Empty Stomach Vs Full Stomach
‘Hunger punch’ is the medical term for a growling stomach. The stomach produces gas caused by elevated amounts of acid. There is a growling and gnawing feeling in the stomach and overall attributes to an uncomfortable feeling. Stomach gases can also transpire when you are hungry.
On the other hand, loss of appetite can be the cause of vital health issues. If you are feeling bloated and still have no appetite for weeks, there can be significant chances of having some of the following problems:
- Pregnancy
- Drug reaction- cocaine, heroin, codeine, antibiotics
- Hypothyroidism etc.
Causes Of Serious Bloating You Need To Know About And What To Do About Them
1. Ovarian cancer isnt the most likely, but it is one of the most lethal. Although ovarian cancer is only the fifth most common cancer in women, it causes more deaths than any other reproductive cancer mostly in women over 50. Risk factors include never having children or having them late in life, obesity, a family history of ovarian cancer, certain genetic abnormalities, and long-term treatment with hormone replacement therapy. Persistent bloating, feeling full faster, and pelvic pain are typical symptoms.
What to do if youre concerned about ovarian cancer:
A thorough pelvic exam or transvaginal ultrasound is the best way to diagnose ovarian cancer. The blood test CA-125 isnt a reliable screening test, but it can be helpful for following the course of treatment after diagnosis.
2. Uterine cancer. In addition to bloating, uterine cancer can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, a watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pain with intercourse or urination. But its important to know that sometimes bloating or a change in bowel habits may be the only initial signs of uterine cancer. Important risk factors include taking tamoxifen taking estrogen supplements that dont also contain progesterone radiation therapy a family history of uterine cancer or a family history of a form of inherited colon cancer called Lynch syndrome.
What to do if youre concerned about uterine cancer:
What to do if youre concerned about colon cancer:
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Bloating : Why You Feel Bloated
Bloating, gassiness, and abdominal discomfort arenât limited to the occasional holiday feast. One in 10 Americans say they suffer from bloating regularly, even when they havenât eaten a large meal. In some cases, bloating can become severe enough that it causes distention, or a perceptible swelling of the abdomen. Bloating and gas are usually tied to what and how you eat, so a few simple changes may help.
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Eat At Regular Intervals
Many people experience bloating directly after a big meal. It is possible to avoid this by eating several smaller meals each day, which can help to keep the digestive system moving.
Swallowing food quickly can introduce air into the digestive tract. Drinking from a straw can also lead to people swallowing more air, which in turn leads to gas and bloating. People who have bloating should avoid using straws if possible and try eating slowly to avoid swallowing air during meals.
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.
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When Diet Isnt Enough
Although bacteria are present throughout the entire digestive system, the majority of bacteria belongs in the colon. For example, the typical stomach is host to 101 to 103 colony-forming units per aspirate, whereas the colon is host to 1011 to 1012 colony-forming units per stool.
Between the stomach and colon lies the small intestine, which normally should contain only trace amounts of bacteria and therefore has been described as relatively sterile.
However, we now realize that it is possible for increased numbers of bacteria to build up in the small intestine, resulting in a condition called Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO.
This is where the issue lies: an overgrowth of methanogens in the small intestine.
The small intestine is where those pesky methane bugs can really wreak havoc on your digestive system.
Swallowing Too Much Air
Most people think of taking in air when they inhale, but it can also be done a number of other ways. Common daily habitssuch as drinking from a straw, chewing gum and eating too quicklyare ways to add air into your digestive tract instead of your respiratory system.
When you swallow too much air you can start to feel bloated, Hoffman said. If its becoming a problem, start cutting out gum and straws and see if that helps eases your symptoms.
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Why Youre Still Bloated
So whats behind this bloating and why is it so impossible to get rid of? The answer may surprise you
Its possible your bloating is caused by methane. Yes, were talking CH4, otherwise known by chemists as a colorless, odorless, volatile inert gas.
Methane is the main component of the natural gas you might use to power your stove or furnace.
But, humans can also produce methane in their intestines through a process called methanogenesis. And when this occurs, the result can be really uncomfortable gas and bloating.
Methanogenesis depends on the presence of a special type of bacteria in the colon called methanogens.
Take A Warm Bath Soaking And Relaxing
The heat of the bath can provide relief for a sore abdomen. Relaxation can reduce stress levels, which may allow the GI tract to function more effectively and help reduce bloating.
