If you feel bloated all the time, it doesn't necessarily mean you're pregnant. Find out what could be causing your uncomfortable, bloated feeling.
There are many more significant indicators of an early pregnancy that should be noticed before jumping to this conclusion; most notably, a skipped period or menstrual cycle, as well as acutely swollen breasts. This, in congress with bloating, general fatigue, and distinctive change in mood, should be cause for greater concern, and should spur a trip to your family doctor as soon as possible.
However, if you’re simply experiencing general bloating, be it in the stomach, face, arms, legs, feet, hands, fingers or toes, there are many other factors that could be causing this before pregnancy. Some of the basic causes of bloating are:
Diet
Certain elements in your diet could be causing your stomach to bloat. Beans, artificial sweeteners (like aspartame), foods that are high in sodium, and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage, all can have a bloating effect. If you’re experiencing higher than normal occurrences of bloat, try cutting one or more of these out of your diet. Opt for juice over diet cola, celery over brussel sprouts, or unsalted rice crackers with a slice of low-fat cheese, over chips.
Water intake
It’s often said that eight glasses of water a day is essential to maintaining a healthy, hydrated body, however some individuals report a feeling of bloat after drinking excess amounts of water. Be advised, this is only temporary. In fact, the more water you drink, the more water weight you will expel through the process of urine filtration. It is also suggested that you put a wedge of lemon or a slice of cucumber in your water. This will make it easier to consume the suggested amount of water each day, as it will now have a light, refreshing flavor.
Refined carbohydrates
A common suggestion is to cut out “gluten” from your diet. Be wary of this recommendation. It’s true that some people have an allergy or intolerance to gluten, but it truly is not as common as the western media has come to make it seem. Instead, remove refined empty carbohydrates like white pasta, white rice, white bread, and potatoes, for options that are higher in fiber, like quinoa and brown rice.
Before making any extreme adjustments to your diet, consider making an appointment with a registered nutritionist. And if, after trying any or all of these things, the bloat does not appear to subside, visit your family doctor.
