Ascites (also known as “water belly” or hydroperitoneum) is the name given to the accumulation of fluid inside the abdomen, it is a sign that points to the possibility of liver, kidney, heart, and even tumors. Whereas belly fat is an accumulation of fat around organs located in the abdomen, in excess, this belly fat is a risk factor for health.
What is ascites?
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Ascites are popularly called water belly, it is the accumulation of fluid within the abdominal cavity (belly). It is a sign that points to the possibility of liver, kidney, heart, and even tumors.
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Depending on the amount of fluid, the person has abdominal distension, that is, their belly “grows”, similar to the way a pregnant woman’s belly increases in size during pregnancy. What’s inside the abdominal cavity, however, is a fluid that can come from a variety of sources: blood plasma, lymph, bile, pancreatic juice, and urine are just a few examples of what can be found in ascites.
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The normal amount of fluid within the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum, is nil. That is, normally there is no liquid there. If, due to some illness, there is an extravasation of liquids to this part of the body, the volume can reach up to 25 liters!
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It is more common in people with liver problems, especially from diseases such as cirrhosis, but it can also happen as a result of diseases in other organs.
What is belly fat?
It is the accumulation of fat in the abdominal region, that is, the belly region. There are basically two types of this fat: visceral and subcutaneous.
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Visceral is when there is fat in the viscera of the abdomen. It is considered the most dangerous as it is close to vital organs and the circulatory system.
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Subcutaneous is the one that is under the skin.
How do ascites happen?
Our bodies are very well made. So well done that there are several ducts and channels for the passage of liquids, in order to prevent them from simply accumulating in inappropriate places. So if we’re going to think that all the vessels in our body are kept closed and that the peritoneum is poor in fluid, how does any fluid get there?
Well, this fluid found in ascites comes precisely from blood vessels that, for some reason, cannot keep the blood in there, leading to a leak into the abdominal cavity. This can happen because of:
It is worth remembering, however, those menstruating women can suffer from a slight accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum without any disease causing it. In general, the amount of fluid in these cases is between 10 and 20 mL—enough for a slight swelling to be noticed, but not enough to indicate any problems.
Elevation in hydrostatic pressure
The increase in blood pressure in the veins that pass through the peritoneum, especially those known as the “liver portal system”, causes these blood vessels to dilate which, in turn, leads to extravasation of filtered fluid (serum).
Kidney water and salt retention
When there is an increase in pressure in the blood vessels, the body releases substances that try to maintain this normal pressure, that is, vasodilating substances.
If the hypertension is in the hepatic portal system—which is common in liver disease—the vasodilators are released in large quantities, causing a general dilation of all the body’s vessels.
Thus, there is a drop in blood pressure, and the kidneys interpret this as a lack of fluid in the vessels. Therefore, it begins to retain fluids and salts, which in turn leak through the vessel walls and accumulate in the abdominal cavity.
Lack of blood proteins
Although it doesn’t look like it, our blood vessels are filled with tiny pores that blood can easily pass through. In general, this does not happen because, in the bloodstream, there are proteins that “block” these pores, preventing the blood from leaving. One of these proteins is albumin.
When there is a loss of these proteins, the pore spaces become empty, and blood serum comes out of the vessels in the same way that water leaks into a house full of holes.
What are the causes of ascites?
Some of the reasons that lead to fluid leakage into the peritoneum are:
In the abdomen, there is a vein that goes to the liver called the Portal Vein. It is a large-caliber vein that tends to have low pressure normally. When, for some reason, there is hypertension in this blood vessel, there may be extravasation.
The causes of portal hypertension are usually liver diseases such as cirrhosis.
The presence of scars in the liver alters its function, bringing consequences for blood flow. There is an increase in hydrostatic pressure and water and salt levels, in addition to a loss of protein. Thus, cirrhosis is capable of leading to ascites with volumes greater than 10 liters!
Remembering that cirrhosis can be a result of both viral hepatitis and alcohol abuse. Furthermore, the disease is responsible for about 85% of cases of ascites.