Quick fixes are not always effective for some causes of bloating. However, people who have frequent bloating may find that certain lifestyle changes can tackle the causes and reduce bloating over time.
People can use these simple steps to try to prevent bloating in the long-term:
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Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Do I need a test to diagnose lactose intolerance?
- Why do certain foods cause my bloating when they never used to?
- What can I do if I have diabetesand my medicine or artificial sweeteners cause bloating?
- Could my bloating be a sign of something more serious?
- What kind of tests will I need?
- What kind of over-the-counter medicine can I try?
Other Ways To Reduce Bloating
Bloating is a very common problem, but can often be resolved with relatively simple changes.
There are several strategies that can help reduce bloating, outlined in this article.
If you have persistent digestive problems, then you may want to consider a low-FODMAP diet. It can be incredibly effective, not just for bloating but for other digestive issues as well.
However, make sure to also see a doctor to rule out a potentially serious medical condition.
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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.
What Causes Bloating
Bloating happens when the GI tract becomes filled with air or gas. This can be caused by something as simple as the food you eat. Some foods produce more gas than others. It can also be caused by lactose intolerance . Other simple reasons for bloating include:
- Swallowing air
Other causes could include medical conditions, such as:
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Liver disease
- Crohns disease
- Blockage in your bowel or bladder
- Cancer
- Mental health factors, such as anxiety or depression
- Some medicines
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When To See A Doctor
Bloating is rarely a sign of a serious medical problem. However, bloating that is chronic and doesn’t respond to changes in eating habits or OTC treatments sometimes is associated with certain diseases and conditions.
Bloating that is accompanied by abdominal pain, bloody stools, persistent diarrhea, or vomiting are especially concerning and can be a sign of any of a number of serious diseases and conditions, including colon cancer, bowel obstruction, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome .
If you notice you’re frequently or constantly bloated or that you become bloated after eating certain foodsespecially those that contain wheat or dairymake an appointment to see your doctor. It will be helpful for them if you jot down when you’re most likely to experience bloating and under what circumstances.
How To Prevent Bloating
Typically, the first line of treatment for preventing gas and bloating is changing your diet. Research has shown that a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet can reduce the symptoms of gas and IBS. A low FODMAP diet avoids fermentable, gas-producing food ingredients, such as:
- Oligosaccharides, which are found in wheat, onions, garlic, legumes and beans
- Disaccharides, such as lactose in milk, yogurt and ice cream
- Monosaccharides, including fructose , apples and pears
- Polyols or sugar alcohols found in foods such as apricots, nectarines, plums and cauliflower, as well as many chewing gums and candies
The small intestine doesnt always fully absorb these carbohydrates, instead passing them to the colon, where they are fermented by bacteria and produce gas, Lee says. Not everyone gets gas and bloating from every FODMAP foods. You might start by cutting out FODMAP foods and then slowly bringing them back into your diet one at a time to pinpoint problem foods.
In the long run, the key to preventing bloating is understanding its cause. If mild constipation is the problem, a fiber-rich diet, water and exercise may help, but these steps wont always work for chronic constipation. Chronic constipation and other conditions, such as IBS or gastroparesis, require medical treatment, so its important to talk to your doctor about your bloating symptoms.
Feeling Bloated?
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Imbalances In Gut Flora
Our digestion depends on our microbiome . You may experience unpleasant digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating and feeling full, even if theres not been much food. In order to make things worse, yeast can cause more sugar cravings and simple carb cravings, which can lead to an even greater imbalance in the gut flora.
Slow Down At Mealtime
Eating too fast is a common cause of abdominal bloating because it results in swallowed air. Once that air reaches the intestines, you may feel pain and be bloated. The stomach stretches as you eat and sends signals to the brain alerting you that you are full. However, it takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to alert the brain, so you could be overeating and swallowing lots of air before you feel uncomfortably full. Slow down, chew thoroughly, and enjoy your meals. Drink enough water and stay hydrated to help ensure healthy digestion.
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How To Get Rid Of A Severely Bloated Belly
Extreme Bloating of your belly, are you fed up with it? How to get rid of a severely bloated abdomen. Stop painful stomach bloating and never have to deal with a swollen, distended or bloated belly again!
How to fix and get rid of an extremely bloated stomach at the root cause not just temporary relief. Find out what causes a severely bloated stomach even if you eat healthy.
Looking at my picture you would think that I’m pregnant, because I was so ridiculously bloated, but I was a far cry from being pregnant!
