With the arrival of the New Year, many of us make resolutions to become healthier and adopt a better lifestyle. However, bloating can ruin all the resolutions and motivation, which can be difficult to get under control once it sets in.
Fortunately, there are certain foods which can help avoid bloating and keep you comfortable. They can significantly improve your digestion by eliminating gas, stomach cramps, and belly bloat.
: 1. Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated drinks can lead to bloating, mainly due to them being carbonated with carbon dioxide. When the gas is released in the gastrointestinal tract, it can lead to bloating, gas, and cramps.
: 2. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts contain raffinose, which is a carbohydrate that our bodies are unable to digest. As a result, they end up fermenting in our large intestine.
This leads to gas being produced and ultimately, bloating.
: 3. Beans
Beans are known to be high in fiber, which can lead to bloating, gas, and discomfort. The undigested carbohydrates in beans go to the colon and are broken down by gut bacteria. This causes gas to be produced and can lead to bloating.
: 4. Onions
Onions are high in fructose and fiber, which is why they are known to cause bloating. Fructose is a type of sugar that can cause digestive distress if eaten in large quantities.
Additionally, the fiber present in onions cannot digest and ends up being broken down by gut bacteria leading to bloating.
: 5. Dairy Products
Dairy products, particularly milk, cheese, and ice cream, are known to cause bloating. They contain lactose, a type of sugar not well-digested by some people. This leads to gas, bloating, and sometimes diarrhea.
: 6. Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, aspartame, and xylitol cannot be digested by our bodies, leading to bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
: 7. Fried and Junk Foods
Fried and junk foods are high in unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, and salt. This can cause bloating by slowing down digestion. The high salt content in these foods can also lead to water retention, which can cause bloating.
: 8. Alcohol
The consumption of alcohol can lead to dehydration, which can cause bloating and water retention. Alcohol can also cause inflammation in the digestive tract leading to bloating.
: 9. Gum and Hard Candies
Gum and hard candies contain artificial sweeteners, which can cause bloating, gas, and indigestion. The act of chewing gum or sucking on candies can also cause you to swallow more air, leading to bloating.
: 10. Caffeine
Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can cause dehydration, leading to water retention and bloating. Additionally, caffeine can also speed up bowel movements, causing gas and discomfort.
By avoiding the foods mentioned above, you can significantly reduce your chances of bloating and digestive discomfort. It is essential to keep in mind that portion control and moderation are essential.
You don’t have to eliminate all these foods from your diet, just enjoy them in moderation to avoid bloating. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and eating mindfully can go a long way in maintaining good digestive health.