Abdominal distension: causes, symptoms and solution

Abdominal bloating or distension is a condition in which we feel the belly full and tight. It can occur due to various factors, and the symptoms we may notice are as follows:

• Discomfort in the abdomen.
• Increased belly volume.
• Excess gas.
• Heavy digestions.

It is possible that we wake up fine, and throughout the day, the discomfort increases. In some cases of abdominal bloating, we will not notice any symptoms; in others, we will have some mild discomfort, and in more severe cases, we may experience sweating and intense pain.

Causes of Abdominal Distension

Abdominal bloating can occur as a result of a digestive condition, an illness, muscle inflammation, or emotional causes. The most common cause is usually related to overweight, which increases the risk of diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.

1. Digestive Causes

Acidity and Reflux

These symptoms affect the esophagus and the stomach, specifically the mucosa of these tissues. They occur as a result of overweight or obesity, hiatal hernia, gastritis, peptic ulcer, or Helicobacter Pylori infection.

If we are overweight, it is advisable to consult a specialist who can advise us. A healthy gastric protection diet will also help alleviate these symptoms, in addition to chewing food well and avoiding heavy meals.

Change in Diet

A drastic change in our diet, whether for better or worse, can have consequences on our digestive system. If we are used to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and go for several days without consuming them and instead consume processed or heavier products, we will feel more bloated and have difficulties in going to the bathroom.

It is also advisable to take certain precautions if we are trying to improve our diet. We should do it progressively so that our intestine can adapt to these changes.

Alteration of Intestinal Flora

The intestinal flora and/or mucosa can be altered for various reasons, including stress, poor eating habits, or as a result of taking antibiotics. Symptoms such as gas, diarrhea, or constipation may appear. Remember to consult a digestive doctor if these symptoms persist.

Constipation or Diarrhea

Both constipation and diarrhea can cause abdominal distension. It occurs due to gas and/or inflammation of the intestine. It is important to pay attention to the characteristics of our stools as they provide a lot of information:

• Texture and shape of the stools
• Frequency of bowel movements
• Difficulty in defecating
• Color of the stools

The color can be altered by what we have eaten, so it is not always a symptom of a digestive problem.

2. Digestive Diseases

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that affects the large intestine. It is related to abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Healthy habits will help alleviate the symptoms.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases produce symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal distension, or loss of appetite. They include two pathologies:

• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease

These are chronic diseases, but by following an appropriate diet and a healthy lifestyle, the symptoms can be greatly improved.

Intolerances

If the digestive system has difficulty digesting certain substances, symptoms such as abdominal bloating, diarrhea, or constipation may develop. The most common ones are lactose and gluten intolerance.

Infections

Infections can be bacterial, viral, or parasitic and also lead to digestive symptoms. These infections alter the intestinal flora and cause inflammation of the intestine. It is recommended to consult a specialist who can provide the best treatment.

Ascites

Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and organs in the area. It occurs as a result of high pressure in the blood vessels of the liver and low levels of a protein called albumin.

The most common causes are:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic Hepatitis C or B infection
• Fatty liver

3. Muscle Causes

The abdomen can also increase in size due to muscle causes. Some abdominal exercises can make the belly protrude. Increasing the pressure of the muscles in the area can cause inflammation of the linea alba.

An increase in volume can also be due to a rupture of the abdominal muscles. This usually occurs after pregnancy or sudden weight loss.

4. Emotional Causes

If we suffer from anxiety or stress, it is possible that it affects our digestive system. It is recommended to engage in daily activities that help us manage stress and to consult a professional if stress levels prevent us from leading a normal life.

5. Other Causes

Other reasons may include a poor diet, eating too quickly, or frequent consumption of carbonated drinks. In both these cases and the previous ones, it is recommended to review whether our habits are correct and, if necessary, consult a specialist.

There are some products that can help us combat these symptoms, such as Inner Cure by Matcha & CO. It is a dietary supplement developed by microbiome experts to improve our digestive system, immune system, and mood.

Its ingredients are key to combating intestinal discomfort:

• L-tryptophan is an amino acid that helps release serotonin, a brain chemical that can affect our mood.
• Probiotics are essential for intestinal well-being. Inner Cure contains a potent probiotic blend specifically designed to improve intestinal discomfort.
• Matcha Tea, a natural prebiotic.
• Vitamin B6, in addition to improving mood, helps the digestive system process proteins.

This supplement will help alleviate the symptoms of diseases and disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. It also improves abdominal bloating, intestinal flora, and defenses.