Stomach gets big and hard after eating? The causes and how to fix it.
Do you find your stomach gets big and hard after eating, even if you’re eating what you consider to be healthy foods? This common symptom, known as abdominal bloating or distention, that can be linked to various factors, including food intolerance, stomach acid, and constipation. However, one of the most common causes is poor gut health.
But why does poor gut health causing the stomach to get bigger after eating? The digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal tract or gut, is a complex network of organs that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. The digestive process can be disrupted when gut health is poor, leading to a permeable gut barrier and symptoms such as bloating or swelling, stomach pain, diarrhea and constipation.
An enlarged, hard stomach after eating could be a sign of gut distension, which can be a result of poor gut health.
If your stomach gets bigger after eating and feels hard, you may have poor gut health. The symptoms of poor gut health can range from uncomfortable and embarrassing, to painful and debilitating, making it essential to address the issue promptly.
symptoms assoCIATED WITH A BIG AND HARD STOMACH AFTER EATING
There are many symptoms of poor gut health.
Symptoms of poor gut health
You can improve your gut health and avoid abdominal distension by identifying common symptoms, taking steps to identify the cause of the problem, and improving your gut health. Some common symptoms of poor gut health include:
Bloating
Bloating is one of the most common symptoms of poor gut health and can accompany a feeling of fullness and pressure in the stomach. This condition can also lead to an enlarged and hard stomach after eating. Bloating can be caused by various factors such as digestive issues, food intolerances, slow digestion, and the buildup of gas in the intestines.
Stomach pain
Stomach pain is another common symptom of poor gut health and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Many people describe the sensation as a gnawing feeling or a burning or sandpaper-like feeling in the gut.
Hard stomach
A hard and distended stomach is another sign of poor gut health, as it can indicate that gas and stool are building up in the intestines. It can also be a result of an autoimmune response to ingested foods.
Abdominal distension
A hard gut is also known as abdominal distension or the swelling of the abdomen. It is often a clear sign of poor gut health and can accompany bloating, pain, and discomfort.
Constipation
Constipation is a common symptom of poor gut health. Although everyone’s bowel habits differ, constipation can refer to difficulty passing stool or less than three stools per week.
Indigestion
Indigestion, or heartburn, is another sign of poor gut health. It can feel like a burning sensation in the chest, sometimes spreading to the neck, throat, or face, and is often accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. In addition, food may feel like it is sitting up high in the stomach or will not pass through the esophagus.
These side effects can include gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and fatigue. Speaking with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about potential side effects is essential.
Stomach gets big and hard after eating? Many people with poor gut health suffer from this symptom.
What makes stomach big and hard: Common causes
If your stomach gets big and hard after eating, it can be a sign of poor gut health. Common reasons for a big and hard belly include food intolerance, autoimmune diseases, and imbalances in gut bacteria. Understanding the causes of this issue can help you identify the root problem and make changes to improve your gut health. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes.
Your stomach gets bloated after eating.
Bloating is an uncomfortable sensation of fullness or swelling in the abdomen caused by excess air or gas in the digestive tract. This can occur after eating due to overeating, swallowing air, or certain foods that are difficult to digest, leading to slowed digestion and increased gas production.
Stomach big and hard, but not pregnant?
A big and hard stomach after eating is not always a sign of pregnancy. While you may look four months pregnant, if there is no possibility that you could be pregnant, the cause could instead be diet related.
You have a food intolerance.
If you are eating healthy, but your stomach gets big and hard after eating, food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, could be the cause. Lactose intolerance can cause a big and hard stomach after eating by irritating the gut and causing bloating and distension.
Autoimmune disease: Certain autoimmune diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and ulcerative colitis, can cause a big and hard stomach after eating.
Your gut bacteria is imbalanced.
An imbalance of gut bacteria can also contribute to a big and hard stomach after eating, as it can affect digestion and lead to bloating and discomfort.
You are eating processed food.
A diet high in processed food can also contribute to a big and hard stomach after eating, as these foods are often high in additives and preservatives that irritate the gut. If it’s in packaging and has been through a machine, it’s probably not great for you.
