What Causes A Bloated Stomach?

Fluctuations In Hormones

Some individuals may experience stomach bloating caused by fluctuations in their hormones. Bloating is a common symptom that occurs when a female is going through the process of menstruation every month. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone make a sharp increase following the two-week phase of ovulation. Estrogen is a hormone known to cause an increase in the retention of water in an individual's body, which can result in bloating.

Increased levels of progesterone have been proven to slow down the normal movement of food through the affected individual's digestive system. Progesterone does this by slowing down the natural contractions of the intestinal muscles responsible for healthy stool movement. Slower movement causes the affected individual to become constipated and bloated due to the accumulation of stool in their intestines. Bloating is also a common occurrence in women going through menopause due to the erratic fluctuation of hormones.

Water Retention

Water retention, also called edema or fluid retention, occurs when excess fluids built up in the body. When the fluid builds up around the stomach, it can cause individuals to feel bloated. The water doesn't tend to be retained inside the stomach itself. Instead, it builds up in tissues and cavities around the body, or it builds up within the circulatory system. In addition to bloating, water retention might cause limbs to swell up. There are many potential causes of water retention, with most of them not being serious.

Some women experience increased water retention and bloating immediately before menstruation or during pregnancy. Water retention might also occur in individuals who are sitting through long periods of physical inactivity, such as those on long flights or those bedridden by illness. Eating too much salt can increase water retention, so reducing sodium intake might help. Increasing magnesium intake also helps the body get rid of excess fluids.