The Ingredient In Your Food That Could Be Making You Bloated

Bloating is a result of gas getting trapped in your gut (via WebMD). It is uncomfortable and can even be painful in some cases, but it happens to everyone at some point. While some people experience bloating due to periods or health issues, food is typically the culprit of this annoying occurrence. Beans and cruciferous vegetables often cause gas that can lead to bloating (via Women's Health). Beans contain oligosaccharides, which are indigestible sugars that cause many people to feel uncomfortable after eating. Cruciferous vegetables contain sugars and starches that have a similar effect in some people.

Greasy and salty foods can also cause bloating. These foods retain water in the body and can make you feel like a balloon after eating. Dairy products are an issue for many people, as these contain lactose, which is not digested well by people who are lactose-intolerant. Those people often experience gassiness and bloating after eating dairy products. Finally, whole grains may cause bloating. This is because they are high in fiber. While fiber is essential for a healthy diet, eating too much at once can cause digestive upset.

While many foods can cause bloating, many other foods can help with it. According to Women's Health, yogurt, Kiefer, and kimchi, which are foods that contain naturally occurring probiotics, will help keep your gut happy and prevent bloating from happening in the first place. Other foods have digestive enzymes that can assist your body in breaking down protein. These include ginger, papaya, and kiwi. Potassium, which helps the kidneys get rid of excess salt, is another nutrient to seek out when you're bloated. Potassium can be found in bananas, strawberries, and oranges.

Drinking plenty of liquids is helpful when you are bloated because it will help flush out whatever is causing the bloating in your system. According to Eat This, Not That!, water with lemon is a great option. "Lemon water decreases bloating because it acts as a diuretic which actually helps when you are retaining fluids," said Jodi Greebel, MS, RDN. Plain water works just as well. Be sure to sip slowly so you don't accidentally swallow air and make yourself even more bloated in the process.