Feeling bloated is no fun. You might be in pain, your clothes might not fit the way they typically do, and it's easy to feel down on yourself. But if you happen to get bloated, you shouldn't feel ashamed. Celena Kinsey, a 24-year-old fitness vlogger and aspiring personal trainer from Washington, D.C., is going viral for an Instagram that juxtaposes two photos: one taken on Monday night, when she was bloated, and one taken on Tuesday, when the episode had passed.
"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)," she explained in the caption.
Celina has dealt with episodes of bloating and abdominal pain for the past few years. She currently experiences it every few weeks, and doctors have diagnosed her with gastritis and possibly IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
"I'm not sharing for sympathy, but instead to be real with you all," she wrote. "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... 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."
P.S. If you're uncomfortably bloated, check out these tips to give your body some relief.
Hannah Orenstein is the assistant features editor at Seventeen.com. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram!
Hannah Orenstein is the author of several novels, including Meant to Be Mine (out June 7, 2022), Head Over Heels, Love at First Like, and Playing with Matches. She's also the Deputy Editor of Dating at Elite Daily. She lives in Brooklyn.