In nephrotic syndrome, the blood’s filtration units are damaged, leaving important proteins for blood vessels to pass into the urine. This condition is easily detectable by observing the urine, which is too foamy in these cases.
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood for the flow to take place normally, which can lead to accumulations of blood in the blood vessels. Thus, there is an increase in the hydrostatic pressure in the vessels, which ends up leaking liquids.
Because of the liver and digestive changes that pancreatitis causes, the blood vessels in the peritoneum can be overloaded.
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma mansoni. While ascites are called water belly, schistosomiasis is also known by that name, due to the abdominal distension it causes.
This happens because the parasite usually lodges in the mesenteric veins, precisely one of the largest sets of veins in the peritoneum. This housing causes an obstruction which consequently ends in overflow.
Ascites can also be a complication of many types of cancer, especially when cells grow into the peritoneum. It is more frequent in cases of cancer of the colon, ■■■■■, pancreas.
What are the types of Ascites?
Ascites is classified according to the composition of the fluid found in the peritoneal cavity:
1. Transudative
In transudative ascites, the fluid contains low protein, low DHL, high pH, normal glucose, and less than 1 white blood cell per thousand cubic millimeters. This means that this type of ascites is more frequent in cases of cirrhosis and liver disease.
2. Exudative
In the exudate, the amount of protein is high, with low pH, high DHL, low glucose level and there is the presence of more leukocytes, indicating that the ascites was caused by an inflammation of the neoplasm.
Other ways to classify ascites are:
3. Ascites kilosa
It is an accumulation of lymph in the abdomen, usually due to an obstruction of the lymphatic pathways.
4. pancreatic ascites
It is ascites resulting from chronic inflammation in the pancreas.
5. fetal ascites
It is characterized by the presence of fluid in the abdomen of the fetus or newborn. It can be a sign of a condition characterized by fetal swelling inside the uterus called hydrops fetalis.
What are the symptoms of ascites?
As a clinical sign of other diseases, ascites itself is a kind of symptom. It is easily seen when the individual has a very large buildup or the individual is very thin.
However, when the fluid volume is too small or the condition occurs in obese people in whom the change is barely noticeable, there are some symptoms that indicate its presence:
- Abdominal pain;
- Difficulty breathing due to restriction of diaphragm movements;
- Feeling of pressure in the belly that increases with time, especially at bedtime;
- Lack of appetite from abdominal pressure.
- Belly swelling and growth;
- Pain in the abdomen and back;
- Weight gain for no apparent reason;
- Willingness to urinate frequently;
- Constipation;
- Nausea and vomiting.
When the abdominal distension is too big, the navel can be “flattened” or even “out”.
In addition, depending on the cause, ascites is usually accompanied by several liver symptoms, such as jaundice (yellowish color), increased liver volume, collateral circulation in the belly, among others.
How is ascites diagnosed?
If ascites is suspected, the doctor should perform a physical examination to make sure it is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. This can be done through palpation, that is, applying light taps to the belly to check for the sound of waves propagating in the abdomen. Sometimes, when the accumulation is less than 1 liter, this test may not show any changes.
1. Ultrasound
Another test that can help identify fluids inside the cavity is ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images from inside the body. If there is liquid, the images will have characteristic changes.
2. Blood tests
In order to check for possible causes of the problem, the doctor may order a complete blood count, electrolyte dosage — to check the amount of salts in the bloodstream — liver enzymes and clotting tests.
3. Paracentesis
This method, in addition to serving as a test, also helps in treating the problem. This is because it consists of the removal of the ascitic fluid to analyze its content. Depending on what is found (proteins, the body’s defense cells, etc.), you can get closer to discovering the cause of ascites.
In general, this liquid should be clear yellowish, similar to urine. However, when there is an infection, it can be cloudy or purulent. In the case of cancer, there may be blood in this fluid.
How to treat ascites?
The treatment of ascites itself is done through paracentesis, a drainage procedure in which a puncture in the abdomen is connected, through a catheter, to a collection bag.
This procedure is simple and practically painless, as it is done under local anesthesia.
