Bloating AIBU (embarrassing)

[Javanaise]

Found this a bit embarrassing so I've name-changed.

I had a bikini wax last weekend, and the woman doing the wax asked if I was pregnant (I'm not). I completely understand why she asked this, as she just wanted to check for health risks, but I found it really embarrassing

I had a slight bulge on my stomach when I went into the waxing place, which is presumably why she thought to ask.

In terms of context, I've recently been trying to drink much more water than usual, as I was told by the GP recently that I don't drink anywhere near enough. I'd drunk quite a lot before going into the waxing place (and also needed the loo by that point .)

Also, I think I bloat quite badly in general, although I try to eat healthily. (On a typical day, I'll probably have eggs or yoghurt with berries and nuts for breakfast, fish or meat with veg and a carb for lunch and fish or meat with quite a lot of veg for dinner). I don't drink alcohol, and have cut down on coffee (around a cup every few days), and, as mentioned, have really increased my water intake.

Also, since going through a stressful time a couple of years ago, when I started getting symptoms of indigestion (which, after going to a few doctors, was diagnosed as physical symptoms of stress), I've noticed that this will flare up again, especially when I'm stressed. In fact, this can sometimes flare up when I'm not aware I'm stressed, and then it'll lead me to realise that I'm stressed or anxious.

Any tips on how to relieve the bloating please? Is it worth me getting a check-up for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or something similar, or just eliminating foods from my diet and seeing how I feel without them (wouldn't know where to begin though!)

Thanks :)

Anyone?

Could the bloating be water retention?

No one?

I think you should see the dr. I wouldn't just start eliminating food unless you see a pattern between certain foods and bloating. Maybe keep a food diary for a couple of weeks and see if you csn identify a link.

Pretty sure they ask everyone if they're pregnant in waxing salons so I wouldn't read anything into that! If you're worried about it regardless though, I would see your GP.

You may have IBS. It is really difficult to diagnose but ways to combat it would be an elimination diet.

I suffer from IBS and it flares particularly badly when stressed. The start of the day i could have a flat stomach and come 6pm look 6 months pregnant.

Try some peppermint capsules or perhaps peppermint tea. This will relieve digestion issues.

I would also recommend you make an appt with your GP. There are medications which can treat IBS. Although I regulate mine through dirt and yoga.

Hope this helps.

Thanks so much Mr and Avoiding. It could possibly be water retention Mr - do you know how I could find out if it is this? Avoiding, that's a really good idea about the food diary.

Another one who agrees see the Dr. The fact that stress makes it worse makes me too think IBS, but best get it checked and properly diagnosed. I find antacids helpful.

Thanks Ms and AJ :) AJ which foods or drinks do you avoid, if you don't mind me asking? I completely understand it depends from person to person, although I've heard that apparently spicy foods, dairy and gluten are good to avoid for anyone who has IBS.

Firstly don't worry if nobody responds in the first 5 mins of you posting, someone will eventually.

Secondly good job on the water intake and healthy food. Water is something I struggle with if I'm honest, I'm just not a thirsty person. I would personally give your body a good month to get used to the extra water you're taking on. You may bloat in this time. It's normal. If you're still getting bad bloating it might be worth speaking with your gp and getting some water tablets.

Good luck!

I do think it will probably just be a standard question, probably down t the infamous health and safety.

are you absolutely sure it was because of your tummy.. or are you putting 2&2 together and getting 10. She may literally be asking you, along with anyone else she thinks is of. child bearing age, 'are u pregnant'

For all my beauty treatments I'm asked if I'm pregnant on consultation, waxing lashes and hair extensions especially! If you are pregnant then you either need to sign a form to say you accept any effects that may happen to you and they make you aware of any problems you may have being pregnant (i.e with hair extensions you may lose some, with waxing it may hurt more, etc). I think if you are a young woman over the age of 21 you should expect to be asked. I wouldn't worry OP, I'm sure she didn't think you looked pregnant xx

OP, a lot of veg for dinner is a bad idea if you are prone to bloating!

Javanaise, I avoid diary.

Not completely cut it out of my life but reduce it significantly. I second the food diary. I only noticed a direct correlation with diary and in particular milk and cheese when I started a diary.

My diet is similar to your own. I don't drink coffee and only drink peppermint tea.

Unfortunately stress will cause a flare up for quite a while for me. I switched jobs 8 weeks ago and have been suffering since.

Happy to answer any other questions, but honestly I think a trip to the GP is your best bet at knowing for sure 😁

I'm lactose intolerant which causes really bad bloating. Milk, yogurt soft cheeses. Easy to test - just cut dairy out for a few days and you will feel instantly better. But watch out for sneaky milk - it's in lots of products.

The are you pregnant question is standard - nothing to do with how you look.

One last comment - the lactose intolerance can be triggered at any age. You can be fine one week and not the next. You may have been fine for years but not now.

You say you have anxiety - your OP certainly suggests you are over thinking this. As others have said, salons are cautious with pregnancy and will be asking everyone. By all means pursue a food diary etc if your bloating is causing you discomfort but don't let a standard question at a beauty salon stress you out!

Keep a food diary for a while and see what patterns you notice. I get similar symptoms and I was surprised by what triggers it. For example I found that Costa muffins, delicious as they may be, absolutely ruin me. Try avoiding fizzy drinks if you usually have any of those - they're a big trigger for bloating I find.

I get IBS and peppermint helps.

I'm on a low FODMAP diet at the moment which has worked really well (although it's a PITA).

They ask everyone, specially when around the bikini line. I went to do one full wax before my wedding, back in the days when my tummy was flat and half-toned, and they also asked me.

If you get indigestion, cramps and general bloating, probably IBS. If you suddenly go to the toilet a lot more often and pass blood / mucous, might be IBD. Worth checking. A Paleo Diet would work for both (90%) but it's quite restrictive. Removing gluten, dairy, caffeine and processed sugars usually helps. Then reintroduce a food item one week at a time and see what sets you off.

Gluten makes me bloat!

I also bloat quite badly and suffer from IBS. I take peppermint oil capsules daily and found they helped. However I've also been suffering from severe stress recently and have started seeing a reflexologist who has literally put an end to the bloating! She is excellent and I can actually feel (and hear!) when she is working on the relevant area on my feet! It really has made such a difference to my bowel habits too plus the relaxation side of reflexology definitely helps with stress

Thank you so much everyone - your suggestions are so helpful.

I'm on holiday in Italy next week, and won't be able to give up gluten or dairy then as most of it is catered and will include cheeses, cold meats and pasta.

I'd be happy to give it a go the week after though, and then see if staying off caffeine, dairy, gluten, processed sugars etc. for a few weeks might make a difference.