Dealing With Bloating? These 8 Foods Could Be The Problem

For those unfamiliar (lucky you) bloating is that intense feeling of “fullness,” when your stomach feels pain or tightness. This is typically a result of a build of gasses, caused by certain foods. Ahead, we list the most common culprits of bloating, to help you avoid the dreaded effect (or keep to a minimum).

Dairy products, like milk and ice cream, can cause bloating in people who are lactose intolerant, which means they cannot fully digest the lactose (sugar) found in milk. Luckily, there are many lactose-free products available these days, as well as milk alternatives, like almond or coconut “milk.”

Cabbage is very good for you, as it has nutrients like fiber and potassium. But it’s also difficult to digest because of the raffinose it contains, a complex sugar that can cause bloating and stomach pain for some.

Beans are such a big part of so many meals, from side dishes to soups to salads. Plus, they’re very healthy — they’re a great source of fiber and protein, and help promote heart health. But … when digested, the sugars from beans produce a bloating effect.

Cauliflower is seen everywhere these days, from hearty winter soups to mashed “potatoes” to pizza crusts. But before you reach for some raw cauliflower from thecrudités your friend set out as an appetizer, keep in mind that it may give you a stomachache, especially if it’s raw.

A lot of people eat kale as the base of their salad, and it’s a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants. But, for some people, it’s also hard to digest and can cause stomach tightness and discomfort.

Who doesn’t love onions? Raw, sautéed, cooked, you name it — onions are very versatile. But the fructans — aka soluble fibers — in them can cause bloating, which can also lead to other digestive issues in certain people.

The good news: Barley contains a lot of fiber. The less-good news: It causes bloating, due to its high fiber content. And it’s double the trouble for people who are also gluten-intolerant, as the gluten can cause digestive upset, as well.

Garlic is as versatile as onions — but garlic, too, contains fructans, soluble fibers which can lead to bloating, stomach pain, and digestive upset. So you may want to think twice before ordering your pizza or pasta dish with extra garlic.