Health Reasons Not To Eat Your Vegetables
Vegetables really are the key to weight loss, disease prevention, and health but there are a few times when it is more than okay to cut back these superfoods.
How many times have you been told to “eat your vegetables?”
If you’re like most Americans, too many to count. And if you’re like most Americans, you’re eating far fewer than the five to nine daily servings recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Vegetables offer a big bang for your nutritional bucks,” explains Alissa Rumsey, RD, of the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. “They’re a good way to bulk up your meal, add fiber to your diet, and get a lot of nutrients for a low amount of calories.” Vegetable consumption is one of the behaviors most associated with long-term weight management, health, and longevity.
Still, there are times when you can skip the salad bar. “Certain medical conditions affect the way you digest and absorb food,” Rumsey explains. “Some medical conditions can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain, and some people with those conditions might want to avoid high-fiber foods, including vegetables.” Besides stomach discomfort, there are a few more reasons to occasionally not eat your vegetables.
Is Lettuce Safe For Dogs Can Dogs Have Lettuce
It should be noted that spinach, while containing large amounts of Vitamins A, B, C, and K, is also very high in oxalic acid, which blocks the bodys ability to absorb calcium and can lead to kidney damage.Kale also contains several potentially harmful natural compounds, including calcium oxalate which could lead to kidney and bladder stones and isothiocyanates, that can cause mild to potentially severe gastric irritation.Given that its 90 percent water, lettuces nutritional content is somewhat low, especially the iceberg variety.However, be aware that just because your dog can eat lettuce doesnt mean you should give him your leftover salad! .
Low Calories And Energy
If you only consider calories, it would be a challenge to get too much lettuce. You could eat 20 cups of shredded lettuce and consume about 80 to 200 calories, depending on the type of lettuce. On the positive side, lettuce is filling and great for weight loss. But a diet that relies on a lot of lettuce may put you at risk for consuming too few calories to stay healthy and maintain a normal weight. Lettuce is also low in carbohydrates, which are important sources of energy. The combined lack of calories and carbs may leave you without enough energy to make it through the day.
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Be Aware Of Food Intolerance And Allergies
Bloating is a typical symptom of a food intolerance or allergy. Intolerances and allergies can cause excessive gas production or gas to become trapped in the gastrointestinal tract. The foods most likely to cause this are wheat or gluten.
No reliable tests exist to identify a specific food intolerance or allergy, so the best way to identify them is through trial and error. It can help to keep a food diary to track which foods are causing symptoms, such as bloating.
Can Salads Make You Gain Weight
Salads chock full of fiber-rich vegetables can be very weight-loss-friendly. On the other hand, those doused in high-calorie dressing or topped with unhealthy ingredients are not. Premade salads, such as those in grocery stores or fast food restaurants, can be very high in calories, sugar and unhealthy fats.
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How Can I Reduce My Bloated Stomach
Here are 11 proven ways to reduce or eliminate bloating. Dont Eat Too Much at a Time. Rule Out Food Allergies and Intolerances to Common Foods. Avoid Swallowing Air and Gases. Dont Eat Foods That Give You Gas. Try a Low-FODMAP Diet. Be Careful With Sugar Alcohols. Take Digestive Enzyme Supplements. Dont Be Constipated.
How Can They Control Or Manage This Discomfort
The researchers were able to develop a biofeedback technique, teaching the participants to control the movement of their abdominal cavity. Its not clear from the study what this entails but it would be fascinating to learn more about this behavioural technique.
This is a small pilot study and the researchers acknowledge that future work is needed to fully understand what is happening. They also touched on an interesting idea that the distension may be related to a cognitive factor, meaning that someone may become distended if they believe that it will happen. Stress and anxiety are well known triggers of digestive symptoms, so any way to keep both at a minimum will always be beneficial for your digestive health. However, we look forward to future work by this group, to help us fully understand this unusual but common situation.
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So Something Is Happening But What Exactly
The scientists were able to scan each of the subjects before and after eating the lettuce. At baseline, the level of gas in the digestive canal was quite evenly distributed. After the lettuce, there was an increase in gas production, but not to significant amounts which would normally cause such a level of discomfort. The scan confirmed the belt measurements of a distended abdomen. The scan also confirmed that there was a movement or displacement of the diaphragm.
What Causes Bloating After Eating
Bloating occurs in the abdominal area. It happens when large amounts of air or gas build up in the gastrointestinal tract.
Eating is a common cause of bloating because when the body digests food, it produces gas. People also swallow air when eating or drinking, which then enters the gastrointestinal tract. Flatulence and burping usually help to relieve buildups of gas and air in the gut.
Bloating is a symptom of many health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or a food intolerance. However, most cases of bloating are avoidable.
Bloating after eating is a widespread experience and usually not a cause for concern. People with bloating can often treat their symptoms at home, such as by using one of the methods highlighted in this article.
