Natural Ways To Get Rid Of A Puffy Face
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of facial bloating since the body retains as much water as possible if dehydrated. The face is one of the areas where excess water is stored, so counteract this tendency by drinking plenty throughout the day. Stay away from diuretic liquids such as coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol.
Salt plays a role in water retention, therefore, too much will cause puffiness and cheek swelling. If you want to control the puffiness around your face, you must cut down on your salt intake. This includes not just table salt, but foods high in sodium. Fast food, junk food, canned food, and frozen food should be avoided.
One of the newest health trends of 2017, watermelon juice offers an early morning boost, as well as a means for remedying a puffy face. The anti-inflammatory drink contains a high amount of vitamin C, which will help swelling in the face go down quickly.
Get your blood flowing to help lessen the appearance of those puffy cheeks. Doing cardio exercise three to four times a week will help the circulation of your blood, open your pores, and help you sweat out all the toxins.
Similar to a hot compress, a cold one will work just as well. Wrap three ice cubes in a washcloth and place on the puffy area of the face. Those that are prone to face swelling in the morning should splash cold water on their face when they get up.
How Can You Get Rid Of Period Bloating
If bloating before and/or during your period is an issue for you, try to avoid foods that are known to cause or increase the frequency and severity of bloating. If you do need a salty snack, try to consume those foods in moderation. Reducing salt intake can decrease water retention, and the body will respond with a diminished sensation of feeling bloating,Dr. Karen Patrusky, MD, tells Woman’s Day.
Instead, Patrusky says you should eat foods that are high in potassium, like bananas and avocados, as well as foods that are high in magnesium, like nuts and seeds. Foods that are natural diuretics like asparagus, cucumber, ginger, and watermelon can also help relieve uncomfortable bloating. And, of course, drinking plenty of water can help flush out your kidneys and improve your period symptoms.
Patrusky also suggests you get your sweat on to reduce bloating, even if you’re feeling less than up to it. Exercise can improve energy and mood by increasing endorphins, she says. Exercise also induces sweat, encourages hydration, and makes us more mindful about what foods we put into our bodies.
If that isnt working, you can also try your hand at a few over-the-counter medication. If your symptoms are notable, they may warrant a medication, such as Midol Complete, which provides multi-symptom period and PMS relief including cramps and bloating, Dweck says. Birth control pills have also been helpful for some women to minimize PMS symptoms.
Eat Slowly So You Dont Gulp Air
When you finally get home after a long day, youre totally famishedwe get it. But that doesnt mean you should scarf down your dinner in a hurry. Eating too quickly causes you to swallow excess air, which can lead to uncomfortable gas and bloating. Slowing down the chewing with your mouth closed, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect. Fight off the urge to engorge your entire meal by snacking on something like a small piece of fruit or an ounce of nuts before dinner is ready.
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Use Cucumber To Magically Wipe Away Your Bloat
In the beauty world, cucumbers are often used to help reduce puffiness around your eyes. They do the same thing for your belly when consumed, thanks to a synergistic combination of nutrients, including caffeic acid , vitamin C, silica, and water.
Some nutrients are found in the skin, while others are in the flesh. To get the full benefits, its important to consume both parts. Consider slowly snacking on fresh cucumber slices. Cucumbers can also be juiced or added to smoothies.
When Its Time To Consult A Doctor
While premenstrual bloating is nothing to be too concerned about, its important to be able to differentiate between normal bloating as a premenstrual symptom and potentially serious causes of bloating. Here are a few indications that you should consult a doctor about your period bloating.
- Your bloating is accompanied by severe abdominal cramps, gas, diarrhea, constipation . If you experience these symptoms regularly, not just as part of your premenstrual syndrome symptoms, then you may be dealing with irritable bowel syndrome.
- You have monthly bloating, but you also experience an abnormally heavy menstrual flow, very painful cramps that spread throughout the abdomen and lower back, pain during intercourse or bowel movements, and painful urination when youre on your period. These are all common symptoms of endometriosis.
- You experience painful period and bloating symptoms, but you also feel a burning sensation when you urinate or have pink or red-tinged urine. These are symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
These are all potentially serious conditions that can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and other unpleasant symptoms. For those of us who experience these symptoms, its wise to talk to a doctor right away.
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How Do Hormones Cause Constipation Or Diarrhea
Some abdominal symptoms you experience around your period arent related to your digestive system at all.
Hormones your body releases during menstruation may cause bloating, water retention and abdominal cramping. Prostaglandins, or fatty acids, cause inflammation. This bloating and cramping may feel like its in your stomach, but its actually in the uterus.
Family medicine physician Donald Ford, MD, says a buildup of the hormone progesterone can cause constipation. This hormone is responsible for the growth and thickening of the uterine walls, and it peaks right before ovulation.
