3 Surprising Foods That Might Be Causing Bloat
By Genevieve Cunningham
Bloat. We're all familiar with the feeling of bloat. Even if you don't experience it on a regular basis, you've definitely felt it before -- and unfortunately, you'll feel it again. Sometimes bloat is completely out of our control. Sometimes it's part of a sickness or a medical condition. But other times, we may actually cause our own bloat and not even realize it. If you're sick of feeling bloated, take a look at these surprising causes that you can cut out of your life for less bloat and better health overall.
Dairy
This actually may not be very surprising to some. Dairy has long been known to cause bloat. It doesn't happen to everyone, but for some people, dairy initiates swelling in the body. This swelling can occur in the nasal passages -- which then causes a stuffy nose -- or it can happen in the digestive tract --which causes bloating. If you have bloating on a regular basis, pay attention to whether you've recently eaten any dairy products. If so, try cutting it out to see if it makes a difference.
Raw Vegetables
Vegetables are so good for our bodies, but it's also possible that eating raw vegetables can actually cause bloat. This is most likely to happen with cruciferous veggies -- things such as broccoli and cauliflower. But some people also have a hard time with things such as raw bell peppers or turnips. If this happens to you, you'll have to experiment with the vegetable to see if it's a constant problem for you. If so, you may need to cut back or cook it in a different way to avoid the uncomfortable bloat.
Overeating
No matter what kind of food you're consuming, eating too much will cause bloat. Our stomachs are only made to hold so much food, and oftentimes, we stretch them out quite a bit. But doing this can cause you to feel too full and bloated. The only solution is to eat the proper amount of food. Don't gorge. Don't stuff yourself. Just eat the recommended portions for your body and the bloat should be significantly reduced.
Bloat is certainly an uncomfortable feeling. No one likes it, and if at all possible, we like to avoid it. If you've experienced recent bloating, check to see if these foods are heavily in your diet. Pay attention, make adjustments where necessary, and enjoy a bloat-free diet and a much more comfortable body from here on out.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Santa Monica, Calif.