However, bloating can sometimes also be a symptom of an underlying health condition that may require medical attention.
Anyone with bloating accompanied by other symptoms should see a doctor. These symptoms might include:
- abdominal pain
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Excess Sugar And Salt Could Be In Your Toppings
Remember how Dr. Chutkan said that excess salt and sugar in salad dressing can irritate the gut? The same logic applies for nuts and dried fruits. “The sugar can encourage the growth of the wrong kind of bacteria,” Dr. Chutkan explains, adding that said bacteria often leads to a higher production of gas.
While nuts are often a good source of healthy fats and protein, depending on how they’re prepared they can be doused in oil or salt, which can be harsh on the stomach. “Salt, in particular, can make you puffy and retain more water,” adds Dr. Chutkan.
The solution? Swap dried fruits for some fresh papaya, which contains a digestive-aiding enzyme called papain. And if you have a favorite nut or seed, look to buy them raw, unsalted, andâwhenever possibleâsprouted to get the nutrient benefits in their purest form.
How Does Lettuce Affect Ibs Symptoms
If you often get cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, or gas after eating, you may be experiencing a digestive condition known as irritable bowel syndrome .For instance, fermentable soluble fibers, such as inulin and beta glucan, may worsen IBS symptoms.In fact, due to its low fiber content, lettuce may be a good option for people with this condition who have trouble tolerating fiber-rich vegetables.This type of fiber may trigger or worsen IBS symptoms in some people, though the very small amount in lettuce is unlikely to do so.When digested, FODMAPs release gas into your gut more quickly than it can be absorbed into your blood for elimination through your lungs .Research suggests that a low FODMAP diet may provide relief from IBS symptoms .fried foods, fatty meats, full fat dairy, eggs, avocados, nuts, and seeds Caffeine-rich items: coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks.SUMMARY Spicy foods, as well as those rich in fat, caffeine, dairy, or FODMAPs, are the most likely triggers of IBS symptoms.SUMMARY If you suspect lettuce may trigger your IBS symptoms, try replacing it with other low FODMAP veggies like kale, bean sprouts, or cucumber. .
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Reasons Your Salad Is Making You Bloated
Between healthy fast-casual shops popping up on every corner and Instagram-worthy mason jar salads filling the office fridge, vegetables are staging a revolution. But if you’re feeling a little bloated post-green feast, don’t be so quick to look for other causesthe culprit may be in your bowl.
“You can turn a salad into a burger pretty quickly if you’re not careful,” warns gastroenterologist Robynne Chutkan, MD, FASGE and founder of Gutbliss, whose expertise lies in finding solutions for all your GI concerns. Between oily dressings, excess fiber, and often-forgotten sources of salt, there are plenty of opportunities for a once-healthy salad to go southfor your gut, that is.
But fear not, you don’t have to quit your Sweetgreen habit just yet. All it takes is a little intel and you’ll be tossing together salads that’ll make your tastebuds and GI tract equally happy in no time.
Here are five surprising causes of unwanted bloating to watch out for the next time you place your salad order.
Take Smaller Bites And Chew Thoroughly
Rushed eating with large mouthfuls often leads to poor digestion and increases the chance of food fermenting in the bowel and causing too much flatulence.
Chewing your food thoroughly mixes in saliva which starts off proper digestive processes. It also makes it easier for your stomach to break down your meal and lessens the chance of food reaching the lower intestine only partially digested.
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Its Almost Your Period
Water retention in the time leading up to your period is super normal. Many women will notice water retention in the two weeks leading up to their period, says registered nutritional therapist Kym Lang. Youve those pesky hormones oestrogen and progesterone to thank for that.
Their changing levels, around the time of ovulation, control how much water your body retains, Lang says.
Not sure where to begin? Opt for a starter pack, which contains a combination of every pad you could possibly need to navigate your cycle.
You dont need an expert to tell you that everyones hormone levels are different and this is why some of you puff out each month, like clockwork, whereas others might experience a little bit of mild bloating, now and then.
Should I visit my doctor for this water retention?
No. Period-related fluid retention will gradually disperse once your hormone levels change again and you start your period.
Lang suggests reducing your salt intake and supping your magnesium in the run-up to your period to alleviate symptoms, and, when your period starts, drinking plenty of water to support your kidneys and encourage them to flush out more liquid. You could also try these other tips for preventing period weight gain.
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Easy Ways To Lose Water Weight
The human body contains around 60% water, which plays a key role in all aspects of life.
Yet, many people worry about water weight. This especially applies to professional athletes and bodybuilders who wish to meet a weight category or improve their appearance.
Excess water retention, also known as edema, is a different issue. Though its usually harmless, it may be a side effect of serious medical conditions, such as heart, liver or kidney disease .
Women may also experience water retention during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle and during pregnancy.
This article is for healthy people and athletes who wish to reduce their water weight. If you have a serious edema swelling of your feet or arms consult your doctor.
