Wheat contains a protein called gluten, which may cause bloating, gas, stomach pain, and diarrhea for some people. Bread, pasta, and many baked goods contain gluten. Sensitivity to gluten can be due to a condition called celiac disease, which affects about 1 percent of the American population .
One of the primary reasons white bread causes bloating is because it contains gluten, a protein found in wheat. It is not just gluten that causes bloating though. White bread also contains fructans. In some people, lacking certain gut enzymes may contribute to bloat while eating bread.
If you've noticed that your stomach bloats after you've eaten bread or other wheat products, cutting these foods out of your diet could help. This is known as the elimination method and it can be an effective way to diagnose intolerances if you think you know what's causing your issue.
Sourdough bread beats the bloat
Many people find it hard to digest commercially produced bread because it seems to cause IBS symptoms, such as bloating and wind.
It might be as simple as eating too much too fast, or you could have a food intolerance or other condition that causes gas and digestive contents to build up. Your menstrual cycle is another common cause of temporary bloating. Sometimes a bloated stomach can indicate a more serious medical condition.
Bloating may occasionally add a pound or two, but it doesn't actually signify weight gain. A simple way to tell the difference between bloating and weight gain or fat is how your stomach looks and feels. If your stomach is tight and hard, then bloating is the cause. If your stomach is soft and thick, then that's fat.
Will all bread make you gain belly fat? It's true that white bread is linked to an increased risk of belly fat, but that doesn't mean that all bread is bad. High-fiber, whole-grain bread is actually linked to less belly fat when consumed with a healthy diet.
Don't cut bread out completely – Eating grainy bread doesn't slow down your rate of weight loss. In fact, people who cut bread out of their diet find it harder to stick to a healthy eating plan. Don't eat too much – Bread is a relatively high kilojoule food, so it's still important to manage the amount you eat.
The most common reason for bloating is having a lot of gas in your gut. This can be caused by some food and drinks, such as some vegetables and fizzy drinks, or by swallowing air when you eat. It can also be caused by a problem with your digestion, such as: constipation.
Lemon water can help with digestion
To relieve bloating, gas, and constipation, drink a cup of lemon water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Lemon contains minerals that promote healthy digestion, alleviate heartburn, and stimulate healthy bowel function by reducing bloat and stimulating bowel movements.
Whether a nice long walk, a brisk jog, a bike ride, or even a jaunt on the elliptical, cardio will help deflate your bloat. Physical activity such as this will help expel gas that causes pain and help move digestion along. Aim for 30 minutes of mild to moderate exertion.
Sourdough Method Good for IBS Sufferers
What they found was that bread baked using traditional long-fermentation sourdough methods were less likely to aggravate IBS symptoms, especially bloating and gas. “These findings suggest that sourdough products may be advantageous for patients suffering from IBS.
The amount of probiotics found in sourdough bread is increased through fermentation, producing a loaf great for gut health. This specific fermentation process also creates a bread that may be easier to digest than conventional bread. Plus, because its energy releases slowly, it will help keep you fuller for longer.
Toast is easier to digest than bread as the toasting process breaks down some of the carbohydrates. Toast can help decrease nausea and reduce heartburn, but not all toast is the same. Whole wheat bread is more healthful than white bread but is high in fiber and can be difficult for some people to eat.
Bread. There isn't much nutritional difference between bread and wraps. Both contain similar ingredients, except the bread is leavened with yeast and a wrap is flat. The Nutrition Facts labels show similar nutritional profiles for one wrap and two slices of commercially baked bread.
And unlike white bread, the starch in potatoes hasn't been refined to deplete nutrients. Potatoes also deliver niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C and magnesium. They're a great source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Toast isn't better for you than plain bread, but if you're unwell or have digestive problems, it's a wise choice. Dr Niket Sonpal insists that toasting bread doesn't “kill nutrients or lower its nutritional value. Vitamins and minerals are still within the bread”.
Best: Bananas
Foods rich in potassium—like bananas, plus avocados, kiwis, oranges, and pistachios—prevent water retention by regulating sodium levels in your body and can thus reduce salt-induced bloating. Bananas also have soluble fiber, which can relieve or prevent constipation.