Consuming Too Much Salt
In case you didnt already know, a bloated face usually results from water retention and excess fluids in your face. One cause of water retention? Your diet! If youve ever wondered what foods and ingredients can make your face appear bloated, theres one offender in particular you should know about: salt! Yup, according to Harvard Health Publishing, sodium intake is associated with fluid retention, which can result in puffiness and bloating after a very salty meal.
You’re Dehydrated From Drinking Alcohol
In a similar vein, drinking alcohol before bed can mean waking up to a surprising degree of puffiness. Dr. Marina Peredo, a board-certified dermatologist, says it’s due to alcohol’s dehydrating effect, which causes your skin to hold onto any water it has, creating swelling and oftentimes redness. The fix can be as simple as avoiding alcoholic beverages before bed, as well as upping your water intake so the body doesn’t have to over-compensate.
You Have A Secret Sunburn
Yep, it’s possible to get a sunburn even if you don’t feel like you’ve been soaking up rays. “Ultraviolet light exposure from your everyday activities adds up, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. Not only can this cause redness, but in some cases, swelling as well.
Nix your chances of getting a sunburn by applying sunscreen daily. And if you’ve already gotten a sunburn, Dr. Zeichner suggests applying a light moisturizing lotion to soothe and hydrate your skin. If the burn is uncomfortable or doesn’t improve in a few days, visit a dermatologist for professional treatment.
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You Didn’t Sleep As Well As You Thought
Even if you feel like you got enough rest, your puffy face may tell you otherwise. “Sleep is when the body has time to recharge and repair and re-equilibrate,”Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, tells Bustle. “Tossing and turning all night can leave you with sunken eyes or a swollen puffy face.”
To sleep better, try minimizing stressors before bed, she says, which includes not checking work emails, having long conversations, watching the news, etc. Instead, dim the lights, reduce distractions, and climb into bed at the same time each night, so your body can fall into a rhythm â and get deeper sleep.
You Have An Abscessed Tooth
Having a cracked or chipped tooth or an untreated cavity can allow bacteria to sneak into the pulpthe soft innardsof your tooth, where they can multiply, says Dr. Stewart. The abscess results in a collection of pus and swelling around the tooth or gums. Translation: Youll have a wicked toothache and some jawline swelling.
Your dentist can prescribe antibiotics and will likely have to perform a root canal to remove the infected nerve. In the meantime, saltwater rinses and over-the-counter painkillers can make you more comfortable.
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You Have Cushing Syndrome
Another possible cause could be Cushing syndrome, “which occurs when your body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol for a long period of time,” Cherian says. “This syndrome can be caused when you use oral steroids and also sometimes your body is actually producing too much cortisol.”
Other symptoms, besides a rounded or puffy face, include a hump between your shoulders, and purple stretch marks on your skin, Cherian says. It’s something that can be treated by your doctor, so don’t hesitate to ask about it if these symptoms sound familiar.
What Are The Other Side Effects Of Drinking Alcohol
Beyond bloating, make sure you remember alcohol should be consumed in moderation. Drinking too much alcohol can damage your body.
It can cause brain and liver damage, and it increases your risk of cancers as well as your risk of death from car crashes, injuries, homicides, and suicide. If youre pregnant, drinking alcohol can harm your baby.
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What Can I Do To Help Reduce The Bloating
Post-surgical bloating and swelling is mostly eased with time.;Although most swelling and bloating will clear by 12 weeks, you may find that swelling ebbs and flows for up to 12 months after surgery. Some ways you can help ease swelling, bloating and stomach discomfort are:
- Gentle mobilisation when you have the clearance to do so
- Increase your fluid intake to flush the excess fluid from your body
- Ensure your post-surgical diet is rich in fibre to aid bowel movements
- Gentle stool softeners can be utilised to help with post-surgery constipation
- Cease stronger pain medication as soon as practical and replace with those that are gentler on the gut such as paracetamol. It is important to note that post-surgical bloating and swelling cannot be improved with prescription medication.
- Keep wearing your surgical garment to help minimise swelling.
Although its uncomfortable, rest assured that post-surgical bloating and swelling is a completely normal part of the recovery process and will subside over time. If you have any questions about your recovery process, please do not hesitate to contact myself and our friendly team on 4920 7700.
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Puffy Face 10 Tips And Hacks To Reduce Face Bloat
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Theres nothing more annoying than waking up with unwanted face bloat. It can happen for a number of reasons, from snacking on salty foods, to getting a bad sleep, to having a few too many alcoholic drinks before bed. When too much fluid collects under your skin, it causes your face to swell and become puffy. If youre tired of waking up with a puffy face, here are a few diet and lifestyle tips to help decrease face bloat!
