3 Reasons You're Bloated After Your Smoothie (2024)

FAQs

3 Reasons You're Bloated After Your Smoothie? ›

2. Superfood Smoothies. Smoothies are an easy way to get powerhouse vitamins, minerals, protein, fat and fibre all in one quick drink — but, sometimes when all of these ingredients combine together, a distended belly is the result. For some, combining fruit and protein or fruit and fat is a digestive nightmare.

2. Superfood Smoothies. Smoothies are an easy way to get powerhouse vitamins, minerals, protein, fat and fibre all in one quick drink — but, sometimes when all of these ingredients combine together, a distended belly is the result. For some, combining fruit and protein or fruit and fat is a digestive nightmare.

"Certain healthy foods, such as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, can cause bloating due to their high content of indigestible sugars that can ferment in the gut and cause gas," says Kapoor. The nutritionist adds that one needs to go to the root of the discomfort.

“Fruits have sugars such as fructose and sorbitol, and these two nutrients can cause inflammation and gases,” she says. “They also contain fibre, which we all need for healthy gut function, but when consumed in excess it can result in lower digestibility, causing greater abdominal swelling and gases.”

However, they may contain large amounts of added or natural sugars, which can contribute to dental problems and obesity. To avoid these potential negative effects, look for smoothies without added sugar, and consume them in moderation.

These smoothie recipes are perfect for when you feel bloated. Fruits like papaya, watermelon, banana and kiwi have been known to help reduce bloating symptoms. Yogurt can also be helpful to debloat, so feel free to add yogurt to these smoothies.

However, when fruit is combined with other common smoothie ingredients—like yogurt, protein powders, nut butters, and/or vegetables—the different rates of digestion result in a fermented, gaseous mess. The body has no idea how to process this complicated combination, not to mention the various types of protein.

“Common dieting and food restriction are common causes of bloating because it tells your body to slow the metabolism, dialling down your digestive juices over time,” says Crow, who runs Butter Nutrition out of Seattle.

Bloating may occasionally add a pound or two, but it doesn't actually signify weight gain. A simple way to tell the difference between bloating and weight gain or fat is how your stomach looks and feels. If your stomach is tight and hard, then bloating is the cause. If your stomach is soft and thick, then that's fat.

Which fruits cause the most bloating? ›

Apples and pears. Apple and pears are both popular fruits that contain plenty of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are also known for causing bloating and digestive problems. This is because they contain fructose, which is a fruit sugar that a lot of people find difficult to digest.

Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are full of fiber. They make a sweet snack and are a better alternative to sweets that can cause bloating. This fruit, like apples, is full of potassium and fiber. This fiber can help reduce bloat.

If you are new to smoothie diets, it is a good idea to start with 2 smoothies per day and see how you feel. If you are feeling satisfied and are losing weight at a healthy pace, you can then increase the number of smoothies you drink.

Include one or more sources of protein like yogurt, kefir or milk, as well as healthy fats from nuts, seeds or avocado. Both adults and children should consume smoothies no more than one portion per day.

Smoothies rich in fiber and protein keep you full longer, while those made with fruits and vegetables increase your daily vegetable servings. As long as you are drinking smoothies made from a variety of fruits and vegetables and low in refined sugar, there would be no problem with consuming smoothies every day.

Smoothies can contribute to weight gain if they are calorie-dense and contain added sugars or high-fat ingredients. Blending fruits can break down fiber, leading to a quicker release of sugars, potentially affecting blood sugar levels.

Bananas are a healthy and nutritious food that can be part of a balanced diet. However, some people may find that they experience bloating or gas after eating bananas. This could be due to the high levels of fiber present in the fruit, which takes longer to digest and can cause abdominal discomfort.

Lack of protein: Smoothies are often high in carbohydrates and sugar, but they may not be high in protein. Protein is an important nutrient that helps to keep you feeling full. If your smoothie does not have enough protein, you may feel hungry soon after drinking it.