However, simply removing fluid from the abdominal cavity is not enough to end the problem as, if the underlying disease is not treated, it is only a matter of time before the cavity is refilled with fluid.
Thus, treatment can vary greatly depending on the cause, but the use of diuretics is highly recommended while seeking to resolve the problem. The salt restriction in the feed is also beneficial because it prevents the increase of the amount of salt in the bloodstream.
When it comes to advanced cirrhosis, it is likely that paracentesis will be needed from time to time, as it is no longer possible to correct the problem causing the ascites. In cases of infection, the patient will receive, in the hospital, antibiotics to fight the microorganism found.
Medicines for ascites
The drugs recommended for ascites are those capable of draining excess fluid from the body, known as diuretics. Some examples are:
- Furosemide;
- Spironolactone
NEVER self-medicate or stop using a medication without first consulting a doctor. Only he will be able to say which medication, dosage, and duration of treatment is the most suitable for your specific case. The information contained on this website is intended to provide information only and is not intended in any way to replace the advice of a specialist or to serve as a recommendation for any type of treatment. Always follow the instructions on the package insert and, if symptoms persist, seek medical or pharmaceutical advice.
Natural treatment for ascites
In nature, there are some herbs and vegetables with a diuretic effect, that is, they help to eliminate fluids and prevent retention. People who suffer from edema and even ascites can benefit from teas and other recipes with these plants.
Remember that these methods can have several side effects and should not be used without first talking to your doctor, especially due to the risk of drug interactions.
Also, a common misconception about diuretic teas is that they help you lose weight. In fact, with the elimination of water from the body, a little weight and “swollen belly” are lost.
However, most of these teas have no effect on fats, the real villain when it comes to weight loss. Some have substances that speed up the metabolism, favoring the burning of calories and using up accumulated fat, but the weight loss only really comes when the individual is committed to exercising and eating properly.
Some teas and juices with a diuretic effect are:
1. horsetail tea
Horsetail is rich in potassium, flavonoids, and silicon. These substances stimulate the production of collagen, a protein responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity. Therefore, in addition to the diuretic effect, horsetail is also indicated for anti-cellulite treatment.
2. Hibiscus tea
In addition to the diuretic effect, hibiscus tea is also rich in antioxidants and substances that help burn fat.
3. parsley tea
Parsley, a very popular and easily found spice, has a potent diuretic effect, as well as being rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, and potassium.
4. green tea and mate tea
These two teas are rich in substances that help with weight loss, in addition to a large amount of caffeine, a substance with a diuretic effect.
5. dandelion tea
As it is rich in potassium, dandelion is one of the plants most frequently used in the treatment of kidney and urinary diseases. That’s because it doesn’t lower the concentration of potassium in the bloodstream, which would be harmful to the body.
6. onion juice
Onion is a very common vegetable in cooking, as it has a strong flavor that is often used as a seasoning in food. What few people know is that it also has diuretic power, especially when prepared in the form of juice, which increases the body’s water intake and favors urination.
Ascites Diet
Because of the possibility of worsening ascites due to excess salt in the bloodstream, the diet for the accumulation of fluid in the belly is based on salt restriction. However, to do this, it is not enough just to stop seasoning foods with salt. There are several foods that are sources of sodium that the patient should avoid consuming.