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Always Have A Bloated Stomach Here Are 10 Reasons Why
Stomach bloating is so common these days that its been called an epidemic. If you frequently deal with distention, digestive discomfort and a bloated stomach, you probably want to know: Why do I feel bloated all the time?
With most peoples poor diets, high levels of stress, need for daily medications and exposure to various pollutants, its no wonder they suffer some sort of bloating more days than not.
While a bloated stomach is certainly uncomfortable even embarrassing when it comes along with gas or the need to run to the bathroom it might be an even bigger deal than you think. Below well look closer at reasons you may deal with an inflated belly, plus discuss bloated stomach remedies, such as foods to focus on and those to avoid.
Tip #1 Try A Jade Roller
This handy skin care tool can be used to massage your puffy face, soothing the area in the process. Yup, according to an article from Dermatology News, crystal rollers, like jade rollers, are rolled across the skin to help calm swelling and help drain lymphatics to reduce the appearance of puffiness. Jade rollers are also great for applying products like serums.
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You’re A Big Fan Of Beans
Kidney, pinto, black, redbeans are an awesome source of high-quality plant protein. Unfortunately the carbohydrates in beans tend to be indigestible, and that’s what gives them their gassy, belly-bloating reputation, says Brill. Thing is, beans boost the health of so many dishes, from chili to soup to burritos, that it would be a nutritional crime to dump them out of your diet entirely. The solution: take an over-the-counter anti-gas product such as Beano along with your beans. “These contain the enzyme we’re missing that makes the carbohydrates digestible,” says Brill. “It’s safe to take, and it prevents the uncomfortable puffy feeling.”
Stay Hydrated At All Times
Letâs start with the basics, as when you are not drinking enough fluids, your body automatically retains water to prevent dehydration. So, by maximising your fluid intake and drinking at least six, eight-ounce glasses of liquid each day, you can remain hydrated and prevent the retention of water. Just be selective about the drinks that you consume, with the best bet being to focus on water and avoid sugary or artificially flavoured drinks.
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What Is Facial Swelling
Facial swelling is puffiness caused by inflammation of facial tissue. Also known as facial edema, a puffy face is the result of an abnormally large buildup of fluid in your face, which occurs directly under the skin within your tissues.
Facial swelling is most obvious on the eyelids, cheeks, and lips and typically dissipates within a few hours, though in some instances, the swelling can spread to your neck and throat.
Facial swelling is typically brought on by something specific, such as certain medications, infections, and injuries, among other causes. Unless your puffy face lasts for more than a day or is accompanied by severe discomfort and/or difficulty breathing, you shouldnt panic. In most cases, rehydrating, icing the affected area, and resting will reduce the swelling.
Your Intake Of Alcohol Affects Your Facial Fat
Drinking alcohol causes dehydration. The more you drink, the more the body gets dehydrated. No matter the type of beverage, whether it is light beer or wine or even hard liquor such as brandy or whisky even when it is watered down hard causes dehydration. This is turn causes excess water retention in your body and it is especially visible in your face making it appear bloated and fuller than it really is. This is also true of other beverages which contain caffeine and sugar such as coffee, soda or most bottled drinks. Sugar and caffeine can also cause dehydration. So when you are thirsty, instead of guzzling beer or soda, quench your thirst with water and you will be soon on your way to looking slimmer in the face than before.
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Bloating: Causes And Prevention Tips
How often do you hear yourself or friends complain about bloating? We often just say were bloated when we feel full, but for many women, the problem relates to a chronic underlying condition. If you feel bloated often, you may have a condition like irritable bowel syndrome , which affects up to 24 percent of women.;
Linda Lee, M.D., explains common causes of bloating and what you can do to prevent this uncomfortable condition.
Swelling Caused By Use Of An Ace Inhibitor
ACE Inhibitors are drugs used to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure and diabetes. In rare cases, these drugs can cause an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: shortness of breath, swollen face, trouble swallowing, swollen lips, swollen tongue
Symptoms that never occur with swelling caused by use of an ace inhibitor: hives, red swollen bumps or patches with a pale center
Urgency: Hospital emergency room
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You’re Spending Too Much Time Bingeing Late
Skimping on sleepor an altered sleep patterncan cause facial puffiness, especially around the eyes. It could be due to the position that you sleep in, the type of pillow used, your water or fluid intake during the day. Also, there is a fluid redistribution to face when we are in a horizontal-lying-down position, says Dr Apratim Goel. And its not just puffiness that you should be worried aboutyour skin undergoes a regeneration process when you sleep, so lack of shut-eye shows up as sallow skin and dark circles. If this feels too relatable, keep chilled tea bags handy to apply over the eyes for a quick de-puff. A quick finger massage helps too, improving blood circulation in the area, while a cool-tip eye massager can help soothe it.;
Youre Suffering From Something Called Moon Facies
Right, this ones pretty bizarre, and if youve never heard of it, were not surprised. There’s a condition called “moon facies” that can cause your face to gradually swell up and become rounder, fuller, and puffier. According to WebMD, it’s possible that a high release of cortisol hormones is the reason behind this. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition, but if this sounds like something you might be suffering from, you might want to get your doctors opinion.;
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When To See A Doctor
Most of the time, your facial swelling can be treated at home. However, if its worsening at a concerning rate, becoming increasingly painful or inhibiting your ability to carry out simple tasks such as brushing your teeth, opening your eyes, or eating, seek medical treatment immediately.
