We actually have the feeling that we have our diet under control – and yet we constantly have a bloated stomach. These are the possible reasons!
By tweaking our eating habits here and there, we want to do something for our health and hope that we will be rewarded, among other things, with a flatter stomach. But unfortunately that doesn't always work: On the contrary, some supposedly healthy habits actually cause a bloated stomach to develop. If you suffer from this, you should check to see if you are making these mistakes:
1. You eat a lot of lettuce and vegetables
Sure, salads and vegetables of all kinds are initially considered healthy. And if you prefer a large, colorful salad plate for lunch than the schnitzel, you are sure to do something good for yourself and your figure over time. But: Certain vegetables have a bloating effect. These include, for example, beans, kale and onions. The reason: They largely consist of so-called fructans, which are broken down by bacteria in the large intestine instead of in the small intestine. This not only creates gases, we also feel bloated.
2. You chew a lot of gum
Chewing gum can help you pass the time until your next meal by keeping your jaw chewing. In addition, the mostly fresh mint smell drives away cravings. But: First, when we chew, we swallow a lot of air, Second, chewing stimulates the production of gastric acid because the signal is given that something is about to digest. And third: Sugar-free chewing gum contains the substance sorbitol, which is difficult to digest. As a result, the intestinal bacteria trigger a fermentation process. Unfortunately, all of this can lead to a bloated stomach.
3. You like to drink coffee
Coffee has many health benefits, but it can literally make a sensitive stomach sick. Because coffee stimulates digestion – sometimes too much if you have a sensitive stomach. This can lead to gas, flatulence and general abdominal pain. It is usually irrelevant whether the coffee is drunk black or with milk.
4. You love natural yogurt
Lactic acid bacteria in yogurt actually support our intestinal flora. But: Especially after an infection, the gastrointestinal tract is often out of balance and the pH value changes. Dairy products can now irritate the sensitive stomach and lead to a bloated stomach. After all: after about two to four weeks, the intestinal flora should be the same as before the infection.
5. You eat fruit for dessert
Basically, the same applies to fruit as to vegetables: They are full of healthy nutrients and we should make sure that we eat enough of them every day. But right after lunch we should avoid fruit salad and the like. Because now the stomach is still busy digesting the last meal. If there is fruit, it stays in the stomach longer – and starts to ferment which in turn can cause gas to inflate.
Reading tip: Here we reveal how you can stimulate your digestion. We also explain what helps against constipation and in which cases it is better to eat light foods.
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