Weight gain and bloated stomach: how to fix it?

Do you know that feeling of bloating, a swollen stomach and uncomfortable gas which can in some cases be accompanied by inexplicable weight gain? We will explore the causes behind these signals and provide you with solutions.

What causes a bloated stomach?

Nutrition and hydration

Diet is the most recurrent factor in the appearance of transit disorders, bloating or stomach swelling . Indeed, if it is not suitable and too rich in fats, fermentable products, soft drinks, proteins, this can cause gas and therefore discomfort.

If you have food intolerances, this can also cause your belly to bloat. The culprits are lactose, gluten , and certain artificial sweeteners. They should be avoided to deflate the stomach.

Finally, lack of hydration can also be to blame. Indeed, a lack of water intake is responsible for a slowdown in digestive transit which can lead to the occurrence of constipation and therefore to an increase in gas production.

Physical inactivity

Lack of physical activity leads to a lack of stimulation of the body's muscles, particularly those located at the intestinal level. This leads to a decrease in intestinal motility, a natural movement allowing the advancement of the food bolus throughout transit. In addition, this induces an increase in the fermentation of food in the intestine due to its stagnation.

An unbalanced microbiota

Bloating, recurrent gas, abdominal pain, sudden weight gain and sometimes even anxiety are symptoms indicative of an unbalanced microbiota. Intestinal dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the ratio between good and bad bacteria. Consumption of processed foods, pesticides, alcohol, foods low in fiber, vitamins and minerals are particularly harmful to these good bacteria and promote the development of bad ones... However, our intestinal microbiota and bacteria The beneficial properties it contains, with probiotic effects , are not only essential for the proper functioning of our digestive system but also help break down food and regulate the feeling of hunger.

The stress

Did you know that the digestive system is very sensitive to stress? Indeed, there is a real axis of communication between the intestine and the brain. Under the effect of too much cortisol, more commonly called the stress hormone , the neurons present in the intestines will modify the contractility of the intestinal muscles which causes transit disorders, in particular bloating.

Why does weight gain accompany this bloating?

Bad eating habits

Eating a balanced diet is a good thing! But the most important thing is the eating habits we adopt. Some people eat little but gain weight inexplicably. Several factors can be the cause, namely:

• Eating too quickly: Your meal should last at least 20 minutes! By focusing on chewing, we also promote the feeling of satiety.
• Undereating: Fasting or abstaining from eating for too long can encourage overeating and, above all, stockpiling. The body will go into survival mode, slow down its energy metabolism and promote fat storage.
• Also, try to schedule your meals at regular times. Avoid skipping meals, eating late and snacking between meals!

Hormonal imbalances

Hormones play a crucial role in the regulation of various metabolic functions, including the metabolism of fats and sugars, the regulation of appetite, and the distribution of fats in the body. Thus, an upset in this hormonal balance can be caused by genetic or environmental factors, and can contribute to sudden weight gain.

Water retention

Fluid retention refers to the accumulation of fluid in the space between cells when the body absorbs more water than it eliminates. This can lead to swelling of the stomach, lower limbs and a feeling of heaviness. However, this phenomenon does not necessarily imply a gain in body fat.

So if you are retaining water, don't panic if you see the number on the scale increase: this is a temporary phenomenon!

The stress

In order to fight against episodes of intense stress, our body will demand comfort foods, which are sweeter and fatter, with a higher caloric intake. Additionally, excess cortisol release increases appetite and promotes fat storage.

Our tips for deflating your belly quickly

It is entirely possible to deflate your stomach, for example by adopting new habits to implement on a daily basis.

Adapt your diet and hydration

Changing your diet to promote better digestive comfort is essential to combat bloating and a swollen stomach.

Indeed, it is important to favor lighter meals by avoiding meals that are too rich in fat and by limiting the consumption of animal proteins, fermentable foods rich in FODMAPs and raw vegetables. For deeper and longer-lasting effects, it is also possible to consume foods rich in probiotics and good for your intestinal flora in order to balance it and promote better digestive transit.

Likewise, maintaining a correct hydration level with 1.5L of water per day helps strengthen the body's functions and support optimal intestinal transit. To vary the pleasures, it is possible to flavor your water (lemon, cucumber, strawberry, etc.) or to drink tea, coffee and infusions in addition.

Opt for a belly massage

Mechanically activating transit can also help combat swelling and bloating. Stomach massages are , therefore, real allies in finding a flat and soothed stomach.

Practicing physical activity

To combat weight gain and bloating, there's nothing like practicing physical activity! Indeed, sport has a thousand and one virtues for our body, particularly for our digestive system. Indeed, during physical activity, the increase in heart rate allows a better supply of blood, and therefore oxygen, to the intestinal muscles.

Thus, regular exercise stimulates intestinal peristalsis characterized by all the muscular contractions facilitating the movement of food through the digestive system. Indeed, the digestive walk after a hearty meal is not a myth, it really facilitates digestion.

Think about natural remedies

There are many natural solutions, which are not always miracle cures but which echo grandmother's remedies, and which would help reduce stomach aches and bloating.

Certain plants and spices have real benefits on digestive transit. Among them, we can cite carminative spices, such as caraway , cumin, fennel , ginger, peppermint, star anise, thyme, which help fight against the accumulation of gas.

In addition, infusions made from ginger, peppermint, chamomile or even nettle can soothe this intestinal discomfort.

Deflate your stomach quickly thanks to DIJO

At DIJO, and to make your life easier, we have developed food supplements bringing together different plants to quickly deflate your stomach and fight against bloating . Our 5-day reset brings together all the essential elements to allow you to fight against these inconveniences and thus regain intestinal serenity. Thanks to its concentrated formula, find a flat stomach in just 5 days thanks to the action of its 4 carminative and antispasmodic plants.