I dont know how many of you out there have had to deal with a severe bloated belly like this, but anyone who has knows that it is one of the most uncomfortable and depressing situation to be in.
Super Bloated, Not Pregnant!!
This extreme bloating is what I lived with for far too long!
Do you bloat up excessively and painfully no matter what you eat and even when you do not eat? And, your belly bloating up from what you drink!
Has your swollen belly become so severe that it is causing pain all around your torso including back pain and pain when you breathe?
That was me too, but not anymore! I do not have to deal with any stomach bloating, not slight bloating or severe bloating absolutely no bloating at all.
High Waisted Pleated Skirt
I have a high waisted pleated skirt that my best friend bought for me from Kmart on clearance for $2.00 and I literally wear it once a week. Every time I leave the house in it I get asked where it is from and people usually guess that is Seed or Country Road. Since she bought it I have invested in three more, they are so comfortable and can be worn with anything and they always make me feel really elegant even when I actually feel like total shit!
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What Else You Can Do About Bloating
If eliminating or reducing consumption of hard-to-digest foods doesnât solve your frequent bloating problem, there are over-the-counter medications that might help. Look for a pill or liquid containing alpha-D-galactosidase, an enzyme that breaks down indigestible sugars in beans and vegetables. Tablets or capsules containing simethicone can also help alleviate symptoms of excess gas.
If youâre a smoker, intestinal distress may be one more reason to quit. Smoking has been linked to bloating, heartburn, and other digestive problems.
Fortunately, bloating is rarely a symptom of serious trouble. For most people, the most effective prescription for bloating is simple: control portion sizes, go easy on fats, and eat slowly enough to give your body time to signal when youâve had enough. These sensible remedies should keep you from feeling overstuffed and bloated.
Grabitske, H. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition,âGastrointestinal Effects of Low-Digestible Carbohydrates,â 2009 vol 49: pp327-360.
Joanne L. Slavin, PhD, RD, professor of food science and nutrition,University of Minnesota.
American College of Gastroenterology:Belching, Bloating and Flatulence.
MedicineNet.com: Intestinal Gas .
Get Rid Of Bloating Fast With This Satisfying Stretch
It’s an unfortunate fact of life that we all feel bloated from time to time. With so many potential causeslike you ate too fast, you drank something bubbly, you ate too little fiber, you went overboard on salt, you didn’t drink enough waterit can be tough to pinpoint the best way to get rid of bloat.
Experts have lots of suggestions for what to eat and drink to de-bloat, but there’s actually something even easier that helps get rid of bloating fast: stretching. Specifically, opening up your hips and twisting your torso.
“When you feel bloated, the back and core muscles are going to feel really tight, because the organs are expanding,” Rebecca Weible, yoga instructor and founder and owner of Yo Yoga! in New York City, tells SELF. “Stretching is going to help open things up a little bit, and it can be really relieving. It’s also going to increase circulation in the torso, and therefore, the organs that are working to digest.”
Weible explains that when your hips are tight, your pelvis tilts and presses against your digestive organs. When you do stretches that open your hips, you can relieve pressure on the pelvis and with it, some discomfort.
Yes, you might pass a little gas. But that might be just what your body needs. “That gas can be what makes you feel bloated and gross,” Weible says. Oftentimes for women, she adds, water retention is a big cause of bloat. But if it’s just a buildup of air, relieving yourself can be, well, a big relief.
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What Causes Bloating In The Stomach
Gas
Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion, but too much intestinal gas means your digestion is gone awry. While you can ingest gasses by swallowing air or drinking carbonated beverages, these gasses mostly escape through belching before they reach your intestines. Gasses in your intestines are mostly produced by gut bacteria digesting carbohydrates .
If theres too much fermentation going on, its because too many carbohydrates werent naturally absorbed earlier in the digestive process, before reaching those gut bacteria. That could be for several reasons. Maybe you just ate too much too fast for proper digestion, or you might have a specific food intolerance or gastrointestinal disease. Some possible causes include:
Digestive Contents
These can include solids, liquids, and gas. Digestive contents can build up in your digestive system when there is a backup or restriction in your digestive tract or when the muscles that move digestive contents along are somehow impaired. Any build-up of digestive contents along the digestive tract will leave less room for normal amounts of gas to process through. It also leaves less room for other things in your abdomen, including circulatory fluids and fat, making everything feel tighter. Causes of build-up can include:
Hormones
Other Causes