Could you have leaky gut?
Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, can result in a hard, distended stomach. When the gut lining becomes more permeable than it should be, it can allow bacteria and toxins to pass through into the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation. This condition can lead to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, and changes in bowel movements.
Could you have Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)?
SIBO can result in a stomach that gets big and hard after eating. Usually, bacteria in the gut are found primarily in the colon, but in SIBO, there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. This overgrowth of bacteria can cause digestive symptoms, such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, and changes in bowel movements.
Could you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
IBS is a common digestive disorder that can cause a hard, distended stomach. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. The exact cause of IBS is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to a combination of factors, including an imbalance of gut bacteria, nerve signals in the gut, and stress. In some cases, certain foods or stressors may trigger IBS symptoms.
Whatever the cause of your big and hard belly, if you are this far into reading this article, you probably want to know how to relieve this annoying or debilitating symptom.
How to relieve a hard gut and bloating in the digestive tract
If your stomach gets big and hard after eating, it can be uncomfortable and even painful, and if you regularly suffer from this symptom, you are probably eager to find a way to relieve it. Here are several ways to relieve the symptoms; some may provide immediate relief, and others are a long-term approach.
Pass a bowel movement.
Regular bowel movements can help relieve abdominal bloating and reduce the risk of a distended gut. If your stomach becomes hard and bloated after eating, a trip to the bathroom to empty your bowels may help.
Release gas.
Releasing gas through belching or flatulence can also help relieve bloating and discomfort. Again, a trip to the bathroom to release trapped gas may provide some relief.
Stop eating processed food.
Limiting or avoiding processed food in your diet can also help improve your gut health and reduce the risk of abdominal bloating.
Food elimination diet
A food elimination diet, where you remove certain foods from your diet and then slowly reintroduce them, can help identify food intolerances and improve your gut health.
Removing foods that cause inflammation from your diet.
After you have identified foods that cause inflammation, avoiding eating these foods could help. In a moment, we will explore a common yet little-known protein that can cause gastrointestinal tract havoc.
Consume probiotics.
Probiotics can be a helpful part of treating poor gut health and reducing a hard and distended gut. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast beneficial to the gut and can help improve gut health. They can help to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can help to reduce symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, and changes in bowel movements.
Probiotics can be taken in supplements, but they are also naturally contained in certain foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables.
Use intermittent fasting.
Intermittent fasting is a dietary pattern that involves alternating eating periods with fasting. It has been shown to have various health benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and weight loss. While there is limited research on the effects of intermittent fasting on bloating, some people report reduced symptoms after adopting this dietary pattern.
I find intermittent fasting gives my gut a break, and I fast for 20 hours daily, which helps reduce my stomach distension. However, intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions, so it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before introducing this as a dietary habit.
Get sufficient, quality sleep.
Adequate sleep is important for overall health and well-being. While there is limited research on the direct effect of sleep on bloating, getting enough sleep can help regulate the digestive system and reduce symptoms of digestive distress. Personally, I find that when I am well slept, I am more likely to have a calmer gut. Sleep also helps support the immune system, reducing the risk of inflammation, which can contribute to bloating and other digestive symptoms. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support digestive health and overall well-being.
These steps can improve your gut health, relieve abdominal bloating, and reduce the risk of a distended gut. Remember to consult with a health physician before making changes to your diet. I suggest a holistic health practitioner, such as one who practices functional medicine.
Lectins, the little-known cause of a big and hard stomach after eating.
Various factors can cause poor gut health, but one factor that may contribute to this issue is lectin intolerance or lectin sensitivity. Lectins are a type of protein found in many plant-based foods. While they are present in small amounts in most foods, for some people with damaged or sensitive guts, consuming excessive amounts of lectins can lead to severe digestive problems and chronic poor gut health, which can then go on to cause other ill health in the body.
Lectins can cause damage to the gut lining, and can interfere with the absorption of nutrients. This can lead to stomach bloating, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort. Additionally, lectins can trigger an immune response in some individuals, causing inflammation and contributing to poor gut health. If your stomach gets big and hard after eating, you may now be wondering if lectins are an issue for you.
