Skinny but look bloated, what can I do?

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WHY AM I BLOATED?Although bloating tends to happen without
warning, there are easy ways to reduce and prevent symptoms.
However, before this can be done, it helps to pinpoint the exact
cause of abdominal bloating.

Common Causes of Bloating

• Pre-menstrual syndrome
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• High salt intake
• Large consumption of sodas
• Too little protein in diet
• Irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive tract disorders
• Food allergies
• Lactose intolerance

Tips to Reduce Symptoms of Bloating

Often times, a build up of intestinal gas can be eased by simply
burping or passing gas. Occasional bloating is normal, and
generally subsides within a few hours without treatment. However,
if bloating prolongs for several hours or days, the following tips
may assist with
relieving discomfort.

• Until the bloating lessens, avoid foods that may cause additional
gas. These might include beans, fruits, vegetables, and so forth.

• If intestinal gas or bloating is the result of constipation, increase
your water and fiber intake. Attempt to drink at least eight glasses
of water daily. Water helps to soften stools, which relieves
constipation and abdominal bloating. (CLICK HERE)

• Many women experience abdominal bloating before, during, or
immediately following their menstrual cycle. Over-the-counter
medications such as Midol are very effective with relieving
abdominal bloating and distention.

Another common cause of intestinal bloating is irritable bowel
syndrome. IBS is a common condition. The extent varies, and
symptoms are generally recurrent. For the most part, specific foods
or drinks may trigger symptoms of IBS and bloating. Keep a food
log. This will help you identify possible foods causing bloating.
Furthermore, reducing stress is also effective with easing IBS
symptoms.

• Persons suffering from lactose intolerance may have periodic
bouts with bloating. However, symptoms can be prevented by
eliminating certain foods from your diet. If you cannot live without
ice cream and other dairy products, make a habit of taking
medication intended to help he body break down lactose before
eating.

Does this sound like you?
"I want a flat stomach but my stomach never looks flat!"
"My jeans fit in the morning but won't fasten by evening!"
"My tummy feels heavy and bloated even after small meals!"
"I've tried every pill, potion and diet on the market but despite
losing weight my stomach still looks fat and bloated!"

If this sounds all too familiar you are not alone! Bloating makes you
look and feel fat and for some people, trying to keep a Flat Stomach
is a daily battle due to constant abdominal bloating. How often have
you complained that those favourite jeans that fit so snugly first
thing in the morning are bursting at the seams by evening? You
eat healthily, you exercise regularly and your weight and bmi are
normal so why do you still look fat? How can you stop bloating?

Bloating is not simply an inconvenience. For those who suffer from
it, it can be extremely distressing and at times incapacitating. We
all crave a Flat Stomach yet it is rarely taken seriously by medical
professionals and usually dismissed as something that merely has
to be endured rather than treated and cured. Sufferers of bloating
may be plagued with recurring, embarrassing flatulence as well as
crippling stomach cramps. In extreme cases some may find
themselves with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, as
a large bloated stomach can give a distorted image of a person's
overall figure.

Yet how often have you spoken to your doctor about your
digestive disorders only for it to be diagnosed as just another case
of i.b.s (irritable bowel syndrome) and offered no real solution to
the problem? A flat stomach rarely seems to be a priority to anyone
else except the sufferer, and fitting into your favourite pair of
jeans is hardly considered a medical emergency.

While it must be pointed out that bloating can sometimes be a
symptom of serious illness, once this option has been eliminated
by the appropriate medical investigations sufferers should
consider the possibility that the culprit may lie in the food they are
eating. Also, if you suspect you may be suffering from a serious
eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, PLEASE consult your
doctor as soon as possible.

HOW TO GET RID OF BLOATING AND GET A FLAT STOMACH
In today's hectic world few of us have the time to devote to
creating the plain wholesome food enjoyed by our predecessors.
We have come to rely on ready prepared meals and seasonings to
provide our dietary needs. Unfortunately along with the ever
growing list of convenience foods is the endless array of additives
contained within the package. Much has already been written
about additives, e-numbers etc and their effects on our health and
it is not the purpose of this site to investigate other problems or
symptoms which may be related to them. The sole problem we are
concerned with here is stomach bloating and the possible causes
of it.

