Introduction
In the morning, after a regenerating night’s sleep, you should feel fully fit and with a high dose of energy available. Unfortunately, this is not always the case: not infrequently, upon waking up, various types of ailments are accused; among these one of the most frequent is the feeling of swollen belly, accompanied by intestinal gas and meteorism. At the base there can be several causes, which can often be solved with small tricks.
When to be careful
Occasionally waking up with the intestine full of air can happen to everyone: after all, during the night the organism accumulates gas, which he then has to expel in the morning. However, if this problem occurs with a certain frequency and above all if it is of a certain entity, it is better not to underestimate it: in fact, it could be the indicator of some disorder or bad habitwhich must be resolved to get better.
If in addition to being prone to bloating, you also have other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, severe (or worsening) abdominal pain and/or loose, hard to pass or bloody stools, consult your doctor.
The causes of bloating in the morning
- Incorrect diet
- Insufficient water consumption
- Use of some medications
- Aerophagia
- Intestinal infections
Let’s see what are the main causes of morning bloating and how to intervene to improve the situation.
Incorrect diet
Bloating and gas in the morning may depend on the consumption of foods that favor meteorism: if the evening before at dinner you consumed foods such as beans, legumes, cauliflower and cabbage, it is not at all uncommon to wake up with a swollen belly. In fact, they contain a lot of fiber and FODMAPs (short-chain carbohydrates that occur naturally in many foods), which are fermented by intestinal microbes to produce carbon dioxide, methane and other gases that cause abdominal discomfort. Also spicy foods they can contribute to the problem because they increase intestinal motility, allowing more gas to pass.
How to intervene
In this case, to prevent the problem is good limit the consumption of foods that promote gas formation and drink plenty of water. Taking probiotics (which promote healthy intestinal flora) is also helpful. In the acute phase, drugs can be used to reduce the discomfort caused by excessive gas.
Insufficient water consumption
When you don’t drink enough, bloating and constipation can appear. In fact, if the liquids introduced are scarce, stools are harder and harder to pass, so the intestinal transit time will be delayed. Meanwhile, the fermentation of foods will cause hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide to accumulate in the intestines. The result? The belly fills up like a balloon.
How to intervene
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day: this will help keep the stools fluid and limit the formation of gas.
Use of some medications
Some medications can interfere with how your gastrointestinal tract works and cause morning bloating and bloating. Under normal conditions, the gas trapped in the gastrointestinal system causes pain and dilatation of the intestine: the brain then receives the signal to relax the anal sphincters, so as to let the gas out. But some drugs, such as used to treat depression or strokemay interfere with this mechanism.
How to intervene
Talk to your doctor about the problem, who may adjust the dosage of the drug or prescribe another medicine. Minimizing your intake of gas-inducing foods can also be helpful.
Aerophagia
Morning bloating could be a byproduct of aerophagia, a condition that occurs when a person unconsciously swallows too much airwhich enters the gastrointestinal system and causes symptoms such as bloating and belching.
How to intervene
To avoid aerophagia is important do not talk while eating and drinking and chew slowly and for a long time. Practicing yoga and relaxation techniques and being aware of airflow (air should go down your nose and windpipe, not your esophagus) can also be helpful.
Intestinal infection
At the root of this problem there may be an intestinal infection caused by bacteria or parasites, such as H. pylori infection. Transmitted through direct contact with saliva, vomit, or feces (or through contaminated food or water), H. pylori infections are fairly common, affecting up to half of the world’s population, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition to meteorism and swelling, a person affected by this infection may also experience: pain or burning in the abdomen; abdominal pain that gets worse when the stomach is empty; nausea; loss of appetite; frequent burps; unintentional weight loss. There giardiasis it is another type of intestinal infection that produces gas, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and watery diarrhea. Caused by a microscopic parasite found in swimming pools, lakes or streams, it is among the most common of waterborne diseases (and can also be contracted through food and person-to-person contact).
How to intervene
In some cases intestinal infections can be treated with antibiotic or antiparasitic drugsthe. On a preventive level, it is good to wash your hands often; wash the products with safe and uncontaminated water; keep your mouth shut when swimming in pools, lakes, or streams; practice safe sex.
Source: www.my-personaltrainer.it