You should also seek medical treatment if you knowingly consumed something youre allergic to. If you ignore your symptoms, you may experience anaphylaxis, which, if not treated immediately, usually with epinephrine, can have fatal consequences.
How Is Alcohol Bloating Treated
If youve noticed youve gained weight or tend to bloat when you drink alcohol, you may want to consider cutting back on your alcohol consumption.
According to the 2020-2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines, the recommended amount of alcohol for men is up to two drinks per day and for women is up to one drink per day. A drink is defined as:
- 12 ounces of beer
- 8 ounces of malt liquor
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces of liquor or spirits .
The body can only metabolize a certain amount of alcohol every hour. How much alcohol youre able to metabolize is dependent on your age, weight, sex, and other factors.
Keeping an eye on your drinking, along with eating healthfully and getting enough exercise, can help you prevent a beer belly.
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Natural Remedies To Reduce Face Bloat
1. Green Tea Green tea is a great way to wake up in the morning and kick-start your system. The water will hydrate your body, and green tea contains polyphenols, which attack fat cells and protect the skin from free radical damage. Incorporating greens at every meal will reduce puffiness and bloating.
2. CucumberCucumber slices can de-puff your eyes, reduce swelling and stimulate antioxidant activity. Cucumbers cooling effect can give your skin a refreshed look and its high water content can moisturize the area under the eyes. Cucumbers are rich in vitamin C, which wakes up the skin and folic acid, which stimulates antioxidants that help your skin fight off environmental toxins that make your skin appear puffy.
3. Use a Gua Sha StoneGive yourself a lymphatic drainage massage with a gua sha stone in order to refresh your face. Start at the centre of your face and work outward to the side of the face and then down to the ear and neck . You want to create a draining effect. Start with your forehead, moving 5 times from the centre to the side of the face, then down to the ear and neck. Repeat on the rest of your face, making sure to use a delicate touch.
5. Cold WaterCold temperatures are a total saviour when it comes to de-puffing your face. Try washing your face with cold water, using an ice roller or applying a cold compress. The coldness constricts blood vessels and minimizes swelling, reducing face bloat instantaneously.
You Chew Gum Or Suck On Candy
Gum and hard candy keep your mouth occupied, which can help you lose weight or quit smoking. But they too cause you to inadvertently gulp lots of excess air. And as with using a straw and eating too fast, excessive air can lead to belching and bloat. Try giving up the gum and suckers and instead take frequent sips of waterthat will keep your mouth busy too. There’s a bonus to H2O as well: plain water helps keep your GI tract moving, and that gets rid of excess air and water bloating out your system, Alissa Rumsey, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells;Health.;
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You Ate A Little Too Much
Sometimes your full cues don’t catch up with your brain fast enough, and you end up having a little too much to eat. Overeating can make you feel blah, and the bloating that can come with it isn’t exactly a picnic, either.
At baseline, overeating can cause bloating because it’s just a lot of food for your gut bacteria to work through, Cohen says. But that’s especially true “when a lot of gas-forming foods are also consumedlegumes, broccoli, caulifloweror a lot of carbonated beverages,” she adds.
If you overate once and dealt with bloat in the aftermath, just chalk it up to a life lesson learned. But if you find that this is happening regularly to you, you’ll want to make some tweaks to try to prevent overeating in the first place, Keri Gans, RD, author of The Small Change Diet, tells Health. One tip, per Gans: “To make that easier to do, try eating on a smaller plate or bowl, so your portions are smaller to begin with,” she says. Talking to a nutritionist about your eating habits can also help, she says.
How Can You Tell The Difference Between Belly Fat And Bloating
When presented with a swollen stomach, the first step is to monitor your symptoms to determine what is the most likely cause. This can enable you to make an informed decision on how you deal with the problem, ensuring that you pursue suitable courses of treatment that deliver the desired result.
With this in mind, here are four important considerations when attempting to distinguish between belly fat and bloating:
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