INDEX
- Introduction
- Drinks that cause bloating: what are they
- Soda, Seltz, Milk and Protein Shakes
- Coffee, Bubble Tea, Fruit Juices and Beer
- Contraindications
Introduction
If you are prone to gas and bloating , it is recommended by nutrition specialists to avoid various foods that can cause gas (such as beans, crucifers, and broccoli). Not only food, however, but also some drinks contribute to stomach discomfort, such as bloating, peristalsis, gastric reflux, acidity and, indeed, abdominal swelling and tension accompanied by pain.
Drinks that cause bloating: what are they
- Soda and carbonated drinks
- Soda
- Milk
- Protein shakes
- Coffee
- Bubble tea or industrial iced tea
- Fruit juices
- Beer
Symptoms
- Abdominal gas
- Abdominal painand tension
- Meteorism
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Intestinal irregularity
Soda, Seltz, Milk and Protein Shakes
The main drink responsible for the formation of intrestinal gas is soda , and all carbonated drinks. Carbon dioxide bubbles can cause swelling. Even the dietary versions represent a double problem of an abdominal nature since they generally contain artificial sweeteners that are not really beneficial for the intestine. Artificial sweeteners are often not digested properly, which can cause diarrhea and other digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Similarly, Seltzer , with or without alcohol, is responsible for swelling. The soda drink version can also alter the composition and function of the gut microbiota , as bacteria play an important role in the overall health of the gut.
Milk , a food with well-known nutritional properties, however, can be problematic for some subjects, precisely at the gastrointestinal level. Dairy products cause gas and bloating in people with lactose intolerance, because they cannot properly digest lactose , the sugar found in milk and other dairy products. In fact, up to 65 percent of people are estimated to be lactose intolerant after childhood, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Protein shakes , often consumed by athletes and by those who follow a protein and low carb diet, can contribute to the formation of abdominal gas due to whey, a milk by-product commonly used to produce protein powders . So in case of lactose intolerance, it is good to choose plant-based and dairy-free protein products. Another culprit of gas, cramps, and bloating could be the sugar substitutes in the smoothie, often used to sweeten protein powders that can result in diarrhea, excessive gas, and bloating.
Do they help digest or not?
Carbonated drinks are often drunk to aid digestion . It actually increases the acidification of gastric juices . Thus, digestion is accelerated but can cause gastroesophageal reflux , acidity and absorption problems , which can be painful for people with gastritis or stomach ulcers .
Coffee, Bubble Tea, Fruit Juices and Beer
Although coffee is not a gastrointestinal irritant for everyone, some people are sensitive to caffeine and, as a result, may notice some digestive problems such as gas or even intestinal manifestations such as diarrhea. The degree of sensitivity to caffeine is linked to the genetic makeup.
Likewise, bubble tea , also known as boba milk tea, with versatile flavors, bright colors, can be very pleasant to drink but just as unhealthy for the stomach. Bubble teas usually contain tapioca-based starch with water and sugar which creates a chewy texture. High fructose corn syrup can be used as a sweetener in some teas, and this can lead to diarrhea and flatulence in those with low fructose absorbency. Tapioca pearls also have a lot of starch without the fiber that regular tapioca has. Gas is produced in the large intestine when starches are broken down.
Commercial fruit juice can also cause bloating because it is usually made with a low percentage of fresh fruit. It is usually a cocktail of water, fruit concentrate, sugar and added flavorings. Much fruit juice sold in stores is flavored with sugar additives, such as sorbitol . The sugar alcohols remain mostly undigested before reaching the large intestine. At that point the bacteria will start breaking them down, causing excess gas. Sorbitol is another ingredient on the list of foods that can cause gas, and is found naturally in some fruits, such as apples and pears, but is also used as a sweetener in various sugar-free foods and candies.
The correlation between bloating and beer consumption is quite common. Alcohol is inflammatory and causes stomach bloating and irritation, producing more stomach acid, which can lead to gas formation. Beer includes fermentation and carbonation processes .
Contraindications
The consumption of beverages such as fizzy drinks, fruit juices, seltzer and protein shakes above all, in addition to causing abdominal gas and bloating, are to be avoided in case of ailments and diseases in some subjects, including:
- Intestinal disorders
- Abdominal tension
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Gastric reflux
- Stomach acid
- Meteorism
- Digestive disorders
- Diabetes
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Insomnia
- Migraine
- Metabolic syndrome
- Fatty liver
