Using Milk Alternatives With Carrageenan In It
Well, heres something you may not know. Many people switch from dairy milk because of lactose intolerance, but they choose soy milk or other alternative varieties with carrageenan. What is carrageenan? Well, its a thickening agent that can cause you to bloat and have digestion issues.
There are many alternatives to dairy products on the market these days, and most of these products are good. However, you need to make sure you read the labels as you may be sensitive to carrageenan.
Donât Miss: How To Know If Its Stomach Flu Or Food Poisoning
How Do I Know If Im Bloated Or Gaining Weight
Gently press your stomach specifically around the swollen area. If your abdomen feels hard and tight, it means you are bloated. Generally, our stomach is soft and spongy and it remains the same even after gaining weight. If you can easily gasp an inch of your stomach, it can be due to excess of fat.
Slow Down: Eatings Not A Race
Eating is a marathon, not a sprint. Inhaling your food is not good if you want to avoid bloating after lunch. Thats because when you gulp down your food, youre also taking in lots of air, resulting in lots of gas after eating. It can also result in belching.
You can beat the bloat by eating slower and chewing your food. Not only will that reduce the air youre taking in, but it can also help to make you feel fuller so you take in less unnecessary food. And thats a win-win for your waistline.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Flat Stomach After C Section
What Causes My Stomach To Bloat After Eating
Bloating, which is a sense of feeling gassy or distended, is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints. This symptom may occur after eating, and is often linked to consuming large amounts, swallowing air, or eating foods that are either gas forming or incompletely digested. Countering the symptom can be a challenge, as bloating can also be related to an underlying medical condition. If you experience bloating after eating, and changes to your diet do not improve symptoms, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.
You May Like: How To Sculpt Your Stomach
Questions To Ask Your Doctor

- Do I need a test to diagnose lactose intolerance?
- Why do certain foods cause my bloating when they never used to?
- What can I do if I have diabetesand my medicine or artificial sweeteners cause bloating?
- Could my bloating be a sign of something more serious?
- What kind of tests will I need?
- What kind of over-the-counter medicine can I try?
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Migraine In Your Stomach
A Food Allergy Or Intolerance
Food allergies and intolerances are the most common reason behind stomach pain after eating. Symptoms such as gas, bloating, unusual burps, cramping, and diarrhea indicate that you have eaten something that has not digested well in your stomach.
Allergies occur when the body mistakes some food for a harmful foreign invader, and your immune system releases antibodies to fight it. This immune response can cause an array of symptoms. Common allergens include:
Food intolerance occurs when the digestive system gets irritated by a particular food or cannot digest it properly. Unlike an allergy, there is no immune system response involved in food intolerance which results when your stomach cannot process specific foods or ingredients.Foods that are known to cause intolerance include:
- Lactose sensitivity to milk or dairy products
- Gluten a protein that is present in grains such as wheat, barley, and others
- FODMAPs sensitivity to foods that contain different types of fermentable carbohydrates
If these intolerances are not significant, these conditions can go undiagnosed for years. If you notice signs of stomach pain every time you consume a specific food item, it may be coming from an allergy or intolerance and must be tested by a doctor.
Deflating Postmeal Bloat Is Simpler Than You Think
Is the holiday season bringing out your extra-indulgent side? It happens and you may end your holiday dinner feeling like your bellys bulging from all that food.
Does it seem like your stomach just tripled in size? Rest assured, thats not the case, according to Brigham and Womens Hospital. Rather, its likely just gas. It’s caused by excess air or gas in the gastrointestinal tract, says Rachel Doyle, RDN, the Chicago-based owner of RAD Nutrition who focuses on gut health. When we eat, carbohydrates are broken down, and their fiber is fermented, producing gas that expands, which can lead to bloating.
Unpleasant as it is, its generally not something to worry about. Typically, bloating is not a sign of anything serious, especially if it is only occurring after large meals, says Pam Fullenweider, RD, the founder of Fully Mediterranean in Houston.
RELATED: 11 Best and Worst Foods for Boosting Metabolism
If its chronic, however, visit your healthcare provider to rule out something more serious. If you are experiencing bloating frequently, its always a good idea to explore this further with a doctor or dietitian to determine the root cause and rule out any underlying medical conditions, Fullenweider says.
Even your run-of-the-mill bloating can be a pain, though. The good news is you dont have to just sit uncomfortably and wait it out. Follow these seven quick tips to get rid of bloating and return to the holiday merriment.
Read Also: What Can Cause Severe Stomach Pain And Bloating
What Alternatives Are There To Bread To Avoid Bloating
Switching to a different type of bread can often reduce or eliminate bloating, but not always.
For some, swapping to authentic sourdough bread can be enough. This is because the sourdough culture, together with the slow rise typical of an authentic sourdough loaf, breaks down many of the digestion-resistant components in breadsuch as the enzyme inhibitors. Even if a loaf of bread is not sourdough but has still been given a long proving time, it can be more tummy-friendly. Try buying your bread from a traditional bakery to see if this makes a difference.
