There are several reasons you may experience frequent bloating, from constipation to menstruation. But one of the biggest factors that you can control when it comes to this issue is your diet. As it turns out, certain foods are known to cause gas and bloating—and this is especially true when it comes to processed options. For this reason, limiting your consumption of processed foods can be one great way to decrease your risk of digestive issues. In fact, there’s one in particular that experts suggest you avoid as much as possible if you want to keep bloating at bay: Ramen Noodles.
Although undeniably convenient and delicious, nutritionist Lisa Richards says that Ramen Noodles can take a serious toll on your health when eaten on a regular basis. And one of the biggest aspects of your wellness that they can negatively affect is your digestive system. Learn more about why Richards says you may want to cut out these processed noodles below.
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Pre-Packaged Ramen Noodles
We've all been there: You're hungry, you're low on money, and you don't have the energy to cook yourself a nutritious meal... so you opt for cheap, easy, delicious Ramen noodles. While this highly processed food may have a reputation for being a college student staple, any demographic may indulge in them. But unfortunately, Richards warns that if you're eating pre-packaged Ramen noodles on a regular basis, you may be putting your body at risk—especially when it comes to your gut health.
"This pasta is highly processed and inflammatory which can lead to gut dysbiosis and bloating," she warns. When your body experiences gut dysbiosis, there is an overgrowth of bad bacteria in your gut, and you may experience a range of digestive issues, like bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and cramping. The high sodium content of this food is another major culprit of bloating, as excess salt in your body leads causes water retention.
Other health effects of Ramen noodles
But it isn't just digestion that packaged noodles can affect; they're overall a terrible choice for your health. "These meals may have been a good source of calories in your twenties, but after the age of 40 you should reconsider making them a regular part of your diet," Richards emphasizes. "It is fully understood that these meals are full of sodium, which can cause inflammation, bloating, high blood pressure, abdominal fat, and other health concerns." Yikes!
Additionally, the fact that Ramen noodles are extremely low in nutrients and high in calories sets you up for weight gain over time. They don't make for a satiating meal, which means that not only will they be loading you up with calories, but you'll also experience more cravings and hunger later in the day. "You will find that you are hungry soon after eating, which will leave you eating again and likely overeating on calories overall," Richards says.
If you can't kick your noodle habit altogether, though, there are plenty of other, healthier options to choose from, including soba noodles, whole wheat pasta, and even "zoodles," a.k.a. noodles made from zucchini. Of course, if you're really in a pinch and need to resort to Ramen every now and then, it won't kill you—but you may run into bloating after eating them. Overall, it's important to limit your intake of processed foods like this in order to keep your body has healthy as possible.
