Stomach bloating can be caused by a number of things, from constipation and swallowing air while talking to a food intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Excess wind trapped in the abdomen if the most common cause of bloating and this is usually caused by the digestive system struggling to break down certain foods. Many people on Christmas Day will be most looking forward to the food on offer. But if you want to avoid the uncomfortable feeling of a bloated stomach on the big day, there are particular foods you should look to avoid.
Cheese
Dairy products is one of the main culprits of a bloated belly.
While they’re an excellent source o protein and calcium, much of the world’s population have been found to be unable to break down lactose – the sugar found in dairy products.
This condition is known as lactose intolerance, and bloating can occur alongside gas, cramping and diarrhoea.
Lactose-free products are available now in supermarkets.
Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts fall into the cruciferous vegetable family with broccoli and cauliflower and these have a reputation for causing excess gas in the abdomen.
They’re full of essential nutrients, so shouldn’t be cut out a person’s diet completely, but you may want to think about eating less of them on Christmas day.
Cruciferous vegetables contain raffinose, which is a sugar that remains undigested until bacteria in the gut ferments it.
This then produces gas and in turn makes you bloat.
Fizzy drinks
Fizzy drinks, also referred to as carbonated drinks, are a very common cause of bloating because they contain high amounts of carbon dioxide.