It’s well-known that beans, cabbage and broccoli can cause bloating, but there’s a number of healthy foods that can also cause bloating that most of us might not know about. Sometimes it’s hard to find out the true culprit of bloating and get rid of it, but it’s possible if you eliminate these seven foods, along with foods high in sodium, processed foods, and most forms of dairy. Sure, it doesn’t mean that you should always avoid these foods, just when you bloat the most. Read on to discover the list of healthy foods that cause bloating.
1. Hummus
A popular dip for vegetables, hummus is typically made from chickpeas which are a member of the legume family. Legumes are both a starch and a protein in one food. Although legumes are healthy for you, they are hard to digest. Sure, it doesn’t mean you should avoid eating hummus. Just eat it in moderation.
2. Garlic
Garlic is another healthy food that can cause bloating. The thing is, garlic contains sulfur that helps detoxify the body and can cause gas and bloating as a result. Consider eating well-cooked onions instead of garlic. They’re a natural diuretic that helps relieve water weight and bloating.
3. Sprouted grain bread
Perhaps the best healthy alternative to refined grain breads, sprouted grain bread contains the live grains that can instantly cause gas and bloating. Incorporate sprouted grain bread into your daily diet slowly so that your body has time to adjust to it.
4. Eggplants
Eggplants are high in fibers that are hard to digest despite it being amazingly healthy for you. Consume eggplants in moderation, or eat green zucchini instead. Green zucchini is an excellent source of potassium that can actually reduce gas and bloating.
5. Fruits
Not only can fruit ferments cause bloating, it can also upset the yeast balance in your body. If you suffer from regular bloating, try to consume low-fructose fruits such as bananas, blackberries, oranges, acai, lemons, papaya, and limes.
6. Inulin
Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that feeds good bacteria in the gut which is actually good, but it can cause bloating in sensitive people. Inulin is usually added to most foods that claim to be rich in fiber, which is why it’s always recommended to read the labels before buying something, even if it’s a healthy food.
7. Protein powders
Pea protein, whey protein concentrate (not isolate), and soy protein are all linked to bloating. Moreover, you may be sensitive to some additives in protein powders like fructose, xanthan gum, sprouted ingredients, or guar gum.
As you see, even healthy food can cause bloating. If you suffer from bloating, consider eating smaller portions of these healthy foods to reduce gas and bloating. What is a healthy food you enjoy eating that you know causes bloating?