Drinking Through A Straw
A straw might make your morning protein shake easier to sip on the run, but it isn’t doing your stomach any favors. “When you drink through a straw, you also suck air into your stomach, which can increases gas and distention in your digestive tract,” says Rumsey. Sip straight from the lid to ward off tummy discomfort.
Bad Eating Habits = Bloating
Its no surprise that bad eating habits can contribute to bloating. Overeating or eating too quickly can cause that stuffed feeling because your digestive system slows down, trying to process a large or fast intake of food. When you talk while eating, drink through a straw or chew gum, you swallow air that can go into your digestive system, causing bloating.
Processed foods, such as hotdogs and chips, also can create bloating. Many processed foods are high in sodium, which makes your body retain water and can cause your stomach to feel bloated. Sugary foods and snacks break down in your body and can make you gassy.
Even what you drink can upset your stomach. Carbonated beverages like beer and soda contain bubbles with carbon dioxide, a gas that releases into your stomach.
Get To The Root To Banish Belly Bloat For Good
Intestinal gas is a fact of life everyone deals with at some point. That being said, constant, excessive gas and painful bloating could be a sign of something deeper going on. Get tested for SIBO and/or IBS, and make sure you are not dealing with an underlying food intolerance such as gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance. An elimination diet can be helpful for discovering your own personal food sensitivities.
Supplementing with gut-supporting vitamins and nutrients is another great way to support optimal digestive health, repair a leaky gut, and encourage a healthy balance of gut bacteria. My Gut Health Collectionfeatures a range of products that support your gut by maintaining a healthy intestinal barrier, fighting belly bloat, supporting your intestinal lining, and promoting the growth of good bacteria. By adding these supplements to your smoothies, you can supercharge their gut-repairing powers!
Getting to the root of your digestive troubles and choosing the right supplements and foods that prevent gas will help you beat belly bloating and gas for good, so you can regain your confidence and live life symptom-free!
Recommended Reading: How To Tone Up My Stomach
Top 10 Foods To Avoid That Cause Gas And Bloating
You get to be your own investigator in finding out what foods cause bloating and gas in your body. Since most digestive issues are usually related to the foods you eat, Ive provided the top foods that cause stomach bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort in most people. While this list is not inclusive of all foods potentially causing stomach bloating, my hope is that they give you a good basic understanding of how certain foods can affect our health.
But before you X cruciferous vegetables of your list, like kale, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage off your diet please, DONT. Its important to eat your vegetables, as they are densely packed with good nutrients and essential vitamins for your body.
The little word before cruciferous vegetables raw is crucial. For many people, all they need to do is cook their veggies to break down these plants cell walls to help your stomach digest them easier.
Cooking these vegetables also helps to break down the fiber and a sugar molecule called raffinose, which bacteria in the large intestine feed on and can release gas that causes your bloating feeling.
2. Onions Onions by far are the best flavor enhancer vegetables to a meal. There isnt one time I leave the grocery store without a bag full of them.
But, onions are a high FODMAP food containing fructan which is soluble fibers that can cause your bloating.
Other Ways To Reduce Bloating
Bloating is a very common problem, but can often be resolved with relatively simple changes.
There are several strategies that can help reduce bloating, outlined in this article.
If you have persistent digestive problems, then you may want to consider a low-FODMAP diet. It can be incredibly effective, not just for bloating but for other digestive issues as well.
However, make sure to also see a doctor to rule out a potentially serious medical condition.
Read Also: What’s The Survival Rate Of Stomach Cancer
Warning Signs And Symptoms
Weight loss is one of the main warning signs for serious bloating. If you find yourself losing more than a few pounds without changing your diet or starting a new exercise regimen, that should be cause for concern, especially if its 10 percent or more of your body weight. Weight loss can be caused by tumors that press on the intestines, making you feel full after just a small amount of food, or from substances secreted by tumors that suppress your appetite.
Ascites is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen or pelvis. It can cause bloating, weight gain, and a rapidly expanding waistline. Ascites is usually caused by liver disease, but cancer is the culprit about 10 percent of the time. A large amount of fluid can make you look and feel like youre several months pregnant. The combination of bloating and jaundice, which turns the eyes and skin yellow, can be a sign of cancer thats spread to the liver, although it can also occur with more benign forms of liver disease like hepatitis.
Blood in your stool, vaginal bleeding in between periods, or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding can all be associated with serious bloating. Fortunately, the most common causes of these symptoms arent the most serious, but bleeding should always be evaluated because it can be a sign of cancer, particularly colon or uterine cancer.
Worst: Broccoli Cabbage And Kale
Kale, broccoli, and cabbage are cruciferous vegetables and contain raffinosea sugar that remains undigested until bacteria in your gut ferment it. That produces gas and makes you bloat. However, eating them more often can actually help in the long run. “Consistently eating nutrient-rich, high-fiber foods leads to having a stronger, healthier digestive system that’s less prone to bloating,” said Cynthia Sass, RD, Health contributing nutrition editor.