Here are 13 ways to reduce excess water weight fast and safely.
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What You Should Do If You Ate Romaine Lettuce
Just in time for Thanksgiving, Americans have been warned to avoid eating any and all romaine lettuce because of an E. coli outbreak that left at least 32 people sick in 11 states.
The warning, issued Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that consumers should throw away any romaine lettuce they have, and that it shouldnt be sold or served under any circumstances. The CDC also told people to clean refrigerators where romaine had been stored.
The outbreak hit the Midwest hard, though Indiana has been spared so far. But 11 cases have been reported across Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin. There have also been 18 confirmed cases of E. coli illness investigated in Ontario and Quebec, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
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The warning drew widespread concern and one big question: What will happen if Ive already eaten romaine lettuce?
If you are just hearing the news and recently consumed romaine, here are the symptoms you should be on the lookout for and the illness you are at risk of contracting according to the CDC.
Is It Normal To Bloat Everyday
In some cases, the stomach can feel rock-hard and look swollen in appearance. Most people will experience bouts of bloating fairly regularly, and there can be a number of factors and triggers that cause this. Although its hard to assess the exact prevalence of bloating, the condition is certainly commonplace.
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Why Do I See Lettuce In My Poop
This usually is high-fiber vegetable matter, which normally isn’t broken down and absorbed in your digestive tract. Undigested food in stool isn’t a problem unless it’s accompanied by persistent diarrhea, weight loss or other changes in your bowel habits. If you have such signs and symptoms, consult your doctor.
Foods That Cause Bloating According To Nutritionists
Your salad is not as innocent as it looks.
Sometimes stomach bloat can be easily traced back to that huge-ass brunch you had with your BFFs. But other times, its a complete mystery.
One person’s poison is another person’s medicine. What one person’s gut tolerates can vary to the next, says Kelly Schmidt, RD.
In fact, bloating can happen even if you’re all about the salads and healthy snacks. So it’s important to know that you shouldn’t avoid super-healthy foods just because they make you bloated.
The key is to eat these foods strategically, says Cynthia Sass, RD, and author of Slim Down Now: Shed Pounds and Inches with Real Food, Real Fast. As in, you may want to avoid potential bloaters if you know you’re going to give a presentation at work, but definitely don’t nix nutrient-rich foods from your diet altogether.
Curious what your culprits may be? These are some of the most common foods that cause bloating.
Sorry, La Croix addicts: your fav bevvy might be giving you major bloat.
“I think most people are aware that sugary sodas trigger bloating,” says Sass. But the bubbles that give any sparkling drink its fizz are also a factor. Even without any sweetener, that carbonated gas can inflate your belly like a balloon.
To see if this is the culprit, Sass suggests you try eating the same meal or snack with flat water, then with sparkling, and compare how you feel.
Key word: temporarily. If youve got nowhere to be tonight, pop away.
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Causes Of Diarrhea After Eating Salad
Nearly every person likes to eat fruits and vegetables, and everyone needs them for plenty of reasons that ultimately come down to maintaining your health. Apart from eating them raw, people usually eat vegetables in the form of salads. The dressings and coatings used in salads contribute to the taste, and salads are usually quite delicious. Even though salads are both tasty and healthy, some people still suffer from diarrhea after eating salads. There are a couple of causes behind diarrhea after eating a salad.
Avoid Juices And Cleanses
A long-term juice cleanse may sound like a fast solution to drop the pounds, but in reality, its packing on the water weight. Not only are you skimping on vital nutrients like protein, but when youre consuming just juice for a long time, your Lymphatic system weakens and cant keep up with the fluid balance and all that liquid wastes ends up hanging out between cells says Sharp. And thats not all here, are what happens when you do a juice cleanse.
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Onions Garlic Leeks And Shallots
Another set of vegetables that can cause gas and digestive problems are onions and the closely related garlic, leeks and shallots. These all contain high levels of fructans, such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides.
While considered a prebiotic, the fructans in onions, leeks, shallots and garlic can cause gastrointestinal issues for many people, including bloating, excessive gas and even diarrhea and an aggravation of IBS symptoms.
If you experience intestinal pain after eating a meal with a lot of onion in it then a cup of ginger tea can usually help relieve it .
Shallots, leeks, onions and especially garlic are also particularly high in sulfur compounds and can lead to some very smelly farts if eaten in excess. Eating parsley in the same meal as members of the onion family can help reduce both their gassiness and odor.
Get Tested For Food Reactions
If all else fails, it might be time to visit your doctor and talk about food allergies and intolerances. You could be allergic or intolerant to a certain type of vegetable toppings, such as nuts or lactose from cheese or creamy salad dressings. It can be difficult to distinguish between an allergy and an intolerance since both can cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea. But if you also swell up, have rashes or find it difficult to breathe after eating a salad, its more likely to be a sign of a food allergy. No cure exists for allergies or intolerances youll just have to avoid the trigger food altogether.
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