This promotes constipation and it tends to come around ovulation or a couple of days after, he says.
Diarrhea can happen when prostaglandins begin to relax smooth muscle tissues as menstruation begins.
It makes sense if you think of the cycle, Dr. Ford says. Until ovulation, the uterus is preparing to accept the egg and, once it starts, the opposite happens its cleansing to get ready for the next cycle.
Get Some Form Of Exercise At Least For Half An Hour In A Day
Exercise is the answer to almost all our ailments. Its no different when it comes to acidity, and we tell you exactly how. Lack of exercise leads to excessive deposition of fats, especially in the abdominal area. Excess abdominal fat pushes stomach acids up into the oesophagus which can further lead to frequent heartburns. Do those crunches and runs regularly to prevent acidity and shed those extra pounds.
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Diagnosing Period Gas Pain
Anyone can develop abdominal pain from gas. Women can develop more gas during their period because of the hormonal changes and a tendency to eat gas-causing foods they might not usually eat to help them cope with the pain.
If your period gas pain is bad enough for you to see your doctor, they will inquire about your medical history and ask if it is normal for you to have gas pains during your period. They may conduct a physical examination of the abdominal area to locate where the gas is built up.
If necessary, the doctor may order some tests to find out why gas might be building up. Tests can include:
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Upper gastrointestinal series
The doctor uses X-rays to look for signs of any blockages or other abnormalities that might be causing you to have gas pain.
Doctors perform a colonoscopy to look for signs of cancer, narrowing, polyps, tumors, or obstructions.
A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that uses a light and a camera that is inserted through the anus to look at the lower colon area for inflammation, obstructions, sores, or anything else that is out of the ordinary.
Doctors use an upper GI series test to check your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum functions, which could cause digestive problems like excess gas.
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.
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Complications Or Side Effects From Period Gas Pain
A buildup of gas is not generally known to cause any health problems or symptoms other than pain. However, the pain can become excruciating if you arent able to release all of the gas that is building in your abdomen.
If youre taking medication to prevent or treat gas pain, you might develop side-effects specific to the medicine. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the treatment they give you and the potential side effects.
Birth control pills change the release of some hormones in your body, so you might experience some mood changes, such as depression.
Laxatives and stool softeners make your stool soft and might give you diarrhea for the time youre taking them. Simethicone can give you diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or a headache.
Gas might be a sign of other health concerns as well. Endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome commonly cause more gas to build up during your period, so make sure you ask your doctor about these conditions as well.
Be Careful With Sugar Alcohols
Sugar alcohols are commonly found in sugar-free foods and chewing gums.
These sweeteners are generally considered to be safe alternatives to sugar.
However, they may cause digestive problems in high amounts. The bacteria in your large intestine digest them and produce gas .
Sugar alcohols are actually FODMAPs as well, so they are excluded on a low-FODMAP diet.
Try avoiding sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol and mannitol. The sugar alcohol erythritol may be better tolerated than the others, but it can also cause digestive issues in large doses.
Summary
Sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues such as bloating, especially when consumed in large doses. Try avoiding sugar-free chewing gums and other sources of sugar alcohols.
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How To Stop Period Cramps
Dealing with cramps every month can be as frustrating as it is painful. Luckily, there are a many remedies that might help you relieve period cramps. Its important to remember that these techniques wont always work, especially for chronic conditions, but they can offer relief for mild to moderate period pain.
Who Knew Dehydration Would Trigger Your Bloat
Dehydration forces your body to retain water and swell. And its a common phenomenon. In fact, it is estimated that of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Whats worse is that sometimes getting rid of excess water can be more difficult than releasing gas. Dehydration can even cause your face to bloat. No, thank you!
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Skip Your Morning Cup Of Coffee
As much as we love the benefits of coffee, drinking it when you’re trying to get rid of belly bloat in 24 hours or less is a no-no.
“Consuming beverages that are high in sugar or caffeine can not only be dehydrating but, in some cases, can add to excess calorie intake, too,” explains Smith. When your body is dehydrated, it will hold onto water, which causes excessive bloating.
Fermented Foods Are My Secret To Anti
Fermented foods, such as raw sauerkraut and kimchi, are excellent sources of probiotics. As previously mentioned, these friendly bacteria help your body digest and absorb food, especially lactobacillus, a species of bacteria predominantly found in fermented foods.
Lactobacillus helps your body break down hard-to-digest carbohydrates. The byproduct of this process is lactic acid. Lactic acid further supports digestion by stimulating the release of digestive juices and enzymes.
But the benefits dont stop there! Good gut bacteria also generate certain substances that help keep your colon slightly acidic. This is necessary to prevent undesirable, gas-producing bacteria from colonizing .
