5 healthy foods that cause bloating

Food intolerances are a well-known cause of stomach bloating, but, if you've ruled out any of those and are still experiencing the dreaded bloat, then it could be down to the foods you eat. We all know that starchy stodgy foods cause bloating and discomfort (whether you're intolerant or not), but surprisingly, even healthy foods can cause bloating! 1. Cruciferous vegetables [caption id="attachment_52786" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: http://www.diagnosisdiet.com/is-broccoli-good-for-you/[/caption] It's commonly known that Brussels sprouts give you wind, but they aren't the only little green vegetable to wreak havoc on your digestive system. Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are all also guilty of causing wind and bloating. This is because they contain a sugar called raffinose, which is difficult for your body to break down, and the digestive process leads to excess gas. 2. Beans [caption id="attachment_52787" align="alignnone" width="550"] Image credit: http://girliegirlarmy.com/wellness-2/20140505/how-beans-can-make-your-life-better/[/caption] "Beans, beans, they're good for your heart; the more you eat, the more you *ahem*!" Sorry; it had to be said. Beans contain oligosaccharide; a sugar that the body can not break down, and when this sugar reaches your intestines, the result is wind and, of course, bloating. 3. Apples and pears [caption id="attachment_52788" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: http://www.motherearthliving.com/cooking-methods/winter-squash-recipe-zmrz12fmzdeb.aspx#axzz3ADpGA1xN[/caption] Apples and pears are full of fibre; which is great. But, because it's difficult for your body to break down fibre, the process of the bacteria in your digestive tract breaking it down can cause gas, which leads to bloating. This doesn't mean you should avoid fibre though - as it's essential for good gut health! 4. Garlic [caption id="attachment_52790" align="alignnone" width="614"] Image credit: http://www.beautybythegeeks.com/diy-garlic-goodness-2/[/caption] It's often a good idea to avoid garlic before a big date for fear of garlic breath, but there's another reason why you shouldn't eat garlic before slipping into your favourite outfit - it can cause bloating. Garlic contains sulphur, which helps to detox the body - so you could get gas and bloating as a result of the detoxing process. 5. Onions [caption id="attachment_52789" align="alignnone" width="576"] Image credit: http://toriavey.com/how-to/2013/05/all-about-onions-history-chop-tears/[/caption] Lots of people have issues with digesting onions - this is because eating onions causes gas to form in your digestive tract, resulting in bloating and discomfort - as well as the things we do to release gas (*ahem*). If you can't stand the thought of cutting out onions, try cooking them, as raw onions often cause more digestive issues than cooked onions. If you suffer from bloating regularly, try cutting out these foods one at a time to see if any of them are the culprit. Unless you find that you have an actual intolerance to that food though, then there is no need to permanently exclude it from your diet - just cut down on it. If this doesn't solve your bloating issues, then it could be time to consult your doctor to be certain that you don't suffer from IBS or any previously untested food intolerance.   Featured image credit: http://bloatedbellyhelp.com/page4.html   Sources: http://www.livestrong.com/article/470631-onions-and-indigestion/ http://en.amerikanki.com/healthy-foods-cause-bloating/ http://www.livestrong.com/article/164642-fruits-that-cause-bloating-gas/ http://ibdcrohns.about.com/od/otherdigestivediseases/f/beans.htm http://www.fitsugar.com/Foods-Cause-Bloating-7367268