Stomach bloating affects most people at some point in their lifetime, according to the NHS. But you could avoid feeling bloated by simply cutting back on the amount of garlic you eat, it’s been claimed.

Bloating can make the stomach feel swollen, hard, and it’s generally quite uncomfortable.

Your bloating pain may be caused by eating certain gassy foods, or by eating too fast or too much.

But, one of the best and easiest ways to limit your risk of bloating is to avoid certain foods, including garlic, it’s been revealed.

Everyone should consider swapping garlic for herbs and spices, urged nutritionist Adda Bjarnadottir.

Garlic has been claimed to have a number of health benefits, including helping to lower blood pressure and protect against heart disease.

But, the vegetable could also lead to stomach pain in some people.

That’s because it contains some indigestible FODMAPs, which are sugars that aren’t easily digested.

These sugars sit in the gut and provide food for bacteria, which release gas as a by-product.

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“Although bloating may be a symptom of a serious medical condition, it is usually caused by something in the diet,” she wrote for medical website Healthline.

“Like onions, garlic contains fructans, which are FODMAPs that can cause bloating.

“Allergy or intolerance to other compounds found in garlic is also fairly common, with symptoms such as bloating, belching and gas.

“Try using other herbs and spices in your cooking, such as thyme, parsley, chives or basil.”

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Meanwhile, cutting back on the amount of peas in your diet could also help to protect against stomach pain.

Peas, as well as garlic, contain FODMAPs that aren’t easily broken down.

If certain foods tend to leave you feeling bloated, perseverance is the key, added Cullen.

Start with smaller portion sizes, and work your way up to normal-sized servings, she said.

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Stomach bloating may also be caused by constipation, trapped wind, irritable bowel syndrome, or even by swallowing too much air.

You could swallow air by drinking through a straw, or by talking with your mouth full of food.

Speak to a doctor if your bloating symptoms don’t go away, said the NHS. It could be caused by something more serious, including ovarian or bowel cancer.

While stomach pain is unlikely to be caused by a type of cancer, it’s always worth getting it checked by a medical professional.

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