Beans are a type of legume.

They contain high amounts of protein and healthy carbs. Beans are also very rich infiber, as well as several vitamins and minerals (5).

However, most beans contain sugars called alpha-galactosides, which belong to a group of carbs called FODMAPs.

FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols) are short-chain carbohydrates that escape digestion and are then fermented by gut bacteria in the colon. Gas is a byproduct of this process.

For healthy people, FODMAPs simply provide fuel for the beneficial digestive bacteria and should not cause any problems.

However, for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome, another type of gas is formed during the fermentation process. This may cause major discomfort, with symptoms like bloating, flatulence, cramping and diarrhea (6).

Soaking and sprouting the beans is a good way to reduce the FODMAPs in beans. Changing the soaking water several times can also help (7).

What to eat instead: Some beans are easier on the digestive system. Pinto beans and black beans may be more digestible, especially after soaking.

You can also replace beans with grains, meat or quinoa.

Lentils are also legumes. They contain high amounts of protein, fiber and healthy carbs, as well as minerals such as iron, copper and manganese.

Because of their high fiber content, they can cause bloating in sensitive individuals. This is especially true for people who are not used to eating a lot of fiber.

Like beans, lentils also contain FODMAPs. These sugars may contribute to excessive gas production and bloating.

However, soaking or spouting the lentils before you eat them can make them much easier on the digestive system.

What to eat instead: Light colored lentils are generally lower in fiber than darker ones, and may therefore cause less bloating.

3. Carbonated Drinks

Carbonated drinks are another very common cause of bloating.

These drinks contain high amounts of carbon dioxide, a gas.

When you drink one of these beverages, you end up swallowing large amounts of this gas.

Some of the gas gets trapped in the digestive system, which can cause uncomfortable bloating and even cramping.

What to drink instead: Plain water is always best. Other healthy alternatives include coffee, tea and fruit-flavored still water.

Wheat has been highly controversial in the past few years, mainly because it contains a protein called gluten.

Despite the controversy, wheat is still very widely consumed. It is an ingredient in most breads, pastas, tortillas and pizzas, as well as baked goods like cakes, biscuits, pancakes and waffles.

For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, wheat causes major digestive problems. This includes bloating, gas, diarrhea and stomach pain (8, 9).

Wheat is also a major source of FODMAPs, which can cause digestive problems in many people (10, 11).

What to eat instead: There are many gluten-free alternatives to wheat, such as pure oats, quinoa, buckwheat, almond flour and coconut flour.

The cruciferous vegetable family includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts and several others.

These are very healthy, containing many essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron and potassium.

However, they also contain FODMAPs, so they may cause bloating in some people (12).

Cooking cruciferous vegetables may make them easier to digest.

What to eat instead: There are many possible alternatives, including spinach, cucumbers, lettuce, sweet potatoes and zucchini.

Onions are underground bulb vegetables with a unique, powerful taste. They are rarely eaten whole, but are popular in cooked meals, side dishes and salads.

Even though they’re usually eaten in small quantities, onions are one of the main dietary sources of fructans. These are soluble fibers that can cause bloating (13, 14).

Additionally, some people are sensitive or intolerant to other compounds in onions, especially raw onions (15).

Therefore, onions are a known cause of bloating and other digestive discomforts. Cooking the onions may reduce these digestive effects.

What to eat instead: Try using fresh herbs or spices as an alternative to onions.

Barley is a commonly consumed cereal grain.

It is very nutritious, since it is rich in fiber and contains high amounts of vitamins and minerals like molybdenum, manganese and selenium.

Because of its high fiber content, whole grain barley may cause bloating in individuals who are not used to eating a lot of fiber.

Furthermore, barley contains gluten. This may cause problems for people who are intolerant to gluten.

Rye is a cereal grain that is related to wheat.

It is very nutritious and an excellent source of fiber, manganese, phosphorus, copper and B-vitamins.

However, rye also contains gluten, a protein that many people are sensitive or intolerant to.

Because of its high fiber and gluten content, rye may be a major cause of bloating in sensitive individuals.

What to eat instead: Other grains or pseudocereals, including oats, brown rice, buckwheat or quinoa.

Dairy is highly nutritious, as well as an excellent source of protein and calcium.

There are many dairy products available, includingmilk, cheese, cream cheese, yogurt and butter.

However, about 75% of the world’s population can’t break down lactose, the sugar found in milk. This condition is known as lactose intolerance (16, 17).

If you’re lactose intolerant, dairy can cause major digestive problems. Symptoms include bloating, gas, cramping and diarrhea.

What to eat instead: People who are lactose intolerant can sometimes handle cream and butter, or fermented dairy like yogurt (18).

Lactose-free milk products are also available. Other alternatives to regular milk include coconut, almond, soy or rice milk.

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