Dodge the Bloat: Five Culinary Culprits to Steer Clear of for a Gas-Free Existence

Cabbage and Its Cousins

Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and kale are known health superstars, packed with fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients. Unfortunately, they can also trigger gas due to their high fiber content and the presence of a sugar called raffinose. Our bodies do not produce the enzyme needed to break down raffinose, making it fermentable in our gut and producing gas.

Though it's not advisable to eliminate these nutrient-dense veggies completely, you can take steps to reduce their gas-producing effects. Cooking these vegetables, especially steaming, can make them easier to digest. You can also balance out your meal with vegetables that don't produce as much gas, such as zucchini, tomatoes, or bell peppers.