If youre new to fermented foods, start slow. Too much at once can backfire and cause bloating. A tablespoon is usually all you need to benefit.
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Flush Out Sodium Bloat
Its no secret consuming too much sodium can make you gain water weight. Studies have found a high sodium diet can lead to excessive bloating . And with many people over-consuming processed foods that are high in sodium its no wonder why so many of us are getting bloated bellies.
Avoiding processed foods is key to lowering your sodium intake. Next time youre about to microwave a processed food check the nutritional label for the sodium content. Its most likely sky-high in sodium. Eating more healthy foods like vegetables, lean meats, and good fats is key to balancing your sodium levels.
Consuming more potassium will help to balance out your sodium levels . If your body is low on potassium then your body will not want to flush out your water weight. Your body will have a hard time pumping out sodium from your cells if there isnt enough potassium there to flush it out.
Your stone age ancestors consumed 16 times as much potassium as sodium. Today in the modern world the average person is consuming double the sodium they are compared to potassium. This is why its a good idea to take a daily electrolyte thats high in potassium. I also like to drink potassium-rich coconut water when I want to drop water weight fast.
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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Rule Out Medical Conditions
In some cases, bloating may result from a medical condition. To get rid of this bloating, a person may need help from a doctor to diagnose and manage their condition.
Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, may cause people to experience bloating. Irritable bowel syndrome , can also cause this symptom.
Gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts, can also cause pain, swelling, and feelings of bloating in the abdominal area.
People with these symptoms should discuss them with a doctor, who will also want to know about any relevant family medical history and other medical conditions. The doctor may order diagnostic tests to look for any problems. These may include an X-ray, ultrasound, colonoscopy, or blood tests.
Bloating Before Your Period: What Causes It
Water retention associated with PMS can create a bloated, heavy feeling about a week before your period.
Experts arent exactly sure what causes bloating and other symptoms of PMS, but changes in hormone levels and genetics are more than likely major factors.
If youre feeling puffy and bloated, foods that contain potassium, like bananas and dark leafy greens, may help reduce water retention. They do this by counteracting high levels of sodium in the body.
Consuming lots of salty foods can make water retention worse.
Reducing the intake of refined sugars is also an important step for reducing period bloating. High-sugar foods encourage the pancreas to release a hormone called insulin, which can lead to water retention and bloating.
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Dont Sleep Immediately After A Meal
Going to sleep immediately after a meal doesnt allow your body any time to process the meal, says Dr. Sonpal. He recommends going for a walk after eating in order to produce the energy needed to digest the food. Going to bed right after eating cripples your digestive process, slowing down the breakdown of your food, he says.
The Actual Cause Of Feeling Bloated Is The Digestive System And Not Your Reproductive System
According to Dr Penelope Law, a consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the private Portland Hospital, the uterus contracts in a very subtle manner every day. As you get closer to your period, these mild contractions, which usually happen at the upper end of your uterus, gradually move down to the cervix with an increased frequency of about every 40 minutes. This becomes more intense by the time you get to your period and can be responsible for the pains some women experience during their period. Although period bloating is linked to these contractions, Dr Law explains that the actual cause of feeling bloated is the digestive system and not your reproductive system.
During your period, the bowel becomes slow as the increased contractions of the uterus slow down the speed of food through the bowel . This process creates the swollen feeling many women experience during their periods and this can also be linked to constipation during menstruation.
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Preventing Bloating And Weight Gain:
So can this bloat be prevented along with the fluid retention and weight gain that at least 40% of all women suffer monthly? The best ways to attempt to prevent extreme bloating is to limit the outside factors that can add to it. You cannot prevent the increases in hormones but you can eliminate factors that will increase the fluid retention and therefore the bloat.
Some things to consider are:
- Reduce your dietary intake of salt which in itself leads to fluid retention.
- Reduce your dietary intake of sugar, alcohol and caffeine around the middle of your cycle because these items can also be responsible for some additional bloating.
- Drink at least 8-10 eight oz. glasses of water which will lead to reduced bloating. We realize this is counter intuitive but the more water you consume the less bloating you will have.
- Exercise will increase blood circulation if done on a regular basis and will help prevent bloating.
- Avoid rich, fatty and gassy foods. These foods are hard for the body to digest and therefore will add to the sluggishness of the digestive system and add to bloating. Avoid red meat and dont overeat and avoid any unneeded fats such as adding oils when cooking. No fried foods, chips or nuts. Avoid the gassy foods that are mostly in the vegetable family such as broccoli, beans, cabbage, lentils, cauliflower, milk, corn, potatoes, peas, artichokes and wheat bran in order to prevent period bloating and menopausal bloating.
Period Vitamin
Menopausal Bloating: