Sneaky Things That Cause Bloating

You know what doesn’t float our boat? Bloating. It’s painful, uncomfortable, and can give you the false impression that you’ve gained weight. It can feel like you’ve put on a few pounds, but it is really just the result of water weight or digestive issues that cause a distended belly. While bloating is a temporary condition, it still sucks. There are certain foods that always come with an unfortunate side effect of bloat (we are looking at you, salt and dairy). However, there are also many hidden culprits that can make you feel puffy. Here are some foods that can cause surprise bloating:  

Apples: An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but it may bring on the bloating. Apples are high in fiber, which can aggravate sensitive stomachs. They also contain fructose and sorbitol which are two sugars that many people have difficulty digesting. Pears are also high in fiber and should be consumed in small portions. 

Good for you greens: Broccoli, kale, cabbage, and asparagus are all part of a healthy diet. But these greens come with a downside in the form of raffinose. Raffinose is a sugar that remains undigested until bacteria in your gut ferments it, which produces gas and causes bloat. But this doesn’t mean you should avoid these healthy greens. Consistently eating these veggies in small portions can make you less prone to bloating. 

Hard candy & gum: When you chew gum (or suck on a hard candy), you tend to swallow more often, which means you’re swallowing more air, which results in bloating. On top of that, gum and candy contain artificial sweeteners that can cause stomach issues. You know what else causes you to swallow extra air? Drinking through a straw. 

Carbonated beverages: No, we’re not just talking about soda. All carbonated beverages, including your calorie-free, sugar-free sparkling water, can cause bloating. The fizzing bubbles in carbonated drinks are gas, which can get trapped in your stomach and cause it to expand. 

Soy: Do you ever experience stomach discomfort after eating sushi with soy sauce or a meal with tofu? Surprise! You may be one of the many people that have a slight soy allergy. 

Salty Snacks: Okay, this one is fairly obvious, but there’s sneaky salt in almost everything. Seriously, almost all processed foods have salt. Salt triggers water retention, so don’t forget to check the sodium content before you snack. 

Bloating is also an indicator of undiscovered food sensitivities. By tracking your macros with The Habyt, you are creating a food log that can help you identify which foods that upset your stomach. To learn more about our program options, book a FREE CONSULT CALL!