The coronavirus pandemic has been wreaking havoc on all of us. Our routines, our lifestyles, our levels of activity and our eating habits have all been put into question since we’ve been staying indoors and not following our lives as we once knew them. People have reported increased stress levels, high levels of anxiety, weight gain and a range of other things that the pandemic brought with it.
Many of us resorted to comfort eating, not watching our diets, taking long breaks from working out and have noticed a change in our bodies. Whether it’s putting on a couple of pounds or water retention or feeling bloated, there has been some change or another. It could also be the things you have been consuming lately that is causing you to bloat. With that being said, we rounded up different types of foods that could be causing you to bloat.
If you haven’t come across the term, then bloating is when the stomach becomes swollen, which can often occur after eating. While it does not mean you have a medical condition, bloating can at times cause pain and discomfort.
Carbonated drinks
Carbonated beverages, including fizzy drinks, have carbon dioxide present in them in order to create the bubbles you see when you pour it out into your glass. This is the gas that then goes to your digestive tract where the bloating is caused. While bloating is one such issue that is derived from carbonated drinks, these sodas can also cause a number of other health benefits.
Wheat
Wheat contains a protein called gluten which can be another cause of bloating, gas and stomach pain. Delicious food items like bread, pasta and other bakery items all contain gluten. There are a number of people who are gluten intolerant owing to a condition known as celiac disease.
Cruciferous vegetables
These types of vegetables include broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cress and cauliflower. While these are all healthy and high in nutritional value, they can cause undesirable digestive symptoms, with bloating being one of them. Reason being that these vegetables are hard to digest, so cooking them makes it easier to digest. Alternatively, you can substitute them with other vegetables that are equally nutritious but will not cause bloating.
Dairy Products
Dairy products, including the likes of milk, yoghurt and all types of cheeses contain lactose. While these are rich in calcium and protein, being lactose intolerant means your body is unable to break down the lactose in these food items. According to a study, up to 75% of the world’s population will be unable to digest lactose during their lifetime. If you are lactose intolerant and consume milk, cheese or yoghurt, this could be the main cause of your bloating.
Beans
We all love a side of beans with our hearty breakfast or over a slice of toast or two. They are full of protein and a great source of carbohydrates, fibre and vitamins. Beans however, have been a cause of bloating owing to their high fibre content. They also contain certain sugars which the body may find hard to digest. Alternatively, opt for beans that are easier for the body to digest.
