It's quite normal to feel bloated or uncomfortable after eating a big meal, and while this may be an infrequent occurrence for most of us, some people experience it almost every day. So, why does bloating happen? And is it an indication of a more serious underlying condition?
Beans
Unsplash | Beans are one of the best sources of carbohydrates because of their high fiber content
Beans are one of the best sources of carbohydrates because of their high fiber content which slows down digestion and keeps you full for longer. And while this complex carb is good for your health, it can create some problems in your digestive tract, leading to bloating.
Our body lacks the enzyme required to digest the resistant starch in beans which is why it causes the buildup of hydrogen gas.
But this shouldn't scare you from eating beans because dieticians recommend taking an oral enzyme called alpha-galactosidase in the form of a tablet before eating your meal.
Fizzy Drinks
Pexels | Colas are particularly problematic for people with hypersensitive stomachs or IBS
We love a big pint of coke to wash down that Big Mac meal from McDonald's but your soda habit could be the culprit behind unexplained bloating. This is because the carbon dioxide in these fizzy drinks can expand in your belly and make you feel uneasy.
Colas are particularly problematic for people with hypersensitive stomachs or IBS, but not everyone reacts the same way to them. While in some people, carbonated drinks can be the culprit behind bloating, in others it can be a remedy for beating the bloat!
If drinking fizzy drinks upsets your stomach, experts recommend replacing them with a mild tea such as peppermint tea and ginger tea.
Onions
Who thought that a harmless vegetable like onions could cause a serious issue like bloating? But apparently, onions contain a chemical that can cause acid reflux and the accumulation of gas in your stomach. If you're already prone to acid reflux, dieticians suggest replacing onions with scallions and chives in your food.
Dairy
Unsplash | 65% of the world's population is sensitive to lactose or completely intolerant to it
Did you know that more than 65% of the world's population is sensitive to lactose or completely intolerant to it? This is because most people don't have the enzyme called lactase which helps in digesting dairy and therefore, undigested foods that have milk traces often lead to bloating and other digestive issues such as diarrhea.
Nowadays, there are several plant-based alternatives to whole milk on the market such as oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk.