So keep eating the green veggies, but limit your portions. And if you absolutely can’t part ways with even a gram of kale, steam it: “Cooking any vegetable softens the fiber and shrinks the portion as some of the water cooks out, so it takes up less space in the GI tract,” Sass said. It won’t eliminate or prevent bloating altogether, but it may make your veggies easier to digest.
Recommended Reading: When Your Left Side Of Your Stomach Hurts
Get Relief From Bloating
The most obvious way to reduce bloating is to avoid any foods that are your gassy triggers. Some foods that are high in certain carbs such as garlic, onions and other vegetables arent easy for the body to absorb and can bring on bloating. A low FODMAP diet is often recommended for anyone with irritable bowel syndrome because those foods dont cause as much gas. Foods in a low FODMAP diet include:
- Fruits such as bananas, cantaloupe, oranges and grapes
- Grains such as quinoa and rice
- Lactose-free dairy products
When you eat, consume smaller meals and allow your body time to digest. Drink plenty of water to help your digestive system run smoothly. If high fiber foods make you bloated or constipated, staying hydrated can help soften bowel movements, making them easier to pass.
Activity also can calm that bloated feeling. Although exercise may not sound appealing when you feel bloated, mild physical activity can stimulate the digestive system. Gentle yoga movements that relax the abdomen can help relieve belly swelling, too.
To combat occasional gassiness, try over-the-counter antacids.
If these DIY remedies dont help, talk with your doctor. Although rare, chronic pain and lethargy could be symptoms of inflammation or other conditions.
Sucking On Candy Or Chewing Gum
Chewing gum and sucking on hard candies may seem like a harmless habit, but it can cause you to swallow excess air, which can lead to bloat. And if you typically reach for the sugar-free options, you’re in even bigger trouble: Sugarless breath fresheners contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol known for causing bloating and other gastrointestinal distress. To refresh your breath after meals and ward off bloating, make yourself a cup of peppermint tea. The brew is a common home remedy for flatulence and can also relieve pain and discomfort from gas and bloating.
Also Check: What Can Stop Gas In Stomach
What Causes Bloating In The Stomach
Gas
Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion, but too much intestinal gas means your digestion is gone awry. While you can ingest gasses by swallowing air or drinking carbonated beverages, these gasses mostly escape through belching before they reach your intestines. Gasses in your intestines are mostly produced by gut bacteria digesting carbohydrates, in a process called fermentation.
If theres too much fermentation going on, its because too many carbohydrates werent naturally absorbed earlier in the digestive process, before reaching those gut bacteria. That could be for several reasons. Maybe you just ate too much too fast for proper digestion. Or you might have a specific food intolerance or gastrointestinal disease. Some possible causes include:
Digestive Contents
These can include solids, liquids, and gas. Digestive contents can build up in your digestive system when there is a backup or restriction in your digestive tract or when the muscles that move digestive contents along are somehow impaired. Any build-up of digestive contents along the digestive tract will leave less room for normal amounts of gas to process through. It also leaves less room for other things in your abdomen, including circulatory fluids and fat, making everything feel tighter. Causes of build-up can include:
Hormones
Other Causes
Is Bloating A Sign Of Something More Serious
Watch Out for Other Symptoms
Simple bloating is usually not a cause for concern, but it may be a warning sign of a more serious health condition in some cases. If you experience other symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, fever, abdominal pain, weight loss, weakness, loss of appetite, or blood in the stool, see your doctor to rule out potentially more serious conditions. The doctor may order a stool sample or take images of your small intestine to assess for digestive problems and other conditions. Tests are available to check for lactose intolerance, celiac disease, ovarian cancer, liver disease, and other health problems.
Recommended Reading: What Foods Reduce Stomach Acid
When To Ask Your Doctor About Bloating
Temporary bloating is common and nothing to worry about. But if youâre troubled by bloating on a regular basis, talk to your doctor.
Physical obstructions such as scarring of the stomach opening can make it hard for food to pass through the digestive tract normally. If your doctor diagnoses a physical obstruction in the stomach or small intestines, surgery may be needed to correct it. Bloating can also be caused by impaired muscle function in the digestive tract. When muscles that normally move food along donât work properly, gas can build up in the small intestines, causing bloating. In some cases, gas in the intestines may go the wrong way, returning to the stomach.
Persistent bloating or distention may also signal potentially serious conditions, such as enlargement of one of the abdominal organs or a malignancy.
Best: Peppermint And Chamomile Teas
If you’re feeling puffy after dinner, you can sip on a hot cup of peppermint or chamomile tea. Both kinds relax GI muscles, per an April 2020 Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies article, to help dissipate the gas that causes your stomach to bloat. Aside from improving digestion, chamomile can also soothe and relax, which can help ease any sort of stomach discomfort.
