Feeling a Little Puffy?
Author: Shannon Miller
It’s never fun to feel puffy or bloated.
In fact, it might be described as down right uncomfortable. Some women may only experience bloating during a particular time of the month, while others may experience it a bit more often. If you are a part of the latter group, a contributor could be your diet. If that’s the case, the good news is you’re in control!
Some foods and beverages are more likely to cause bloating than others, which doesn’t mean you have to stay away from them altogether; it just means that it might be wise to consume them in moderation.
Take a look at some examples below, so you know which foods and beverages to consume with caution:*
- Spice things down a notch. Spicy foods can activate the release of stomach acid, which can lead to irritation. Watch out for foods over-seasoned with ingredients like black pepper, onions, garlic, horseradish, or barbecue sauce.
- Feeling bubbly? When you drink carbonated beverages, the bubbles have to go somewhere! Unfortunately, they end up in your stomach, which you probably know from experience can be a little uncomfortable.
- Filling fried foods (say that 3 times fast!). Fried, fatty foods tend to be digested more slowly, which can cause bloating.
- The gassy group. Some foods are simply known for producing gas, which may contribute to feeling bloated. These foods include legumes, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onion, peppers, and citrus fruits.
- Had any good air lately? You may have never noticed this before, but when you chew gum, you’re likely to swallow air. The air can get trapped in your gastrointestinal tract, which can then lead to bloating.