Bloating or bloating is often caused by overeating, swallowing air, lactose intolerance, fluid buildup in the abdomen, and other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, according to the National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus.
In addition to this, there are other factors that cause a swollen abdomen. For example, the consumption of carbonated drinks of all kinds such as sparkling water, beer or soft drinks generate this ailment. Whole foods also ferment the intestine and cause bloating in the stomach.
However, the causes of this problem do not stop there. A study conducted by the VU University Medical Center and the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands established that there is a relationship between high levels of fat in the abdomen and low levels of vitamin D. Thus, having a deficiency in this vitamin is one cause of why the abdomen frequently swells.
It is worth mentioning that vitamin D is a very necessary nutrient for health, It also helps the body absorb calcium and keep bones strong. In addition to this, it helps prevent osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones thinner and weaker and more prone to fractures; and it is essential for the immune system to fight the bacteria and viruses that attack it.
The amount of vitamin D a person needs per day will depend on their age. For example, pregnant or lactating women and adolescents should consume 15 mcg per day; adults older than 71 years, 20 mcg; and adults between the ages of 19 and 10 mcg.
Now, it is important to know that vitamin D can be acquired in multiple ways. One of them is through exposure to the sun, because the body produces it when it is exposed to UV rays, but you must have a controlled exposure to avoid conditions such as skin cancer or dermal burns.
Foods rich in vitamin D
Another healthy way to increase vitamin D levels in the body is through food. Thus, National Institutes of Health point out some of them:
- Fatty fish, such as trout, salmon, tuna, and mackerel, as well as fish liver oils, are among the best natural sources of vitamin D.
- Beef liver, egg yolks, and cheese contain small amounts of vitamin D.
- Mushrooms provide some vitamin D. Some mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet light to increase their vitamin D content.
- breakfast cereals and orange juices, yogurts, margarines, and other products contain added vitamin D.
This vitamin can also be found in multivitamin and multimineral supplements, as well as dietary supplements that contain only vitamin D or vitamin D combined with some other nutrients. Both options can increase the concentration of this vitamin in the blood.