Buh-Bye, Belly Bloat!

Serious Swelling

A persistent distended stomach, especially with abdominal pain,vomiting, or rectal or vaginal bleeding, can be a sign of issuessuch as inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers or a bowelobstruction, says gastroenterologist Sophie Balzora. In rare cases,it may even signal cancer so see a doc ASAP.

Ever polish off a healthy, veggie-filled lunch, only to feel as puffy as if you’d chowed a burger and fries? This WTF scenario is pretty common and can truly suck in summer, when bloat makes your high waisted shorts and tiny swimsuits feel like mediaeval torture devices.

Here’s what gives: a large, high-fat meal can indeed lead to the proverbial foodbaby feeling – but that’s not the only reason for a distended belly. Most often, the true culprit is gas, says registered dietitian Sonya Angelone, who is the spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This is especially likely if you’re eating fibre rich food (such as kale, beans and fruit). ‘Almost any high-fibre food, even in a reasonable portion, can make you feel bloated,’ says Angelone.