You’ve seen the commercials. You’ve done the research and you are officially a yogurt convert. All the experts seem to be saying that yogurt is great for your digestive system, but if you are finding that adding yogurt to your diet is causing more gas and bloating than ever, you aren’t alone. Can yogurt cause gas? A few hidden culprits could cause your GI distress:
Additives
Some commercial brands add thickener to yogurts to make them look more appealing. These additives are not only unnecessary, they can leave you feeling bloated. Be sure to read labels and look for yogurts that only contain milk, cream, and active cultures.
A lot of yogurts also contain a large amount of sugar and sweeteners. Beware of artificial sweeteners which can wreak havoc on your body and try to stick to unflavored versions to reduce sugar consumption. While vanilla yogurt may appear to be a safe option, some varieties can contain up to 20 grams of sugar per serving.That is more than enough to send some people’s digestive systems into a tailspin and is nearly the total recommended daily consumption allotment. The American Heart Association advises “the maximum amount of added sugars you should eat in a day are Men: 150 calories per day (37.5 grams or 9 teaspoons). Women: 100 calories per day (25 grams or 6 teaspoons).”
Lactose
While yogurt doesn’t contain as much lactose as other dairy products, it can be enough to cause discomfort. If you notice the same symptoms when you drink milk, then you are probably having a reaction to lactose. For those who don’t want to give up their yogurt, most major brands offer lactose-free options.
Probiotics
One of the benefits of eating yogurt is that it helps fill your gut with friendly probiotics that will improve both your digestive and overall health. If yogurt causes your GI discomfort, your system may have been more out of balance than you initially suspected. For those who start with a greater imbalance, adding probiotics may cause some initial bloating as all the bacteria work to achieve homeostasis.
If you are experiencing gas and bloating caused by yogurt or any other food for that matter, Charcocaps are a great remedy to have on hand. This is especially true if you think your gas is being caused by an imbalance of probiotics in your gut. The combination of yogurt and CharcoCaps can help eliminate toxins and replace bad bacteria with healthy bacteria. There is no need to suffer from uncomfortable and embarrassing gas and bloating. Visit your local grocery store and try out the dynamic duo of yogurt packed with active cultures and CharcoCaps.