This 24-Hour Before-and-After Is More Common Than You Think

These pictures are from this Monday/ Tuesday and show what one of my bloating episodes look like. No I'm not pushing my tummy out, I actually have abdominal distension during these episodes, as pointed out by a doctor (and you can see I'm totally not feeling good). For as long as I can remember, I've suffered from these episodes of intense pain and bloating. It started a few years ago and it was upper right quadrant pain, bloating, and discomfort once every few months. Then it progressed to every month, and now it seems to hit me every few weeks. Doctors are just as confused as I am and so far all I've gotten diagnosed with are "gastritis" and possible IBS- which we know means there really isn't a known cause. I've been doing everything I can to modify my diet, to identify any food triggers and to just deal with it when it happens but it's NOT easy. I'm not sharing for sympathy, but instead to be real with you all. Sharing a photo like this is never easy because when you're bloated you feel pretty down on yourself and you're uncomfortable in your own skin. But I'm sharing this to show that you're not alone, and that we all have things that we're battling and that's normal. Bloating is so common and affects about 10-30% of the general population, with women TWICE as likely to experience it. So nope, I don't walk around with abs 24/7, and I'm totally ok with that! Right now my priorities are to share my journey, and to one day at least find out what the heck this random pain is. So the next time you're bloated, don't think you look "fat or disgusting"- that's unhealthy behavior and you know that bloating comes and goes. Instead, make yourself a hot water bottle, drink water, turn on some netflix and rest easy. Always remember your body responds best to positivity and love. . . . #bloated #bloating #beforeandafter #screwthescale #ibs #squatspo #fitnesslifestyle #gymlife #cleaneating #vlogger #paleoish #liveauthentic #healthylifestyle #fitnessbody #healthyishappy #fitnesspageforall #mindovermatter #girlswithabs #womenshealth #mindbodysoul #girlswhoworkout #paleofood #fitfood #absaremadeinthekitchen #bebetter #strongnotskinny #fitliving #bodyunderconstruction

A post shared by Celena Diane (@celenakinsey) on May 31, 2017 at 2:58pm PDT

Ever notice that your belly is flat at certain times of the day, then at other times, it looks like you swallowed a balloon? It's completely normal, especially if you've eaten a lot or, as in blogger Celena Diane's case, you're extremely bloated. Celena said, "These pictures are from this Monday/ Tuesday and show what one of my bloating episodes look like." She assured us that she's not sticking her belly out — this is what her belly looks like when it's not feeling well. She added, "I'm sharing this to show that you're not alone, and that we all have things that we're battling and that's normal."

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I Had No Idea This Food Caused Bloating and I Was Eating It Every Day

Suffering from belly bloat is pretty common, and Celena shared, "I don't walk around with abs 24/7." So the next time you feel this way, "don't think you look 'fat or disgusting.'" Your bloated belly won't be here for long, so just rest up and "always remember your body responds best to positivity and love."