Don’t Miss: What Causes Your Stomach To Swell After You Eat
Foods And Drinks That Help With Bloating
Bloating is a common problem often caused by issues like constipation or excess gas .
Plus, what you eat and drink can significantly affect bloating and other digestive issues.
Fortunately, many ingredients have been shown to promote regularity, prevent fluid retention, and enhance gut health, all of which can help keep bloating at bay.
Here are 20 foods and drinks that can help with bloating.
2 ).
Theyre also rich in potassium, an essential mineral involved in regulating fluid balance and sodium levels to prevent water retention .
Whats more, theyre high in fiber, which moves slowly through your digestive tract to support regularity and help prevent constipation and bloating (
5 ).
Eating foods with a high water content can help ensure you stay hydrated and meet your daily fluid needs.
This may prevent water retention and alleviate bloating caused by dehydration (
Yogurt is packed with probiotics, a beneficial type of bacteria that plays a key role in gut health.
According to some research, probiotics may improve stool frequency and consistency to promote regularity .
Furthermore, probiotics have been shown to reduce bloating and abdominal distension caused by conditions like irritable bowel syndrome , a common disorder that affects the large intestine (
How Certain Foods Can Relieve Bloating
Whats fueling all of this bloating? Most likely, its linked to internal gas thats building up in your innards due to constipation. Everything is at a standstill, says Czerwony. Poop is just sitting there, fermenting, and making its presence known.
Moving things along can be accomplished by adjusting what you eat and drink. The two big keys? Make sure your plate includes fiber-rich foods and that youre consuming enough water.
You May Like: How To Lose Stomach Pouch After C Section
Lifestyle Changes To Reduce Gas
Some lifestyle adjustments can help reduce gas, gas pains, and bloating.
- Eat smaller portions Many healthy foods can also cause gas. Eating smaller portions may help reduce excess gas.
- Chew completely and slow down If you eat too fast, it could cause gas. Tip: put down your fork between each bite.
- chewing gum
- sucking on hard candies
Foods That Can Cause Painful Bloating:
1. Carbonated Drinks: Carbonated Drinks can cause your belly to get bloated and gassy. The biggest culprits are any type of soda or soft drink. Seltzers and kombucha can be a healthier option but can also contribute to bloating.
2. Onions: Onions contain fructans which have the possibility to cause a little bit of stomach bloating. The acidity of onions may also cause your stomach to feel a bit uneasy and can lead to indigestion.
3. Apples: The higher fiber content in apples can cause an excess amount of gas in your stomach. Also, the skins can also be rough on your digestive tract.
4. Sugar Alcohols: An example of these is artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, mannitol or sorbitol found in processed foods such as granola bars. Look out for these sugar alcohols because they could be messing with your digestive tract.
5. Dairy Products: Dairy Products can be a huge culprit of stomach gas and bloating especially for people that are lactose intolerant.
6. Pizza: Your average American Style pizza is delicious, yes.. However it is loaded with saturated fats and salts, two things that can irritate and cause bloating in your stomach.
7. Canned Soup: Sometimes this can appear as a healthy option when your stomach is hurting. However, canned soup has as much sodium as any other product which can cause major bloating.
9. Corn: Corn is not easily digested by everyone and can clog up your GI Tract if you’re prone to digestive issues.
Read Also: What Foods To Eat To Lose Stomach Fat
Check For A Food Intolerance Or Allergy
Occasionally, a wheat allergy or lactose intolerance results in a lot of undigested food that can be acted on by bacteria and cause bloating, says Dr Chopada.
If you want to reduce bloating consider food intolerances, says Claire. The most common intolerances are lactose , fructose , wheat and gluten, and eggs. You can do this by cutting out food you think you might be intolerant to and seeing how your body reacts. If you arent sure, find a specialist who can test you, she advises.
Over the counter medications like Deflatine tablets can help, adds Dr Chophada.
Drinking enough water can actually reduce bloating, rather than cause it.
Also Check: Can Stomach Cancer Cause Chest Pain
Gas & Bloating Due To Sibo
In my clinical experience, the #1 cause of severe bloating and gas is SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. SIBO occurs when the bacteria from your colon and large intestine overgrow and colonize in your small intestine. These bacteria feed off of and ferment the undigested carbohydrates in your small intestine, causing a buildup of hydrogen and/or methane gas. If you have SIBO, you must overcome this gut imbalance before you can banish bloating and gas for good. Take this quiz to find out if SIBO is the root cause of your digestive symptoms.
Treating your SIBO is a 3-step approach that works to eliminate the overgrowth and restore your guts natural balance. My SIBO Breakthrough® Program is a step-by-step process to help you beat small intestinal bacterial overgrowth for good. With the SIBO Breakthrough® Program, not only do you get information, supplements, and a solution, you also get the support you need to take on these three steps and banish bloating and gas for good.
Also Check: Can Someone Survive Stomach Cancer