Stomach bloating affects most people at some point in their lifetime, according to the NHS. But you could avoid feeling bloated by simply avoiding peas, it’s been claimed.
Bloating can make the stomach feel swollen, hard, and it’s generally quite uncomfortable.
Your bloating pain may be caused by eating certain gassy foods, or by eating too fast or too much.
But, one of the best and easiest ways to limit your risk of bloating is to cut back on the amount of peas in your diet, it’s been revealed.
Peas are a type of legume, which are one of the worst instigators of bloating pain.
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“Bloating is a common digestive complaint, and it can be caused by a weak digestive response combined with eating certain foods,” said A.Vogel’s nutritional practitioner Alison Cullen.
“[Legumes] category includes peas, beans and lentils, which are infamous for causing gas.
“Legumes are FODMAPs, a group of carbohydrates that are notoriously difficult for the body to digest, and they typically cause problems for people with sensitive digestive systems, such as people with IBS.
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“If your bloating is triggered by legumes then sometimes persevering is the answer. Start with small portions of legumes and slowly build up your portion size.”
Peas and other legumes may also be triggering your bloating pain due to the way they’re cooked.
They should be soaked and rinsed thoroughly during the cooking process, while also making sure that they’re soft when eaten.
If you regularly feel bloated after eating peas, try switching to salt-free tins of precooked peas, added Cullen.
Failing that, you may want to consider swapping your legumes altogether for tofu, which is an easy alternative, she said.
Stomach bloating may also be caused by constipation, trapped wind, irritable bowel syndrome, or even by swallowing too much air.
You could swallow air by drinking through a straw, or by talking with your mouth full of food.
Speak to a doctor if your bloating symptoms don’t go away, said the NHS. It could be caused by something more serious, including ovarian or bowel cancer.
While stomach pain is unlikely to be caused by a type of cancer, it’s always worth getting it checked by a medical professional.
Source: Daily Express