For although in many people a bloated stomach will be regarded as
nothing more than an annoying inconvenience, rather like waking
up with a nasty spot on your face on the day of an important
interview for example. For others it can be far more worrying. The
abdomen may be completely flat first thing in the morning only to
become hugely distended throughout the course of the day. Some
sufferers complain of looking pregnant by the evening and are
often troubled by crippling painful cramps.

So what is the answer to bloating and that elusive Flat Stomach?
Well forget the diet pills. Not only do these mask the problem they
may even make things worse. In most cases, just a few basic
modifications to the diet are all that is required. Of course most of
us are already aware that certain types of food are known to cause
excess gas, for example: onions, broccoli; cabbage and beans, etc
but how often have you avoided these foods and still found your
stomach swelling and your clothes pulling uncomfortably tight?
You may have also tried other popular remedies such as
peppermint tea and charcoal tablets which may help to ease the
cramps but somehow never seem able to get to the root of the
problem. So that leads us to the question about other possible
causes of bloating and particularly the role of additives in our food.

But why should additives cause bloating?
Quite possibly because our systems are simply getting overloaded
by them. Unlike the diets followed by our parents and
grandparents, convenience foods play an enormous role in the
lifestyle of today's generation. In years gone by meals were far
simpler and usually prepared using fresh produce. Nowadays we
are more likely to buy a pack of ready battered fish rather than
whisking together the ingredients to make our own. Spaghetti
Bolognese will probably be made with the assistance of a packet or
jar of ready prepared sauce instead of blending the herbs
ourselves. Even salads can be bought pre-packed with little
sachets of dressings included. The corner shops and market
places that were so prevalent a few decades ago have been
overtaken by super stores with a massive range of mouth watering
convenience food and drinks. It's no wonder our meal choices
have changed completely. So it's probably fair to say that it isn't
necessarily the additives themselves which are the problem, it is
the sheer quantity in which they are consumed that often causes
the symptoms. You could therefore argue that to prevent bloating
all you need to do is follow a strict diet using only natural
ingredients. That may well work for you, however in reality not all
convenience foods are bad and it would probably make more
sense not to reject them altogether. Not only would that be
impractical for many people, in most cases it is also unnecessary.
As far as bloating is concerned we need only control or limit our
intake of the ingredient that causes the problem.

TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION..Fluid retention occurs when
water accumulates in the body. Water is is always plentiful in the
body. Most of the water is contained in cells. About one-third of the
water is located outside of the cells. The water outside of the cells
is in lymph fluid and blood vessels, the space between cells,
officially called "interstitual space". The fluid can accumulate in the
interstitial space as a result of disease conditions. Serious fluid
retention is called edema.

Edema is often seen as a swelling in the legs. If a indentation in the
skin occurs and stays in the skin after pressure, such as by the
finger, is applied and released. The indentation is called pitted.
This most serious form of edema is called pitted edema.

Edema can be caused by several diseases including diseases of
the heart, kidneys and liver. Severe allergic reactions can also
cause edema. Varicose veins or a blood clot can also cause edema.
Cirrhosis of the liver causes excessive fluid accumulations in the
abdominal cavity.

The treatments and drugs used for diseases can also cause
edema. Drugs that can cause edema include: hormones, steroids
and treatment for hypertension.

Most fluid retention is mild and temporary. Often fluid retention is
related to eating salty food. Swelling can occur after eating high
sodium meals, such as: Chinese food, chips, deli meats, smoked
fish, frozen entrees, canned soups and salad dressings.

After consuming a salty meal or snack , the sodium causes the body
to hold more water in an effort to bring the sodium and water ratio
back into proper balance.

Fluid retention related to the menstrual cycle is caused by a surge
of hormones causing the kidneys to retain water.

Although it is counterintuitive, drinking water alleviates bloating.
Many people think that drinking water causes bloating, but the
opposite is true. Experts recommend drinks at least six to eights
glasses of fluid daily to keep your body functioning properly and
keep fluid in correct balance.

