There are many reasons you may feel bloated, swollen or gassy after eating certain types of foods. Perhaps you have an intolerance to dairy products or eat too much fast food. Other foods, such as apples, contain a lot of fiber, which may create excess gas and cause you to bloat. Speak to your doctor to rule out food allergies or other health issues. For immediate relief, eat smaller portions of the offending food.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables that contain a high amount of fiber or fructose -- such as apples, oranges, green peas and baked potatoes -- may reduce your risk of heart disease but may also cause you to bloat. Certain vegetables, like broccoli and asparagus, contain raffinose, a type of sugar that your body is not able to digest. Once raffinose hits your large intestine, it may make you bloat as well as give you gas.
Fast Food
Fast food is loaded with salt, sugar and fat, all of which slows down the digestion process and makes you feel full, bloated or swollen. Butter is slathered onto everything, from burger buns to steaks to vegetables. Add fatty condiments such as mayo, cheese sauce or bacon and you have a stomach nightmare. Other offenders include foods that are creamy, crispy, breaded or deep-fried. To cut back on fat, eat smaller portions, ask for steamed veggies and ask for all condiments to be placed on the side. Choose low-fat or fat-free salad dressings over creamy ones.
Dairy Products
If you experience gas, bloating or swelling after eating or drinking dairy products, such as milk or cheese, you may be lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance means your body is unable to digest a certain sugar that's found in dairy products. Other symptoms may include cramps, nausea and diarrhea. Eat smaller portions of dairy products and consider how you feel afterward. If you find that the bloating goes away, stick to smaller portions and eat and drink products that are lactose-free. If you still experience bloating, pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor.
Snacks and Drinks
According to MayoClinic.com, our bodies need 2,300 mg of sodium a day. A lot of food, including fruits and vegetables, already come with sodium. Certain snacks, like potato chips and pretzels, contain a lot of sodium. Most sodas, condiments, soups and ready-made meals also are high in sodium, which may make you bloat or look swollen. Limit the amount of salty snacks and drinks you enjoy a day. Also limit chewing gum or sucking on hard candy, because you may also swallow air while you enjoy these treats, which may lead to bloating.
