- beans
- apples
- cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage
- dairy products
- lettuce
- onions
- peaches and pears
1. Watch your fiber intake:
We are told to make sure we get enough fiber but some Fibrous foods such as whole grains, beans, and legumes can be a common cause of bloating. While these foods are promoted as healthier than their refined counterparts, their high-fiber content leads to bloat in some people. Because our digestive system can’t break down insoluble fiber, the fiber enters the latter stages of our digestive system intact. There, probiotics eat it, and as that happens the fiber ferments as well as pulls water into our intestines. That fermentation—which occurs quickly despite sounding like something that takes months, not minutes or hours—creates gas. Oddly enough, it isn’t considered a bad thing when the cause of gas and bloating is fiber—instead, it's considered a normal part of the process. That said, it certainly isn’t an experience most of us are comfortable with or want as a part of our days.2. Control the salt shaker
By now, you know that eating too much salt can cause a slew of long-term health problems, including high blood pressure. In the short term, an extra salty meal may lead to water retention, which causes bloating. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that the daily sodium intake for all Americans should ideally be less than 1,500 mg per day, and no more than 2,300 mg daily. Here are a few examples of meals and drinks and their sodium level.- Sport Drinks (108 - 271 mg)
- Breakfast sandwich (804 mg)
- Tuna Salad (824 mg)
- Chicken Sandwich (957 mg)
- Ham Sandwich (1 cup of ham) (1,684 mg)
- Gatorade (20oz) 270 mg
- Soda (varies) 55 mg - 80 mg
- Lean Cuisine (340-900 mg)
- Mac and Cheese (869 mg)
- Pasta Salad (900 mg)
- Chicken Soup (343 mg)
- Burger (497 mg)
- Fries (246 mg)
- Spaghetti and Meat Sauce (1,887 mg)