Last updated on November 16th, 2020 at 10:39 am

Post-holiday weight gain can catch us by surprise, so many of us make New Year’s resolutions to get our diets back on track. Changing what you eat can help you shed pounds and feel better, but sometimes your stomach has trouble adjusting. The good news is that usually this discomfort is only temporary. Here are some reasons why this might be happening and what you can do to minimize upset so you can better stick to healthy eating.

You’re eating more foods that produce gas.

If you’re trying to eat cleaner, then you’ll be adding more vegetables and legumes to your meals. These are great choices, but you may notice you’re gassier or more bloated than usual. That’s because beans and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage contain a substance called raffinose that the human body has trouble digesting, which results in the production of more gas. There’s no need to shun these foods if this happens to you. Just keep portions on the smaller side, and try cooking the cruciferous vegetables to make them easier to digest.

You’re consuming more food additives.

Low-carb or low-fat diet foods help satisfy cravings, but many contain artificial ingredients that can upset the stomach. Sugar alcohol commonly used in sugar-free treats is infamous for its laxative effect. Make sure to read ingredient labels and eat these treats in moderation.

You’re changing too much, too fast.

Are you attempting a low carb keto diet or trying to go vegan? You may be in for some problems, especially if you’re swapping out whole food groups or adding in new ones that you don’t regularly consume. Vegan and vegetarian fare tends to be high in fiber, and too much of it can lead to cramps, bloating, and constipation. Likewise, low carb diets usually contain a lot of fat which can cause loose stools and nausea. For some people, high-fat meals also trigger heartburn. No matter what kind of diet you choose, it’s best to start slow and give your gut time to adjust.  

For managing discomfort in the short term, homeopathy offers many options. These medicines work gently on the body and will not slow down the absorption of vitamins or nutrients. Boiron’s digestive line includes single medicines for specific symptoms, as well as all-in-one solutions like Acidil, Gasalia, and Diaralia for multiple symptoms. Visit the Boiron shop to browse our full selection of digestive relief medicines.