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Bloating is most certainly a very common complaint. What causes it? The answer is fairly obvious: the excessive formation of gas in the intestines. With this condition there is a tendency to blame foods such as beans, legumes, spinach, cabbage, or foods high in fermentable fiber. In reality, the situation is not so cut and dry.
The formation of gas due to the fermentation of food within the colon may contribute to a swollen feeling, but very often one may have the feeling of being swollen without that physically being the reality. In some cases, abnormal motility of the intestines or sensitivity may be to blame instead of an excessive amount of gas.
Natural substances can be of great help. In particular, carminative and aromatic plants like Fennel, Cumin, Mint, and Caraway promote the physiological elimination of gas found in the intestines, and positively influence other areas through their generic digestive activity, such as the secretions that accompany intestinal motility. Other plants such as Chamomile can calm and soothe sensitivities, while charcoal is well known for its ability to absorb gas.
The following foods are considered to be easily tolerated by those who suffer from abdominal bloating:
* Toast and bread sticks
* Cooked vegetables
* Ripe fruit
* Yogurt and cheese (such as parmesan).
It is suggested to eat the following foods with care:
* Legumes (especially beans and peas, chickpeas are a better choice)
* Artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol
* Lactose
Onion and Artichoke
All farinaceous foods must be cooked and kept warm before eating. If starch is allowed to cool, it tends to be more difficult to digest and therefore appears undigested in greater quantities in the colon where it ferments. Avoid unripe bananas, potatoes and corn that is not throughly cooked. Of the cereals, rice produces the least swelling.
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