| Types of food |
What not to eat: |
Prefer: |
| Meat |
Burger, kebab, nuggets, meatballs, chorizo, jerky, feijoada meat, extracts and beef broth. |
Duckling, hardtop, soft top, rump, lizard, muscle, tit, fat-free loin. |
| birds |
Poultry pates, extracts and chicken broth. |
Chicken, turkey, chester (skinless). |
| Seafood |
Sardines, tuna, aliche, anchovies, dried shrimp, smoked fish, salted cod. |
Hake, hake, whiting, sardines etc., skinless and fresh. |
| Milks and derivatives |
Whole milk and yoghurt, powdered milk, yellow cheeses, cream cheeses, margarine or salted butter. |
Skimmed milk and yogurt, unsalted ricotta, unsalted margarine. |
| Fried and sausages |
Salami, sausage, sausage, mortadella, fatty ham, ham. |
Nothing. |
| Spices |
Ready-made seasonings, meat tenderizers, monosodium glutamate (aji-no-moto), mustard, ketchup, soy sauce (shoyu), Worcestershire sauce, miso (soy soup), mayonnaise, salad dressings, sea salt, light salt, coarse salt. |
Garlic, leek, onion, green scent, horseradish, kummel, basil, bay leaf, sage, oregano, sesame, tarragon, marjoram, dill, basil, thyme, paprika, mint, paprika, fennel, rosemary, nutmeg , coriander, turmeric, ginger, olive oil, dried mustard seed. |
| Drinks |
Regular, diet and light sodas, energy and sports drinks, artificial juices, alcoholic drinks, tomato juice. |
Water, natural fruit juice, teas. |
| Preserved |
Pickles, olives, sauerkraut, asparagus, hearts of palm, peas, green corn, capers, select vegetables, tomato sauce extract. |
Unsalted pickles, unsalted homemade preserves. |
| Several |
Dehydrated or canned soups, snacks, peanut snacks, cashew nuts, French fries, etc., snack foods, crackers, salty flour biscuits, cheese bread, filled pasta, pizza, sodium-based sweeteners, popcorn with salt. |
Fruits, vegetables, vegetables, unsalted popcorn, spaghetti-like pasta. |
Complications of ascites
Left untreated, ascites can lead to some serious complications. Are they:
Accumulated fluids are always a good place for bacteria to grow. When bacteria present in the intestine—beneficial for the intestine but bad for the rest of the body—find their way into the peritoneal cavity, it gives rise to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, that is, infection of the peritoneum by bacteria already present in the body.
If this is not resolved soon, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream and be carried throughout the body, giving rise to sepsis: a highly fatal generalized infection.
Liver disease often alters the function of the ■■■■■, which should eliminate toxic products from the diet. When he fails to do so, these toxins circulate through the bloodstream and reach the central nervous system, potentially leading to mental confusion and coma.
How to prevent ascites?
There is no exact way to prevent ascites, only the diseases that trigger it. Some tips for this are:
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages in order to prevent cirrhosis;
• Drink at least 2 liters of water a day so as not to overload the kidneys;
• Maintain a balanced, low-salt diet;
• Be up to date with vaccines against hepatitis A and B;
• Wear boots and gloves when coming into contact with backwater that can be the habitat of the schistosomiasis host.
Ascites itself is not capable of killing, as it is just an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal region. However, illnesses that cause this sign can easily lead to death. Furthermore, if complications such as infections are not treated, the possibility of death increases. As a sign, there really is no cure for ascites. It can resolve with a cure for the underlying disease, but it can also come back with chronic illnesses or illnesses that do not respond adequately to treatment.
What are the causes of belly fat?
Common causes of excess fat in the belly region include:
1) Bad diet: Foods with excessive sugar, such as sweets, drinks such as soda and fruit juice, can:
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Cause weight gain;
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Slow down a person’s metabolism;
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Reduce a person’s ability to burn fat.
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Low-protein diets, which help increase the feeling of fullness for a longer period of time, and high-carbohydrate diets can also affect weight.
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Over-consumption of trans fats, in particular, can cause inflammation and lead to obesity. Trans fats are present in many foods, including fast food and cookies, cakes, and other processed foods.
2) Excess of alcohol:
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause a variety of health problems, including liver disease and inflammation.
3) Lack of exercise
A person who consumes more calories than they burn will suffer from weight gain. If she is also sedentary, it is even more difficult to get rid of excess fat, especially around the abdomen.
4) Stress
A steroid hormone, known as cortisol, is responsible for helping the body control and deal with stress.
When a person is in a situation of stress or high pressure, like what Covid-19 has given people, their body releases cortisol – and this can affect their metabolism.
The problem is that some people tend to turn to food for comfort when they feel stressed - and cortisol causes excess calories to remain around the belly, turning into belly fat, and other areas of the body for later use.
5) Genetics
Scientists believe that genes can influence behavior, metabolism, and the risk of developing obesity-related diseases.
