Does Diastasis recti cause bloating?

Back pain, poor posture, Pelvic floor issues, digestive problems and gastro-intestinal disturbances like constipation and BLOATING are all symptoms that occur when the core support system is weak, as it is with Diastasis recti. 

​Bloating is something I get asked about a lot in my private Diastasis recti workout support Facebook group (which you can join here).

​

Bloat is any abnormal gas swelling, or increase in diameter of the abdominal area.

With Diastasis recti, bloating is more obvious when it occurs due to weak connective tissue.

But what can you do about it?

And why does it occur more at the end of the day?

The Main Causes of Bloating

  1. Posture
  2. Food intolerances
  3. Lack of water – dehydration
  4. Water retention
  5. Certain Foods
  6. Weight gain
  7. Acidic and/or carbonated beverages
  8. Gas in general
  9. Stress
  10. Period starting
  11. Too much salt intake
  12. Inactivity

Posture

This I think is one of the biggest reasons for moms with Diastasis recti, feeling more bloated (or having a bigger “mummy tummy” at the end of the day.

​It takes a lot of effort to hold good posture all day (I heard it burns an extra 300 calories as well! That is like going for a 5K run!!!).

​So by the end of the day we are tired and tend to slouch more.

Slouching/hunching over puts more pressure on your abdominal wall which puts pressure on your gap.

So if your posture is worse at the end of the day, so will be your “mummy tummy”

​Try to be conscious of how you sit and stand at the end of the day, here are 4 points to think about:

​1) Stand tall (from the crown of your head)

2) Lift your chest (not so much that your rib thrust out, but so you aren’t hunched forward)

3) Pinch your shoulder blades together, just enough so that the palms of your hands are facing your side – not behind you

4) Lift (or pull up) slighlty from the pubic bone – this will gently engage your abs to stabilize this position.

​

Dehydration and Water Retention

Water retention – hormonal imbalances, certain medications, lack of certain nutrients, dehydration and other things on the list above can cause this.

​FACT! Water helps decrease bloating.

 One might think the opposite since water retention sounds like water trapped inside of your body which is true.

But water taken in via mouth is not the same and will NOT cause bloating but will HELP protect against it.

Worries that having more water may cause you to leak more if you have pelvic floor dysfunction? Actually it is the opposite, more water will cause less bladder irritation and actually help your pelvic floor.

Dehydration leads to water retention. If you didn’t know before, you do now!

​

You also need to drink enough water to heal your Diastasis recti – check out this post to find out why and how much you need to drink -> HERE

 

Food Intolerances

Food allergies and intolerances are relatively common, and based on my personal experience and moms I have worked with often develop AFTER pregnancy.

​When you eat foods that you are intolerant to, it can cause excess gas production, bloating and other symptoms.

​Here are some common foods and ingredients to consider:

Wheat and Gluten:

Many people are allergic to wheat, or intolerant to gluten (a protein in wheat, spelt, barley and some other grains). This can lead to various adverse effects on digestion, including bloating.​

Lactose:

Lactose intolerance is associated with many digestive symptoms, including bloating. Lactose is the main carbohydrate in milk.

​Fructose:

Fructose intolerance can lead to bloating. High-fructose foods include juices, apples, grapes, watermelon, asparagus, peas and zucchini. Lower fructose fruite and veg include: bananas, blueberries, strawberries, carrots, avocados, green beans and lettuce and often can be tolerated in limited quantities with meals.

NOTE sugar in general is inflammatory, which can lead to bloating and sore joints, check ingredients on labels to see if any sugar has been added – you will be amazed at where it turns up.

​Eggs:

Gas and bloating are common symptoms of egg allergy.

​You can try avoiding some of these to see if it helps. But if you strongly suspect that you have a food allergy or intolerance, see a doctor, nutritionist or holistic doctor.

I have seen a number of ladies within my community discover they have SIBO, so this would be a good test to ask for if you are having no success with other methods mentioned here.

Certain Foods

I know for a fact that any sugar blows me up like a balloon!
But there are other foods that can cause bloating. Often to work out your own triggers you need to create a food diary and track what you eat and when you bloat to pin-point what are your causes.

​Numerous studies have shown that indigestible carbohydrates called FODMAPS can drastically exacerbate bloating symptoms in IBS patients.

​If you are trying to pin-point certain foods you might want to start looking at high-fodmaps foods, there are plenty of downloadable lists to be found.

​______________________

If you have any questions please comment below, and if this was useful for you please share this article. Don’t let other mommy’s wonder WHY they can’t regain their flat belly?

Source: https://corefitnessformoms.com/diastasis-recti/symptoms/bloating



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