Different kinds of wheat that are lower in gluten and enzyme inhibitors are another option. These include spelt, kamut, einkorn and emmer. Flours and breads made from these ancient grains are now available in many supermarkets.
Gluten-free breads are made from non-gluten containing flours, which dont carry the enzyme inhibitors and wheat germ agglutinin. But these products can contain emulsifiers and other additives that can affect your gut health, so its important to read the label carefully before choosing, or make your own.
How To Stop Bloating After Eating
Bloating remedies can be very helpful as a natural way to relieve bloating. If you cant figure out what is the cause of the bloating in your body however, or if the bloated stomach after eating has been persistent for more than a week, we highly recommend that you should see your doctor, as there may be an underlying medical condition that causes the bloating.
Recommended Reading: Does The Elliptical Work Your Stomach
Hard Stomach: Causes And Effective Natural Treatments That Really Work
Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer Health
Bloating around the abdominal region can cause a hard stomach. Some people experience that the area around their stomach becomes hard and rigid after eating or if they have issues digesting food. Usually, the bloating and feeling of tightness in the stomach goes away after passing gas, having a bowel movement, or taking natural remedies to relieve bloating. However, some serious medical conditions can cause your stomach to become hard and bloated.
Apart from causing abdominal discomfort, a hard, rigid stomach can cause embarrassment. Some women say that their stomachs become so stiff and swollen that others think they are pregnant. Of course, pregnancy is one reason for having a larger stomach. But, if your hard stomach is because of a digestive problem, there are many effective home remedies to help you get relief.
This article looks at the different reasons you can experience a hard stomach and what you can do to relieve the bloating.
Also Check: Is The Stomach Flu Going Around Now
Why Is My Stomach Getting Bigger
By Holly Klamer, RDResearched Based Article
Seeing your waist line expand can be frustrating, especially if you are working hard to eat a healthy diet balanced by exercise and healthy lifestyle choices. However, if your stomach is getting bigger, it may not always be from excess calories.
There are other reasons your stomach can be getting bigger especially if it occurs rather suddenly.
Besides fat gain and being pregnant for women, if your stomach is getting bigger it could mean you are retaining water weight, are bloated, hormone changes or maybe your digestive system is getting off kilter.
If you have any pain, discomfort or any other unusual symptoms in your abdomen associated with it getting bigger, always seek immediate medical attention.
Don’t Miss: How To Lose Stomach Fat In 4 Weeks
Minimizing Bloating Through Diet Alteration
According to a July 2013 study in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, people who experience bloating often, like those with functional bloating or irritable bowel syndrome, may benefit from a diet with reduced amounts of fermentable short-chain carbohydrates. These diets are known as low-FODMAP diets.
Removing foods that are rich in fermentable carbohydrates allows people to identify the foods that are causing them to bloat or experience other gastrointestinal side effects. People who remove high-FODMAP foods from their diets typically experience less abdominal pain, bloating and gas.
Over time, removing foods from your diet that are rich in fermentable carbohydrates can alter your gut microbiome. The proportion and types of bacteria in your gut will change in beneficial ways, reducing your risk of gastrointestinal issues like bloating.
This means that you should be able to eventually add fermentable carbohydrates back into your diet and ideally wonât continue to experience gut-related side effects when you eat those foods.
Ease Into A Yoga Pose

Once the dessert is cleared, find some space to give your body a nice stretch. Gentle yoga poses like Childs pose or Cat/Cow can help relieve abdominal discomfort associated with bloating, Doyle says. Hold each pose for five deep breaths , and continue repeating until you feel some relief, she says. Allow your belly to expand fully with each inhale, Doyle says. This helps to activate your bodys parasympathetic nervous system, or rest and digest mode, which is calming and will allow you to better digest your food.
Don’t Miss: How To Help Anxiety Stomach Aches
Why Does Eating Carbs Make Me Bloated
Digging into that delicious plate of pasta felt amazing â but the bloating afterward? Not so much. Bloating after eating carbs can stem from a few underlying problems â sometimes it’s as simple as making a too-rapid change to your diet, while in other cases it might signal a serious underlying medical issue.
Video of the Day
The best way to know is to talk to your doctor, since many bloat-inducing conditions linked to carbs need professional testing, diagnosis and treatment.
Tip
You may be bloated after eating carbs for any number of reasons, from too much fiber to irritable bowel syndrome. Talk to your doctor for personalized treatment.
Why Does My Stomach Bloat After Eating Or Drinking Anything
Gas and bloating are two of the top complaints when it comes to dietary issues. Do you find that you always have a lot of gas after eating, or that your stomach feels so distended after a meal that it could burst?
The thing is, the term bloat can mean different things to different people. While some would say that yes, they would say they feel bloated if they are experiencing either of these symptoms, others see bloating as purely an appearance thing like when you say youre having a food baby when you look a little pregnant after eating.
