Flattening naturally rounded stomach

[SpazzyGinger87]

Hey guys. So, even when I was a teenager, real skinny 110lbs, I had a round tummy. Part of it is from Interstitial Cystitis (a bladder condition) that causes inflammation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I also have scoliosis and lordosis.

This may be the wrong place to ask, it's more general health, but any advice for the scoliosis, and nutrition for reducing inflammation?

[chamelious]

Have you not seen a doctor for these issues?

[viccles007]

I'm the same. Probably foods I eat that I shouldn't be but they so yummy! But even when I was down to 58kg I still had a round tummy. I also have IBS. Have you tried a low fodmap diet? Trying to eliminate foods that might bloat you up? (e.g., wheat, dairy)

[TorreTornado]

I'm the same. Probably foods I eat that I shouldn't be but they so yummy! But even when I was down to 58kg I still had a round tummy. I also have IBS. Have you tried a low fodmap diet? Trying to eliminate foods that might bloat you up? (e.g., wheat, dairy)

IC and IBS tend to respond to autoimmune protocol diets. Google that. Sarah Balantyne (sp) wrote a great book about it

[SpazzyGinger87]

Yes I have many drs. They aren't always super helpful. Torre, I've not heard of that so I'll look it up! I do low fodmaps now but still struggle to see improvement

[SpazzyGinger87]

Ah, having looked it up now, it seems very similar to my diet. I aim for a mixture of raw, paleo, and low fodmaps. Lots of fresh produce, lacto fermented foods, never wheat, dairy, sugar etc. I have a weak immune system though, I've always been sickly and eating well hasn't healed it unfortunately

[HeroesFall]

Having a "distended" stomach has a lot to do with how much food is in your stomach or "processed food" in your intestines. There's a reason why in the morning people's stomachs look their flattest. Smaller, more frequent meals would help you to have a smaller stomach. So would relieving yourself.

In addition, a lot of folks neglect to work the intra-abdominal muscles. So they may have a hard 6 pack, but still have a "gut" with a shirt on. The abdominals you don't see support the inside of your body, ie your guts, and keep them from spilling out. A weak set of these and your stomach will protrude more than normal. Doing exercises like sucking in your stomach / breath and holding it for a count of ten, then exhaling for sets of 10 will help. Do 3 sets, twice a week on non-ab days and see if it helps.

For your lordosis and scoliosis I'd suggest a Physical Therapist to recommend solid correctional exercises.



Good luck!

[viccles007]

In addition, a lot of folks neglect to work the intra-abdominal muscles. So they may have a hard 6 pack, but still have a "gut" with a shirt on. The abdominals you don't see support the inside of your body, ie your guts, and keep them from spilling out. A weak set of these and your stomach will protrude more than normal. Doing exercises like sucking in your stomach / breath and holding it for a count of ten, then exhaling for sets of 10 will help. Do 3 sets, twice a week on non-ab days and see if it helps.

Really? I'm going to try this.

[unstrong]

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=130876763

I don't come in here very often but this seems like it would get you most of the way there.

Summary:
- Strengthen hamstrings, glutes, abdominals
- Stretch/trigger point release hip flexors, IT bands, external rotators of the hips
- Focus on your posture while sitting and walking--try to feel like you are pulling your tailbone between your legs

[sandyr9]

All of these tips already posted sound great, I have a similar issue of the round tummy. I also found that smaller meals with very little processed food and for me -- no diary made my stomach calm down and feel less bloated. The thing is you never know how bloated you are, until you aren't anymore and you realize the difference.

[SpazzyGinger87]

I do small meals yes and take laxatives (on direction from dr). My PT also taught me colon massage. I'm just still seeing more curve than I'd like. thank you unstrong, that's what I was looking for.

I go back to physical therapy in 5 weeks, yay! I loved my PT.

[Artemis00]

Really? I'm going to try this.

Yeah, those are usually called stomach vacuums. I like to do those on my commute to work. Gives me something to do during the hour. And I can tell a difference between when I'm doing them more frequently and when I'm getting lazy and not doing them as frequently.

[oregonchick76]

So I have this distended tummy look too, regardless of how thin I get. For me, it is a combination of having pretty severe lordosis (deep curve in lumbar makes my butt stick out in the back and stomach in the front), coupled with a monthly bloat that coincides with my progesterone rise a week or so before my period is due.

The lordosis pushes internal organs out in the front. It's least noticeable in the morning when I'm 'empty', but as soon as I start to eat and drink, my belly pops right out! There's not fix for that.

The hormonal issues have gotten more extreme for me as I've aged. Right after I ovulate I gain 3-5 lbs of water in a matter of a day or two, and my belly becomes turgid. When my period starts, I pee and pee, and drop all that weight. Really, I hate it.

Here is a link to my post regarding my own bloat last fall - http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=156908593

I am not saying your issue is not food related, but just offering a different possibility.

[SpazzyGinger87]

yes oregonchick, I have lordosis as well. I joke that it gives me a great bubble butt at least! lol. I don't know why they never helped me as a kid, I remember going to get my spine checked a lot but I thought they did that for everyone. my PT says now as an adult my bones are the way they are and I can't change them, but I am learning stretches and exercises for it. I get the same issue with water too. people don't believe me when I say I can get so bloated I look 6 months pregnant. it gets HUGE and hard as a basketball

[Marie646]

Wow! I'm so glad I read this! Lordosis (deep curvature of the lower spine) I have the same thing and my belly and butt is the same way! I guess I should get with my Dr. about that now that I know. I believe someone already stated to train your Intra abdominal muscles. I met with a PT just a few months ago and that is what he said to do. Also severe bloating could be a sign of Candidiasis in your stomach, that also come along with a laundry list of other symptoms, but many people miss the symptoms. There is a diet for Candidiasis of the stomach that's helps. Even a small amount of processed food will make the symptoms ten times worse.

EDIT** LOL I'm always late! Just saw the date of this thread.