Stomach bloating is a common condition that affects most people at some point in their lifetime, according to the NHS. It can make your tummy feel swollen, puffy and it’s generally uncomfortable. It’s the last thing you want after a nice, large dinner. But making some small changes to your diet could help to get rid of your bloating pain, or even prevent the condition from developing in the first place. But you could lower your chances of developing a bloated stomach by avoiding cabbage, it’s been revealed.
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that’s known for causing excess gas, said medical website Very Well Health.
The more cabbage you eat, the more likely you are to develop stomach bloating, it said.
It’s packed with fibre, which the body struggles to break down, and subsequently results in trapped wind, it said.
“The creation of intestinal gas is part of the normal digestive process,” said the medical website. “The amount may vary from person to person, but no one is immune.
“While there’s no way to get rid of intestinal gas completely, avoiding or cutting back on foods that cause gas may help relieve some discomfort.
“As always, be sure to check with a physician before cutting a food group out of your diet entirely.
“Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts – these healthy vegetables are also notorious for causing gas.
“The fibre in them is not completely digested in the small intestine. When the good bacteria in the large intestine go to work digesting it, gas is created as a result.”
But, eating cabbage in moderation could help to avoid feeling bloated, it added.
As with all foods rich in fibre, eat small amounts of cabbage to start with, and then gradually eat more to build up a tolerance.
Asparagus, artichokes and onions all have similar bloating properties as they’re high in fibre.
You could lower your risk of stomach bloating by regularly exercising, avoiding certain foods, and by eating more slowly.
Swallowing air may also lead to trapped wind, added the NHS. You could swallow air by talking and eating at the same time, or even by chewing gum.
Eating regular meals and downsizing your portion sizes should help to ward off painful stomach swelling.
You should see a GP if your bloating symptoms persist, said the NHS.
Bloating, and persistently feeling full, are key signs of ovarian cancer, it added.