You May Like: How To Have Flat Stomach In 1 Week
Can Bloating Be Prevented Or Avoided
There are many ways to prevent and avoid bloating:
- Avoid the foods that are known to cause gas. These include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, turnips, beans, and lentils.
- Avoid chewing gum.
- Avoid using straws for drinking.
- Reduce or avoid drinking carbonated drinks .
- Reduce or avoid eating and drinking foods that include fructose or sorbitol. These artificial sweeteners are often found in sugar-free foods.
- Eat slowly.
- Eat more foods high in fiber to prevent constipation. If foods alone dont help, consider taking a fiber supplement.
- Avoid dairy products if you notice they cause gas and bloating.
- Quit smoking.
Dont Miss: How To Help Hangover Stomach
You Have A Gut Disorder
Functional gastrointestinal disorders happen when the GI tract doesnt appear to have anything wrong with it, but you’re still experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It’s a situation that’s actually very common in the United States, Dr. Eugenio says.
For example, 25 to 45 million people in the U.S. have IBS, which affects the colon, reports the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Diseases. And functional dyspepsia, which affects the stomach and is otherwise known as indigestion, affects nearly 32% of the population, according to a 2004 study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Bloating is common with both of these disorders, although youll usually experience other symptoms alongside it, Dr. Eugenio says. Upper stomach pain or feelings of fullness paired with bloating may be indicative of dyspepsia, for example, whereas lower abdomen cramping and a change in bowel habits could point to IBS. Both are worth speaking to your doctor about, and treatment can include diet changes, psychosocial therapies, and other lifestyle changes, reports the Cleveland Clinic. Of course, your doctor will want to rule out other potential causes first, like colon cancer, pancreas disorders, or liver disease, so it’s important to open up about any and all symptoms you’re experiencing.
Read Also: What To Do For Bloated Stomach And Gas
What Is Wrong With You If You Bloat After Everything You Eat
Related Articles
Bloating, which is generally caused by the buildup of gas in the digestive tract, is not uncommon. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic notes that many people believe that they have excess gas when in fact they have normal amounts. While bloating is a common complaint, feeling bloated every time you eat may be a sign of an underlying digestive issue. If youre struggling, see your doctor to rule out a medical issue.
Causes Of Feeling Bloated After Eating Only A Small Meal
The most common cause of feeling bloated after eating a small meal is consuming foods or drinks that can cause bloating, such as carbonated drinks, lentils, and beans. However, if you experience bloating regularly, and regardless of what food types you eat, there could be another underlying cause. There are several potential disorders which can cause bloating or fullness, but it is important not to self-diagnose, and you must visit your health professional for further investigation.
Read Also: What Causes Stomach Cramps And Gas
When To See A Doctor For Your Stomach Pain
Stomach pain after eating that results from overeating or indigestion is not very serious and can be treated with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. However, persistent pain accompanied by other symptoms that do not seem to be getting better may be something concerning.
If you have any medical conditions that can cause stomach pain, you should call your doctor. If the stomach pain continues to occur right after you eat or while you are eating, and lifestyle and diet changes are not working, it may be something serious or deeper, and medical attention becomes necessary. It could be some undetected health issue that needs to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of digestive conditions, schedule an appointment at Manhattan Gastroenterology today. The experienced and award-winning gastroenterologists offer expert advice regarding matters of the gastrointestinal tract and help you find relief from the pain and discomfort you experience right after eating food. They specialize in diagnosing and treating pain that affects your gastrointestinal tract and offers a variety of treatments, including medications and home remedies to protect you from gastrointestinal damage. The top-rated doctors study why you feel uncomfortable or your stomach hurts after eating, including food and medical causes, and come up with the best solutions to ensure you enjoy healthy digestion.
Commons Reasons Of Bloating And Stomach Pain

Food intolerance
One of the most common causes of stomach bloating is intolerance to certain types of food. Foods such as milk, fructose, and gluten can trigger symptoms of bloating in your body. It is advisable to avoid these foods if you frequently experience bloating or stomach pain after eating them.
Overeating
When you overeat, your body is not able to effectively break down the food components and this results in a bloated or distended stomach. Instead of taking huge meals throughout the day, if possible, try to eat small meals to give ample time to your stomach to digest your food.
Deficiency of digestive enzymes
Your body needs digestive enzymes to absorb nutrients from the food you take. An inadequate enzyme availability manifests itself in constipation, gas, bloating, excess weight, stomach pain and many other digestive disorders. Taking digestive supplements will help to minimize the deficiency of enzymes in your body and build a stronger digestive system.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a common functional disorder of the gut. It also causes swelling or bloating of the abdomen accompanied by mild to severe pain. You can treat IBS with healthy changes in your lifestyle and by maintaining a well-balanced diet. Avoiding or limiting food that triggers IBS can also help to control the symptoms of IBS.
Constipation
Also Check: What Is Wrong When Your Stomach Hurts