OTHER COMMON SYMPTOMS
Poor gut health and lectin sensitivity symptoms.
Alongside a hard, distended, bloated gut, poor gut health and a lectin intolerance can lead to various symptoms, including diarrhea and nausea. Diarrhea is a condition in which loose and watery stools may occur frequently. Nausea is a discomfort in the upper stomach with an urge to vomit.
Beyond digestive issues, poor gut health can also cause:
Poor mental health/brain fog
This may involve feelings of anxiety, depression, or difficulty concentrating.
Chronic fatigue
This can lead to feelings of exhaustion, even after adequate sleep.
Lack of motivation
This may result in decreased energy levels, making it easier to engage in physical activities or complete tasks.
Poor physical endurance
Poor gut health can impact overall physical performance and make it harder to complete tasks or engage in physical activities.
Constant hunger and cravings for unhealthy foods
This symptom can result from imbalances in the gut microbiome or hormonal imbalances.
Difficulty losing weight or inability to maintain a healthy weight
This can be caused by a combination of factors, including gut imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and hormone imbalances.
A lectin-free diet may improve gut health and alleviate symptoms.
For some people experiencing symptoms of poor gut health, such as when the stomach gets big and hard after eating, reducing the intake of lectin-rich foods and incorporating more gut-friendly foods into the diet may relieve a large and hard stomach after eating.
So what foods do and don’t contain lectins? There is a long list of each, but let’s start by looking at a few of each from the “no” and “yes” lists for a low lectin diet.
Foods that are high in lectins
Many foods contain lectins, but some are higher in lectins than others. If you are trying out a lectin-free diet to see if it helps relieve a distended gut, these are some of the foods to avoid:
– Legumes
– Many grains
– Nightshades
Raw legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, peanuts) and whole grains like wheat contain the highest amounts of lectins of any food.
Nightshades include tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, and chili peppers.
Foods that are low in lectins
Some foods that are low in lectins include:
– Avocado
– Asparagus
– Broccoli
– Brussels sprouts
– Other cruciferous vegetables
– Celery
– Cooked sweet potatoes.
– Low lectin grains include sorghum and millet.
Could eating a nutrient-dense diet full of whole foods that support gut health, such as leafy greens, lean protein, and healthy fats, be just what you need when your stomach gets big and hard after eating?
Do animal products contain lectins?
While animals do not produce lectins, they can consume them through their feed, resulting in their meat and dairy products containing lectins.
Therefore, it is important to consider the source of your animal products and choose those from animals fed a diet low in lectins to minimize your exposure to lectins through your food. Animal products with less or no lectins are meats (grass-fed), wild-caught fish, other seafood, and sheep and goat products.
For some, avoiding lectins can transform health.
By paying attention to their lectin intake and incorporating gut-friendly foods into their diet, people whose gut inflammation is caused or exacerbated by lectins can improve gut health and reduce the risk of digestive issues.
Personally, this was the case for me. I have struggled with debilitating symptoms of poor gut health for over a decade. By avoiding lectins as much as possible, I have found this to alleviate some debilitating symptoms.
If you’re struggling with a hard, distended gut and your stomach gets huge after eating, don’t let it continue to disrupt your life. By identifying the root cause and taking steps to improve your gut health, you can alleviate this symptom and start feeling your best.
While a hard, distended stomach can be a symptom of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, lactose intolerance, or ulcerative colitis, a lectin intolerance could be what’s causing symptoms to flare.
Is a lectin-free diet the solution for your “stomach gets big and hard after eating” problem?
Trying a lectin-free diet may be the solution or offer relief for people who suffer when their stomach gets big and hard after eating. Avoiding foods high in lectins, such as legumes, grains, and nightshades, and focusing on nutrient-dense, whole foods that support gut health, such as leafy greens, lean protein, and healthy fats, may help.
If you would like to learn about the diet I follow for a gentle and calm gut, get your copy of Gentle and Calm gut now:
Note: If you have concerning symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to figure out the best course of action.
