Bloating is an abnormal swelling or increase in the diameter of the abdominal area, and is usually related to what and how you eat. Foods like a salty bowl of ramen or brussels sprouts are obvious foods that can cause you to bloat, so you know what to expect when you eat them. However, on the other hand, some foods aren’t the reason for bloating and your stomach ends up retaining all that you eat while you think that you are eating healthy. Below are some of these foods.
1. Garlic
Garlic contains fructans, which are FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-saccharides, di-saccharides, mono-saccharides, and polyols), a group of foods that are poorly absorbed from the GI tract into the blood or are not absorbed at all. This pulls water into the intestines and gets fermented by bacteria, causing the build up of gases in the intestines. Garlic has a wide range of health benefits and you really don’t have to stop eating it because of this. Studies have shown that some people are more sensitive to FODMAPs as compared to others, and it is usually common in those people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Observe closely how you feel when next you take garlic. If it causes you to bloat, you can avoid eating it next time.
2. Popcorn
Popcorn is probably that particular snack that you’ve decided to fully settle on due to it being a rich source of whole grains, fibers and antioxidants. Popcorn doesn’t seem like something that will make you feel full, but its volume can cause bloating as it occupies a lot of space in the stomach. Eating popcorn quickly can make you swallow excessive air and trigger gas and bloating, so you can try to eat them one at a time and stop when you start feeling full.
3. Sugar free gum
Sugar free gum won’t cause you serious problems because it clearly has no sugar. However, it can cause stomach pain and bloating because you naturally swallow a lot of air while you chew. It also contain sugar alcohols that may not be well digested if consumed in high amounts. This is because the sugar alcohol will meet bacteria that ferments it and releases gas which leads to bloating and stomach pains or even diarrhea.
Many of these unsuspecting foods have tons of benefits and are usually recommended to promote a healthy lifestyle. There’s absolutely nothing wrong in eating them, but if you have an important meeting in a few hours, you’ll definitely not want to go out looking all bloated. If there are no meetings or appointments, eat away!
Image courtesy of: orig12.deviantart.net.