Certain foods have a diuretic effect to help avoid the puffiness of
fluid retention. Diuretic foods include: cranberry juice, caffeinated
beverages, asparagus, eggplant, anise, celery, dandelion greens,
lemon, parsley and tea.

There have been studies that show that immersion in water can
help to relieve fluid retention. Getting into a swimming pool and
taking a water aerobics class or going swimming are activities that
can relieve bloating.

For edema or swelling in the legs, the best remedy is to keep the
legs elevated as much as possible so that the water doesn't pool in
the ankles and lower legs. Increase circulation to the lower legs by
doing ankle exercises. Pointing and lifting the toes is a good
stretch for the feet and increases circulation.

Fluid retention can be mild and temporary or it can be serious and
chronic. Bloating can be very uncomfortable, as well as unsightly.
In order to avoid this problem you should avoid salty foods and
snacks, eating the high potassium food with a diuretic effect
instead. Drinking lots of water has been proven to flush the sodium
out of your system and to alleviate bloating. Get your circulation
going with exercise. If you have access to a swimming pool, or
lake, take advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in
water while you exercise.

WHAT FOODS ARE MAKING ME LOOK BLOATED? I AM SKINNY BUT I
LOOK BLOATED WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
watch these foods in your diet...

Avoid the saltshaker, salt-based
seasonings, and highly processed
foods. Water is attracted to
sodium, so when you take in
higher than usual amounts, you'll
temporarily retain more fluid-which
contributes to a sluggish feeling, a
puffy appearance, and extra water
weight.

Excess Carbs
As a backup energy source, your
carbohydrate called glycogen.
Every gram of glycogen is stored
with about 3 grams of water. But
unless you're running a marathon
tomorrow, you don't need all this
stockpiled fuel. Decreasing your
carbohydrate intake temporarily
can train your body to access this
stored fuel and burn it off. At the
same time, you'll drain off the
excess stored fluid.

Bulky Raw Foods
A half-cup serving of cooked
carrots delivers the same nutrition
as one cup raw, but it takes up
less room in your GI tract. Eat only
cooked vegetables, smaller
portions of unsweetened dried
fruit, and canned fruits in natural
juice. This will allow you to meet
your nutrient needs without
expanding your GI tract with extra
volume.

Certain foods simply create more
gas in your GI tract. They include
legumes, cauliflower, broccoli,
Brussels sprouts, cabbage,
onions, peppers, and citrus fruits.

Alcohol, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and
acidic fruit juices: Each of these
high-acid beverages can irritate
your GI tract, causing swelling.
You can have these drinks in
moderation after the jumpstart if
you choose.

Fried Foods
Fatty foods, especially the fried
variety, are digested more slowly,
causing you to feel heavy and
bloated. On the Flat Belly Diet
you'll eat fats, but you'll eat the
healthy kind--MUFAs (short for
monounsaturated fatty acids)--that
target hard-to-lose visceral belly
fat. MUFAs can be found in oils
(such as olive oil), olives, nuts and
seeds, avocado, and dark
chocolate.

Spicy Foods
Foods seasoned with black
pepper, nutmeg, cloves, chili
powder, hot sauces, onions, garlic,
mustard, barbecue sauce,
horseradish, catsup, tomato sauce,
or vinegar can all stimulate the
release of stomach acid, which can
cause irritation.

Carbonated Drinks
Where do you think all those
bubbles end up? They gang up in
your belly! Swap these beverages
for delicious Sassy Water (the Flat
Belly Diet's signature drink). You'll
enjoy this soothing, flavorful water
on the jumpstart and can continue
drinking it throughout the diet
(many Flat Belly Dieters do!).

You probably don't realize this, but
when you chew gum, you swallow
air. All that air gets trapped in your
GI tract and causes pressure,
bloating, and belly expansion.

Sugar Alcohols
These sugar substitutes, which go
by the names xylitol or maltitol, are
often found in low-calorie or
low-carb products like cookies,
candy, and energy bars because
they taste sweet. Like fiber, your
GI tract can't absorb most of them.
That's good for your calorie bottom
line, but not so good for your belly.
Sugar alcohols cause gas,
abdominal distention, bloating, and
diarrhea. Avoid them.