The holiday season usually means that many people will be eating and drinking more than usual. The foods served at holiday parties are often also on the unhealthy side. Eating too much and eating the wrong types of food can cause bloating. This is often accompanied by gas and constipation, which are not fun. This year, minimize bloating by avoiding foods that are known to cause digestive discomfort. And if (and when) you do over imbibe, search for the best cleanse for bloating and gas.
What Foods Cause Bloat
There are various foods – healthy and unhealthy – that often cause bloating. Beans and lentils contain protein, healthy carbs, and high fiber, but they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in certain individuals. This is due to the way certain sugars are broken down in the gut, which leads to gas.
Wheat can also cause bloat, especially in individuals who are sensitive to gluten. Dairy products can lead to bloating in those who struggle with lactose breakdown.
Even some fruits and vegetables cause bloating. These include cruciferous veggies, apples, onions, and garlic. Other foods that often result in gas and require upset stomach relief include sugar alcohols, carbonated beverages, and beer.
Holiday Snacks to Avoid
If you want to keep bloating to a minimum, you may want to make some smarter choices when it comes to eating at holiday functions. Although avoiding lentils may not be an issue at most parties, there are some bloat-causing holiday snacks and beverages that are commonly found at events:
- Chips and other salty foods: Although salty food does not necessarily cause gas, it does cause water retention, which feels and looks like bloating.
- Veggies: You do not have to avoid all veggies, but try to stay away from broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
- Cookies, cakes, pies, and candies: These usually contain wheat, and many of them contain certain sugars that result in gas.
- Cheese and crackers: This snack contains both dairy and wheat, which both cause bloating.
- Beer: This contains fermentable carbs as well as gas. Swap it for wine, a cocktail, or a non-alcoholic beverage.
- Sparkling wine: This is carbonated, and the bubbles result in bloating.
How to Fight Bloat
That glass of champagne on New Years or that sugary treat is often hard to say no to, so some bloat is bound to occur. When it does, there are some remedies you can try to help reduce the gas in your gut. A detox cleanse can help rid the body of chemicals and toxins in the digestive tract, and it also helps reduce gas and bloating. The use of certain supplements can also help with fighting off that bloat, for instance,Multi GI 5 has been said to improve digestion and increase energy which is definitely what you need after feeling sluggish from overindulging. Always check out the reviews first before purchasing so you can see if it is right for you.
Because it can cause diarrhea and vomiting, people may be looking for an alternative to activated charcoal.
You can also reduce bloating by changing your eating habits. Eat slower and smaller portions so you do not feel so stuffed. You should also avoid talking while eating and drinking through a straw, as these increase the amount of air that gets in to the stomach.
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