We’re crazy about beer, especially when the hot weather continues. It’s an affordable, delicious drink to take to any party or gathering, and there are plenty of light beer options out there to keep your calories low.
We have heard a lot about how beer can be heavy in calories, especially from carbohydrates. But what about other potentially negative aspects of drinking beer that we should watch out for? Well, according to the registered dietitian Laura Burak, MS, RD author of Slimdown with Smoothies and founder of Laura Burak Nutrition, one of The biggest side effects of drinking beer feel bloated.
How does beer make us swell?
If you have ever felt bloated or gassy after drinking beer, there is a reason! “Beer, like other carbonated beverages, can cause your stomach to swell from releasing carbon dioxide gas into your body,” says Burak.
We need a certain amount of natural gas in our gastrointestinal tract on a normal basis, such as oxygen, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. These gases hold ours the digestive system works properly and enables the building of natural bacteria that break down food.
However, when we have an excess amount of any of these gases, such as added carbon dioxide from carbonated beverages, we may experience uncomfortable amounts of bloating. And not just bloating, but carbon dioxide can lead to excess gas and burping, things that are not too fun around your group of friends at the summer barbecue!
The carbonation in beer is an excellent example of something that can lead to excess carbon dioxide, and it can happen no matter how much you actually drink. “Everyone is different when it comes to how much it takes to get the inflated effect,” says Burak, “but for me, depending on the type of beer, it can only take one!”
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Other ways alcohol can lead to bloating
Apart from carbon dioxide, alcohol can cause bloating for another common reason. According to a Alcohol research Review, consuming alcohol regularly can lead to intestinal inflammation over time, which would create bloating and weight gain along the abdominal area.
This is caused by a disruption in the intestinal microbiota, and this inflammation can lead to organ problems if it becomes chronic.
READ MORE: Worst drinking habits for inflammation, says expert
Takeaway on beer bloating
The most important takeaway here is that alcohol is perfectly good when consumed in moderation, but beer can have an unpleasant side effect for some.
If you get bloated and have a stomach ache when you drink beer, it may be due to carbon dioxide. If this happens to you, you may want to try another type of drink next time.
Burak believes that although you may feel bloated, beer may actually be one of the better choices for alcoholic beverages. “A bottle or can of beer is one of my best choices for a healthier alcoholic beverage because it is portion-controlled,” says Burak, “and because of the carbonation, beer can actually fill you up more than other happy hour options so you can be less tempted to keep the drinks running past one or two bottles. “
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