Abdominal swelling, also known as distention, occurs when the stomach region expands or enlarges, giving off the appearance of being bloated. This typically happens when there is some internal pressure on a person’s organs, and many people experience some form of distention when they eat a particularly heavy meal. This type of abdominal swelling usually goes down after the food digests. However, some people have a more serious form of abdominal swelling that doesn’t disappear quite as easily. Here we’ll look at some of the causes, symptoms and treatments for abdominal swelling.

What are the symptoms of abdominal swelling?
Most with abdominal swelling will complain of abdominal distention or fullness. A smaller number may complain of Constipation, abdominal pain, weight gain, and leg swelling.

Tips to prevent Abdominal Swelling
In order to prevent stomach bloating, follow these helpful tips:
-- Incorporate fresh fruit and vegetables into your diet that will not cause gas and stomach bloating
-- Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to cleanse the body
-- Exercise regularly to encourage more frequent bowel activity
-- Reduce your intake of stimulants such as coffee, tea and chocolate
-- Increase your intake of B-complex vitamins and magnesium and calcium
-- Reduce stress by practicing deep breathing exercises or learn to meditate
-- Keep a diary where you monitor what foods causes you to bloat

Foods to avoid
-- Fruits such as apples, peaches and pears
-- Vegetables such as beans, cabbage, onions, artichokes, asparagus, brussel sprouts and broccoli
-- Whole grains such as bran and wheat
-- Salt and processed foods
-- Carbonated drinks and fruit juices
-- Milk products such as cheese, yogurt or ice cream and foods containing lactose
-- Chewing gum and hard candy