Foods that Reduce Abdominal Swelling

Do you suffer from painful digestion and swelling? Learn how to reduce abdominal swelling naturally with these healthy foods.
Foods that Reduce Abdominal Swelling

Last update: 20 May, 2022

Would you like to reduce abdominal swelling?

Abdominal swelling, or distension, is caused by an accumulation of internal gas or liquids. This can be caused by different situations, like certain foods that are difficult to digest or by certain health conditions.

Other causes that are related to health disorders that could provoke distension could be irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and intolerance to certain foods. Certain medications may also cause it, not to mention pre-menstrual syndrome, which makes women feel and look more swollen and uncomfortable.

If you’re suffering from abdominal swelling and are absolutely sure that it’s due to dietary factors, then your solution should be focused on food choice. Always remember to consult your physician if your symptoms continue, worsen, or if new symptoms appear.

Women undergoing hormonal changes from month to month are more prone to retaining water, but that doesn’t mean you should stop trying to get relief.

Below, we are going to give you a list of foods that could cause abdominal swelling or distension, and which foods to avoid.

Foods that cause abdominal distension

reduce abdominal swelling
Even though some of these foods may be necessary to have a balanced diet, they could be responsible for causing your swollen belly and all the annoyances it carries with it.

  • Dairy
  • Legumes
  • Cabbage
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Foods rich in fat
  • Heavily flavored foods
  • Salt

Reduce abdominal swelling with these foods

Within the wide spectrum of foods that we can count on to nourish our bodies from day to day, some help maintain a better figure by preventing water retention or abdominal gas.

The best of these foods are:

  1. Peaches
  2. Pears
  3. Pineapple
  4. Apples
  5. Lean meats (baked, grilled, or boiled)
  6. Parsley
  7. Oregano
  8. Basil
  9. Rice
  10. Vegetables like pumpkins
  11. Eggplant
  12. Zucchini (peeled and seeded)
  13. Infusions with lemon verbena, mint, lime blossom, and boldo

Don’t stop drinking water during the days when you feel more swollen. After all, this is the only way you can eliminate anything in excess in your body. Don’t believe the myth that if you’re swollen, you should stop drinking water. Keep in mind that if you drink mineral water, you should do so without consuming sodium.

In addition, you should avoid all salty foods. As you may know, they worsen the situation, because they retain liquid in the body. Use other methods of seasoning and adding flavor to your meals, like spices.

Finally, you should never abandon exercise. Even walking helps move extra liquids so they can be effectively eliminated and can help reduce abdominal swelling.

reduce abdominal swelling

Keep in mind

Overall, it’s important to point out that you should never eliminate any food that is necessary for good nutrition just because it makes your abdominal area swell. It’s best to consult a nutritionist so they can guide you regarding the best way to substitute foods that disturb you, or advise you about the best way to eat them.

It could be that all you need to do is make simple changes while cooking your foods in order to prevent any discomfort.

Finally, we can’t go without talking about the importance of chewing your food well in order to reduce abdominal swelling. At mealtime, this should be a ritual. Chew carefully and peacefully so as to prevent any digestion problems and reduce abdominal swelling.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.