of menstruation. It is usually transient and should not be singled out for treatment on its own. Avoiding gassy foods and carbonated beverages, exercising and eating smaller meals may all help to minimize bloating. Water should not be avoided because it can actually trigger fluid retention by the kidneys. Looser fitting clothing may reduce the discomfort. Treatment of menstrual irregularities or underlying gynecological disorders may significantly ease bloating along with other menstrual symptoms.
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Why Are Women Bloated During Periods
The main reason for bloating during a period is a fluctuation in hormones. When you are approaching the start of your period, your progesterone levels tend to fall, causing the uterus to shed its thickened lining, which results in menstrual bleeding. Such activities in your body lead to increased sensitivity, bloating, and general discomfort.
Moreover, changes in progesterone and estrogen levels cause your body to retain more water and salt, which again leads to bloating. So hormones are not the only ones to blame for your mood swings during PMS, they are also the culprits when it comes to answering the question why you bloat on your period
However, bloating can also be connected to your genes, your diet, as well as your alcohol and caffeine consumption. Check the tips in this article to see which changes you should implement in your daily routine to keep bloating under control.
What Causes Gas Before Your Period
For some women, the fluctuation of hormones estrogen and progesterone can cause abdominal bloating and gas before and during their periods.
Rising levels of estrogen in the days leading up to your period affect estrogen receptors in your stomach and small intestine. These higher estrogen levels can cause:
- flatulence
- constipation
- build-up of air and gases in the intestinal tract
Estrogen and progesterone can also affect fluid retention. When estrogen levels rise and progesterone levels decline, women tend to retain more water than they typically do. This commonly results in bloating.
Some conditions, such as IBS, can be intensified by your period. Talk to your doctor if you think you have IBS.
Four ways that may help you with gas before and during menstruation are birth control, exercise, diet, and over-the-counter remedies.
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How Can I Prevent Stomach Bloating
If your stomach bloating is caused by diet or alcohol, you can help prevent it by making some lifestyle changes. Some good general guidelines include:
If the cause of your bloated stomach is something more specific, such as specific food intolerance, perimenopause or a medical condition, you might need a little help with diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Some options include:
Taking Supplements Or Medications
Take calcium and magnesium supplements.
Your diet should provide at least 1,200 mg of magnesium daily but if it does not provide you should take a supplement. Calcium, magnesium and potassium can help in reducing effects of bloating.
Foods that are high in calcium include:
- Dairy products
Take contraceptives
Oral contraceptives can reduce period symptoms. You should first consult your physician for a prescription that suits your body.
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When Does Period Bloating Occur
Youll likely experience bloating well before the start of your period. Bloating is considered a very common symptom of PMS. Symptoms of PMS can begin a week or two before your period starts. You may bloat every month, once in a while, or not at all. Relief from bloating may occur immediately after you start your period or a few days into it.
You may have other PMS symptoms. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists state that up to 85 percent of women report physical symptoms related to their period. Besides bloating, other common symptoms include:
- cramping
You should talk to your doctor if your bloating:
- does not go away after your period
- is severe enough to affect your daily activities
Severe bloating may be a sign of a medical condition or may need to be treated differently.
Period Bloating: What It Is And How You Can Make It Stop
It can be bad enough having a period every month many of us get a range of PMS or premenstrual syndrome symptoms like menstrual cramps, irritability and mood swings, but period bloating is another level of challenge: do we really have to go through that as well?
If youre feeling bloated, youre not alone. According to Diana Bitner, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist based in Michigan, about 70 percent of women experience bloating as a PMS symptom too. Feeling bloated can make you very uncomfortable and also negatively affect your self-confidence it can make you feel like you’ve gained weight with a swollen stomach. However, the good news is that there are things you can do to help. You may want to try our WUKA High Waist, with a 45% stretch around your waist. Super comfortable, especially on those bloated days.
We have our very own WUKA ambasaador who happened to be a doctor. Each month we ask her a question related to our blog and get an expertise opinion. So we asked Dr Larisa Corda one question that really bugged us. Is menstrual bloating same as pregnancy bloating? Her anwers is right at the bottom of this article…
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Consume The Right Kind Of Foods
High fiber foods provide enough fiber to get rid of constipation and bloating. Foods with high fiber content can also be consumed in order to avoid premenstrual bloating and preventing from even occurring.
This type of foods consists of broccoli, beans, asparagus, almonds, apples or pears.
Also read: Cramps After Period Ends!
Bloating And Gas During Your Period
And lastly, to touch on another slightly uncomfortable situation bloating and gas during your period. Eek!
You see, during PMS, theres a high chance of experiencing gastrointestinal issues. These kinds of issues are similar to IBS , and the symptoms usually include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and/or excess gas.
So, just like period bloating, we have the intestines and the fluctuation of hormones to blame when it comes to passing more gas before and during your period. Basically, bloating and having excess gas often go hand-in-hand when it comes to PMS and periods, unfortunately.
The good news is, by following some of the tips weve provided above, you can not only perhaps reduce or eliminate period bloating but also, passing excess gas.
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Causes Of Menstrual And Pms Bloating:
Bloating during a womans menstrual cycle is a fairly common occurrence, but why and when does it happen? When does bloating go away after period?
There are multiple stages in a womans cycle and they are:
Bloating normally occurs in the pre menstrual or pms stage, follicular and period stages. What is called period bloating is actually fluid retention and results in a feeling of being overly full or being swollen around the waist area. It is quite often very uncomfortable, annoying and bothersome.
It is not the same as menstrual cramping nor is it responsible for other menstrual symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, back pain, or headaches. Bloating is not a serious condition but rather a very irritating one that every woman wants to stop having. Bloating most often occurs during the pre-menstrual stage as a symptom of Pre Menstrual Syndrome.
Bloating Before A Period Is A Common Pms Symptom
The week before your period, you may experience breast tenderness and swelling.
Symptoms such as bloating, swollen arms and legs, and bags under the eyes can also appear. Swelling and bloating are common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome that are caused by water retention.
Whether other symptoms of PMS are present or not, water retention is common during this time.
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Cut Back On Caffeine And Alcohol
Pre-menstrually, alcohol can enhance PMS symptoms like breast tenderness, mood swings, and bloating, says Dr. Bitner. And coffee can overstimulate the digestive tract and irritate the bowels, not to mention dehydrate you, which causes you to retain water. Hey, you’ll save some serious $$ by bypassing your morning latte, too.
Menstrual Bloating Before And During Periods
The time period from ovulation to menstruation is marked with various symptoms some of which can vary among women. Abdominal bloating is one of these symptoms that many women experience and loathe as it not only is uncomfortable but can also alter the female figure. It is often termed as fluid retention but there is no significant evidence to suggest that fluid accumulation within the lower abdominal cavity accounts for all cases of menstrual bloating. Although the fluctuation in hormone levels may affect fluid retention, abdominal bloating in menstruation is largely due to functional bloating. This means that there is bloating that is not a result of any disease and neither is it associated with functional bowel disorders like irritable bowel syndrome where bloating is a common symptom.
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