Do you often wake up with a bloated face? Here’s what it could indicate about gut health

 

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A post shared by Richa Gangani – Weightloss👉Thyroid👉PCOS Expert (@dieticianricha2095)

She added in a post on Instagram, “If your liver is congested, it can lead to a build-up of toxins in your body, which can cause inflammation and fluid retention. One common sign of this is waking up with a puffy face in the morning.”

Here’s what to consider (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

We decided to seek expert opinions on whether a puffy face could be indicative of a compromised gut and what can be done.

Dr Santosh Pandey, naturopath and acupuncturist, Rejua Energy Center, Mumbai explained that the digestive tract and skin have a relationship known as the gut-skin axis or gut-skin connection.

“The lymphatic system is like a drainage system in your body. It helps remove waste and toxins from the body and the liver plays an important role in keeping your lymphatic system healthy. If the liver is not functioning properly, it can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body, which can cause inflammation and fluid retention that can lead to a puffy face in the morning,” said Dr Pandey.

According to Dr Pandey, gut microbiome is the bacteria found in your intestines that influences your overall health, especially your skin. “Highly processed foods should be avoided as they often contain ingredients that either suppress good bacteria or increase bad bacteria concentration,” said Dr Pandey.

Dr Meghraj Ingle, director and senior consultant, gastroenterology, Global Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai said that if one is constantly bloated, constipated, and has digestive problems, then it is the need of the hour to consult the doctor. These signs can indicate a compromised gut. said Dr Ingle.

“A large number of people tend to wake up with puffy faces making them look tired and fatigued. One should pay utmost attention to health,” said Dr Ingle.

What can be done?

To get rid of face bloating, Gangani suggested the following measures:

*Avoid foods high in sodium, especially late in the evening or at night
*Avoid refined carbohydrates later in the day
*Eating plenty of fibre to keep your gut healthy
*Avoid oversleeping
*Aim to sleep on the back
*Stay hydrated throughout the day and into the night

Stressing that it will be imperative for one to stay away from foods jam-packed with sodium mainly during nighttime, Dr Ingle mentioned that one should avoid refined carbohydrates. “Eat enough fibre and probiotics. Avoid smoking and alcohol that can wreak havoc on the gut. Try to include fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet, get a sound sleep at night, drink enough water to eliminate toxins from the body, exercise daily and stay stress-free,” advised Dr Ingle.

Moreover, exercise promotes the movement of the gut which improves digestion, said Dr Pandey.

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