The most common reason for bloating in the stomach from eating certain foods is food intolerance. Food intolerances occur whenever you develop adverse symptoms after eating a certain food, ingredient or additives in a food. Most food intolerances cause chemical reactions in the body or are the result of the inability to digest certain sugars or proteins in a food. Food intolerances are different from a food allergy. Food intolerances are caused by a problem in the digestive system, while food allergies are a mistake of the immune system.
Gluten Intolerance
Gluten intolerance is a common food intolerance that causes severe bloating, stomach pain, gas and diarrhea after eating foods that contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in barely, rye and wheat, and is found in a wide variety of foods and beverages. Gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, is still not fully understood. It is known that the immune system attacks the lining of the intestines, which causes damage that results in long-term complications. The only treatment for gluten intolerance is to eliminate gluten from your diet.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is another common food intolerance that causes bloating, gas and diarrhea after consuming dairy products. Lactose is a complex sugar found in milk that cannot be digested without the enzyme lactase. If you lack lactase and you develop symptoms after consuming dairy products, you are considered lactose intolerant. Symptoms are preventable by either purchasing lactose-free dairy products or taking a lactase enzyme before eating milk-based foods and beverages. Talk with your doctor before using any over-the-counter medications.
MSG Intolerance
MSG, which stands for monosodium glutamate, is a food additive that enhances the flavor of foods, commonly used in Chinese food and canned goods. This chemical additive can cause headaches, chest tightness, sweating, burning neck, nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, diarrhea and stomach pain within 15 minutes of ingestion. The government requires a food product that uses MSG to disclose the ingredient on the product's label.
Histamine Intolerance
Histamine is another common food intolerance that can cause allergy-like symptoms to form after consuming foods or beverages that contain histamine. Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical in yeast, alcohol, tuna and some vegetables. Histamine causes inflammation and irritation in soft tissue, which may cause skin rashes, chest tightness, shortness of breath, bloating, diarrhea and nasal congestion. Histamine is also produced in the body during an allergic reaction, which is why this intolerance is closely related to allergy symptoms.