Likewise, environmental factors and behaviors also play a role in how likely people are to become obese and accumulate belly fat.
6) Low-quality sleep
Lack of adequate rest can affect not only your well-being and your mood throughout the day, but also the circumference of your abdomen.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine links weight gain to short sleep duration, which can lead to excess belly fat.
It is also important to emphasize that not sleeping well enough can lead to harmful eating behaviors, such as emotional eating – which can lead to problems such as obesity, diabetes, among others.
7) Smoking
Researchers may not consider smoking a direct cause of belly fat, but they believe it is a risk factor. As smoking also affects other issues related to your health, the idea is to stop smoking as soon as possible.
How to get rid of belly fat?
To lose belly fat, it is recommended to have a healthy diet and to exercise regularly, as this way it is possible to burn accumulated fat, improve the cardiovascular system and increase metabolism, making the body spend more energy during the day and at night, which favors the loss of body fat, including fat located in the abdominal region.
In addition, it is interesting to invest in natural thermogenic, such as green tea, for example, as they speed up metabolism and have a diuretic effect, reducing fluid accumulation and eliminating abdominal fat more quickly.
The 7 tips to eliminate belly fat are:
1. Drink green tea
In addition to drinking water, you should drink teas because they help to eliminate toxins and excess fluid accumulated in the body, and some teas help to speed up the metabolism and favor the fat-burning process, which contributes to weight loss.
A great example is a green tea, which has catechins that help dry the tummy, or a diuretic tea such as a mixture of dandelion with leather hat and sarsaparilla, which helps to eliminate excess body fluids, deflating the belly.
2. Exercise every day
Exercising on a daily basis is important not only to lose abdominal fat, but also to give you more energy to carry out your daily tasks, prevent the occurrence of illnesses, and improve your quality of life.
One of the exercise options to burn abdominal fat is running, because during this exercise the body uses accumulated fat as an energy source. In addition to running, it is important to do some exercise such as localized gymnastics or weight training to ensure the growth of muscles, which naturally increase metabolism and favor the elimination of accumulated fat.
In addition, performing exercises that work the abdominal region, such as planks and abdominals, can also favor the strengthening of the region, helping to increase muscle mass and lose belly fat, in addition to promoting its definition
3. Eat healthy
Food is important to help speed up the metabolism and thus favor the burning of fat, including that accumulated in the belly. Therefore, it is recommended to increase the consumption of vegetables, greens, and cereals, as well as fiber in all meals. In addition, whenever possible, foods that are too sweet and fatty and frozen ready to be eaten should be avoided.
Diet to lose belly fat should be based on natural foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins like white meat or tofu. To eliminate belly fat, eat regular meals throughout the day, avoiding times when the volume of the meal is too large, thus avoiding the exaggerated production of insulin and the increase in fat mass.
4. Eat high fiber foods
It is important to have a diet rich in fiber, preferably present in fruits and vegetables so that the intestine is functioning regularly. This way, it is possible to avoid constipation and the use of laxatives that can irritate the intestine and lead to abdominal bloating and increased gas production, for example.
To help regulate the bowel, invest in seeds such as sesame, flaxseed, and chia, adding 1 tablespoon to each meal. However, to ensure the elimination of ■■■■■, drink 2 liters of water, juice, or unsweetened tea every day
5. Consume thermogenic foods
It is important that thermogenic foods are included in the daily diet, which is those that increase body temperature and speed up metabolism, making the body spend more energy and burn fat.
Some thermogenic foods that can be included in the daily diet are pepper, cinnamon, ginger, hibiscus tea, apple cider vinegar, and coffee. It is important that these foods are consumed daily and are part of a healthy and balanced diet.
6. Massage the belly with fat reducing cream
Giving localized massages on the belly daily helps to activate blood circulation and helps shape the silhouette, being a good way to complement proper nutrition and exercise. It is important to pay attention to the ingredients of reducing creams, because, depending on the composition, it is possible to have better effects on the process of activating blood circulation and mobilizing fat.
