Water retention often results in bloating and swelling in your extremities and is easily treated with diet. On the other hand, you may have a condition that presents itself with symptoms closely related to water retention and weight gain, leaving your with excessive stomach fat and swelling in your hands. If moderating your diet slightly doesn't offer you relief, you should see your doctor to make sure you aren't exhibiting symptoms of a more serious condition.
Significance
In addition to causing inflammatory flare-ups in your joints, arthritis often is associated with obesity, stomach bloating and swollen hands. Your diet plays a significant role in the development of symptoms and reversing their severity, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Your fat cells produce enzymes called cytokines, which are proteins that lead to inflammation. The swelling and inflammation increases when you consume more omega-6 fatty acids than healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are prominent in many snack foods made with safflower, corn, soybean and cottonseed oils, as well as margarine and fried foods. Reduce your consumption of those oils to decrease inflammation in your stomach and hands and switch to foods rich in omega-3, such as olive oil, tuna and salmon.
Treatment
Foods high in phytochemicals and antioxidants reduce inflammation and may be all you need to reduce your stomach bloating and relieve the swelling in your hands and joints. They reduce the activity of the Cox-2 enzymes that lead to inflammation and act similarly as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Plant-based foods are an effective source of antioxidants and phytochemicals. Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants include bell peppers, squash, blueberries, tomatoes and cherries.
Sources
Water retention, or edema, often causes swelling in your hands and stomach, which might feel like you've added fat in those areas. While your doctor should eliminate any medical condition as the source of your swelling, changes in your diet may reduce the severity of the symptoms and reduce your belly and swollen extremities. Reduce your intake of salt, a major contributor to water retention. Eat foods that act as natural diuretics, for example, beets, pineapple, leafy greens, grapes, asparagus and garlic. Foods high in iron and B-vitamins also help reduce the swelling and include spinach, kale and whole grains.
Warning
If you've been skipping meals in an attempt to lose what you believe is excess fat, you may be headed toward a more serious condition called anorexia nervosa. Two of the primary symptoms of the eating disorder are swollen hands and a bloated belly. While the condition normally affects teenage girls, anyone can develop symptoms. Anorexia is a psychological condition that occurs when you become obsessed with your weight and reduce your food intake drastically in an attempt to lose it. Emotional symptoms include a preoccupation with food, depression and memory loss. A diet aimed at treating the disorder includes sticking to regularly scheduled meals. Counseling usually is required as well.
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