Does Indian food make you gassy? As much as we love indulging in flavorful and aromatic Indian cuisine, we cannot ignore the fact that it is notorious for causing excessive gas and bloating.
However, understanding the root cause of this problem and avoiding certain foods can help you enjoy Indian cuisine without any adverse effects.
In this article, we will explore why Indian food makes you gassy and what you can do to avoid it.
What Indian Foods to Avoid?
If you are prone to gas, bloating, or acid reflux, it is essential to avoid certain Indian foods.
Some of the foods that you may consider avoiding include rice, especially when reheated or at a buffet, lentils (dal), naan bread, roti, and chapatis, cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, garlic, mushrooms, beets, onions, and pickled vegetables.
Also, you may want to avoid spicy foods, alcohol, vinegar, aerated beverages, and foods that are high in sugar, such as rasgulla, gulab jamun, chikki, pedas, and ladoo.
Does Indian Food Make You Gassy?
The primary reason behind gassiness after consuming Indian food is the use of certain spices, lentils, and vegetables that are high in fiber and difficult to digest.
Some of the common ingredients that may cause gas include rice, lentils (dal), cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, garlic, mushrooms, beets, onions, and pickled vegetables.
These ingredients are often used in traditional Indian dishes like dal, biryani, and curries.
Apart from these ingredients, some of the Indian cooking techniques like deep-frying and tempering also contribute to gassiness. The high fat content in deep-fried foods can slow down the digestive process, leading to gas and bloating.
What are the Gassiest Foods in Indian Cuisine?
Some Indian foods are more likely to cause gas and bloating than others. Here are some foods that you may want to avoid if you are prone to gassiness:
- Lentils (dal): Lentils are high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which are not easily digestible. They can lead to gas and bloating if consumed in excess.
- Rice: Rice, especially when reheated or at a buffet, can cause gas due to the increased bacterial growth.
- Naan bread, roti, and chapatis: These are made with whole wheat flour, which is high in fiber and can cause gas.
- Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower: These vegetables contain a sugar called raffinose, which is not easily digested and can lead to gas.
- Garlic, mushrooms, beets, onions, and pickled vegetables: These foods contain compounds that can increase gas production in the intestines.
Which Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity?
Apart from gassiness, Indian food can also cause acidity, heartburn, and other digestive issues.
Some foods that you may want to avoid if you are prone to acidity include coffee, alcohol, vinegar, aerated beverages, spicy foods, and foods with high sugar content like rasgulla, gulab jamun, and pedas.
What Can You Do to Prevent Gas and Bloating?
There are several things you can do to prevent gas and bloating when consuming Indian food. Firstly, it is essential to start with small portions and gradually increase your intake.
This allows your digestive system to adapt to the new flavors and ingredients gradually.
Secondly, you may want to avoid drinking carbonated beverages or alcohol while eating Indian food, as these can increase the production of gas in your digestive system.
Thirdly, try to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly to aid digestion. This can help reduce the amount of air that you swallow while eating, which can cause gas.
Additionally, you may want to consider taking over-the-counter antacids or digestive enzymes to help with digestion, particularly if you have a history of digestive problems.
How to Avoid Gassiness After Eating Indian Food?
If you are a fan of Indian cuisine but want to avoid gassiness and bloating, here are some tips that can help:
- Avoid foods that are high in fiber and difficult to digest, such as lentils, cruciferous vegetables, and whole wheat bread.
- Opt for foods that are easier to digest, such as rice, chicken, fish, and paneer.
- Limit your intake of deep-fried foods, as they can slow down the digestive process.
- Drink plenty of water to aid digestion and prevent constipation.
- Avoid carbonated beverages and alcohol, as they can cause acidity and bloating.
- Chew your food slowly and thoroughly to aid digestion.