It is in the fact that the toxins are concentrated, so it is very important to ensure good hydration and thus facilitate their elimination through the intestine and urine because when there is a large amount of localized fat burning, there is also a large release of toxins by the body, which must be eliminated so as not to cause swelling and lead to ■■■■■■■■■ aging.
7. Other important advice
An excellent strategy to increase satiety is to eat several times a day in small portions, having 3 main meals and 3 snacks. Maintaining this strategy allows for better control of insulin and blood sugar, preventing the accumulation of abdominal fat.
Another good piece of advice is to write down everything you eat during the day, creating a food diary, as this helps to have more sense of what is being consumed, making it easier to identify if the food is being good or not.
Many toxins present in our body are concentrated in accumulated fat, so it is very important to maintain good hydration, since when localized fat is burned, these toxins are eliminated through the urine, thus avoiding an inflammatory process and ■■■■■■■■■ aging.
What are the risks associated with excess belly fat?
Excess belly fat can increase the patient’s risk of developing:
- Heart diseases;
- High pressure;
- Brain stroke;
- Type 2 diabetes;
- Asthma;
- ■■■■■■ cancer;
- Colon cancer;
- Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
How to protect yourself from the risks associated with excess belly fat?
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You can tone your belly muscles with crunches or other targeted belly exercises. Also bet on moderate aerobic activities, such as brisk walking, for at least 30 minutes a day – it is worth remembering that some exercises can be done at home, being enough to help combat the problem.
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Also, weight training exercises are recommended at least twice a week. If you want to lose weight or achieve specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more – but remember to get a sports check-up to check your health status beforehand.
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However, you need to go beyond exercise to get rid of belly fat. Combine physical activity with a diet focused on losing excess weight and reducing total body fat:
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Make healthy choices – focus on plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Choose lean protein sources such as fish and low-fat dairy products. Limit your consumption of saturated fat, found in high-fat meats and dairy products such as cheese and butter. Also, limit processed meats. Choose moderate amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – found in fish, nuts, and certain vegetable oils;
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Keep portion sizes under control – even when you’re making healthy choices, calories can pile up. At home, reduce portion sizes. At restaurants, share meals or eat half of your meal and take the rest home;
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Avoid sugary drinks: prefer to drink water, natural teas, or drinks with artificial sweeteners.
How to calculate belly fat?
To find out if belly fat is harming your health, the circumference of the abdomen and the Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated. The region is measured using the tape measure.
Check your belly circumference and the possible risks to your health:
|
Belly Circumference - Risk Measures |
|
|
increased risk |
significantly increased risk |
| Men |
Greater than or equal to 94 cm |
Greater than or equal to 102 cm |
| Women |
Greater than or equal to 80 cm |
Greater than or equal to 88 cm |
The presence of excess fat in the abdomen has always been an indicator of overweight, but now it is gaining even more attention from medical experts. This is because research shows that this type of fat is directly related to changes in metabolism and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as insulin resistance (diabetes), hypertension, and myocardial infarction. Women who are in menopause are more at risk of having excess belly fat.
It is believed that greater waist circumference is related to an increased risk of suffering cardiovascular disease, regardless of the patient’s weight or age.
Ways for the Prevention of belly fat
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To prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes, it is necessary to avoid excess belly fat. Check below for some tips to reduce fat in this location.
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Do aerobic exercise daily for 20 to 30 minutes. Hiking, swimming, and cycling are some of the options;
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Eat between five or six small meals a day, at average intervals of three hours, always remembering to eat in moderation and choosing carefully what to eat;
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Attention when chewing food;
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Eat fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods;
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Reduce your consumption of fatty foods such as fried foods (eg French fries) and processed snacks. Also avoid those foods with a lot of sugar, such as cakes and pies, sweets and sodas;
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Don’t overdo the consumption of salt or alcoholic beverages;
-
It is recommended to drink 2 liters of water a day.
FAQs
1. Which specialist should I consult when I have ascites?
Ascites are treated by a gastroenterologist, who will first examine the patient and may then refer the patient to another specialist depending on the cause of the ascites.
