Do salads make you feel bloated? Find out why

Dietary fiber is categorized into two types, both essential for digestive health:

1. Soluble Fiber: This type of fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel-like substance in the gut. It slows digestion, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and promotes gut health. Good sources include oats, beans, lentils, flaxseeds, and certain fruits like apples and citrus fruits.

2. Insoluble Fiber: This type of fiber does not dissolve in water and helps add bulk to stool, preventing constipation. It is found in whole grains, vegetables (like carrots and cauliflower), nuts, and seeds.

The human body cannot digest insoluble fiber because it lacks the necessary enzymes to break down its complex carbohydrate structure. However, this fiber still plays a crucial role by aiding bowel movements and preventing digestive issues like constipation.

Meenu Balaji, chief nutritionist at Pragmatic Nutrition, Chennai said that there are different types of lettuce used in salads. “Romaine lettuce has a fibre content of 1.3G per 100g, according to USDA. It is a low-calorie leafy green, which is also hydrating. However, feeling bloated after eating salads with lettuce is not due to its low fiber content,” she revealed, listing down some potential reasons:

1. Raw foods are hard to digest: The cell walls are intact when you eat raw salads. Therefore, it takes longer for us to digest them.

2. Not chewing properly: Are you eating your salads in a hurry? Digestion of carbs start in the mouth with the enzyme called as salivary amylase. If you are not chewing food properly, this can lead to bloating.

3. Other digestive issues: If you have any other digestive issues, eating raw salads can make you feel bloated. Although, lettuce is a low gas producing food, its effects might vary from person to person

How can you manage bloating? Balaji suggested chewing your food thoroughly and be mindful when you are eating. “Eat cooked salads using grilled, boiled or roasted vegetables. Always check if you have low stomach acid as this can lead to stomach pain, gas or bloating,” she said.

This is why your salad is making you feel bloated (Source: Freepik)

How can you increase fibre content in a salad?

1. Use whole grains: While grains like quinoa, brown rice or amaranth make for a good salad base.

2. Add leafy greens: Include different varieties of leafy greens like spinach, kale, lettuce or arugula. You can sauté them if don’t want to eat it raw.

3. Mix some cruciferous vegetables: Cabbage, broccoli and Brussel sprouts add in sulphur containing compounds, to support your detox pathways along with fiber.

4. Sprinkle nuts or seeds: Walnuts, flaxseeds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are fibre rich. They add a crunchy texture and healthy fats to the salad.

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