2. What tests should be performed on ascitic fluid?
The most important tests are
-
White blood cell count or WBC to determine the presence of infection.
An elevated count with a predominance of neutrophils suggests a bacterial infection and antibiotics should be started.
An elevated lymphocyte count suggests the presence of tuberculosis or malignant disease in the patient.
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Albumin concentration to calculate the SAAG and determine the type of ascites.
-
Culture to isolate causative organisms in case of infection.
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Total protein concentration to identify patients at high risk of developing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
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Amylase activity, which is elevated in pancreatic ascites and intestinal perforation.
-
Gram staining may be useful in cases of intestinal perforation when several types of bacteria are observed.
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Cytology of ascitic fluid can detect ascites due to cancer when the peritoneum is involved.
3. How to eat a low-salt diet is ascites?
Try to limit your salt intake to one teaspoon per day or less than 2000 mg per day. Avoid processed and canned foods, salted nuts, pickles, chips, etc. Prepare a diet chart and a list of foods to avoid and follow it strictly.
4. How can salt-free foods be good in ascites?
Try adding lemon juice, herbs, and spice mixtures to improve the taste of food. Avoid salt substitutes, as they contain too much potassium.
5. What about sugar and fat intake in ascites?
No problem if you eat them in moderation. But if you are diabetic or have high blood pressure, you should watch this and be more careful.
6. should I need to restrict water in ascites?
The important thing is sodium restriction, fluid restriction in all patients with ascites is inappropriate. Fluid restriction is only indicated in cases of severe hyponatremia when the sodium level drops to 120mEq/l in a patient with ascites.
7. Is belly fat different from other parts of the body?
Yes, while fat on the arms, hips and most of the body is subcutaneous, belly fat is more visceral. Subcutaneous fat is the “pinchable fat” that you can see, it lies right between the skin and the muscle. Whereas visceral fat is the “hidden fat” that surrounds the abdominal organs. Visceral fat is noticeable because it interferes with hormone balance and the normal functioning of the body.
8. Is it difficult to lose belly fat?
A: Not really. Visceral fat is actually the first fat to be lost. This is because the belly area is close to the liver and therefore has a faster metabolism.
9. Can thin people also have belly fat?
Yes, you can look slim or have a healthy body mass index but still have fat accumulated around the belly. Fat is visible in most people. However, research shows that MRI and CT scans have revealed that many thin people also have hidden layers of belly fat.
10. Why is belly fat called the “silent killer”?
Belly fat is called the silent killer because many people do not realize the health effects of a large waistline and the consequences for liver and ■■■■■ health.
11. Is there a link between belly fat and liver health?
Yes, having a healthy liver is essential to help you lose weight, reduce the amount of belly fat and visceral fat, and maintain a flat stomach.
Having a wider waist, more belly fat and an apple-shaped body is a strong indicator of high levels of visceral fat.
11. Does liposuction eliminate belly fat?
Despite being a surgery that eliminates belly fat, liposuction only removes the fat that is under the skin, not removing the belly fat, which is deeper in the abdomen, along with the organs.
In many cases, after liposuction, the amount of belly fat may even increase if the patient does not practice regular physical activity, as there are not so many fat cells under the skin and excess food ends up being stored in belly fat.
Conclusion:
Ascites** (also known as “water belly” or hydroperitoneum) is the name given to the accumulation of fluid inside the abdomen. This fluid can have different compositions, such as lymph (in the case of chylous ascites, caused by obstruction of the lymphatic pathways), bile (mainly as a complication of surgical removal of the gallbladder), pancreatic juice (in acute pancreatitis with fistula), urine (in case of urinary tract perforation) and others. But in the context of liver disease with portal hypertension ( cirrhosis, schistosomiasis, Budd-Chiari syndrome, and others), ascites is the extravasation of blood plasma into the abdominal cavity, mainly through the peritoneum, caused by a sum of factors.
Whereas belly fat is an accumulation of fat around organs located in the abdomen. It can cause metabolic syndromes such as diabetes type 2, hyper cholesterol, a voltage high blood diseases, or risks of cardiovascular.
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