If you experience gas after eating, it is usually due to consuming fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. However, if it only occurs after eating cultured dairy foods such as yogurt, kefir or liquid probiotic supplements, according to MayoClinic.com, you could have a food intolerance. Food intolerance to cultured dairy products occurs when your body can’t process the lactose they contain, resulting in excessive gas and bloating.
Lactose Intolerance
While yogurt and other cultured dairy foods contain less lactose than milk, they can still trigger lactose issues for people who are severely intolerant. If drinking milk causes the same symptoms, you likely have a lactose intolerance, but if you want to be sure, get tested. If it turns out that you are lactose intolerant, you can try making your own yogurt at home. By allowing it to ferment longer than commercially prepared products, the live bacteria will reduce the amount of lactose in the yogurt.
While lactose on its own can be a source of gas, there are other ingredients in yogurt, kefir and other probiotic foods that can also contribute to gas and the feeling of being bloated. Some of those added ingredients include:
Thickeners — Most commercially produced yogurts available in grocery stores contain thickeners like carrageenan, gelatin and guar gum. These thickeners are not tolerated well by some people. Check food labels carefully and try a product free of thickeners to determine if they are responsible for the gas and bloating.
Sweeteners — Many people unknowingly suffer from fructose malabsorption, which can be responsible for bloating and gassiness. This condition can also lead to abdominal pain and a change in your stools. Honey, high-fructose corn and agave syrups are also known to cause fructose malabsorption symptoms. Look for alternative products which contain cane sugar, dextrose, glucose or maple syrup. .
Fruit — Kefirs, probiotic drinks and yogurts which contain fruit with high fructose levels can also trigger digestive problems and bloating. Common culprits include cherries, apples, pears and mangoes. Try other products featuring fruits containing less fructose, such as bananas, berries and peaches.
If you suspect that your intestinal issues stem from lactose or fructose intolerance or absorption issues, try switching to a cultured non-dairy product made from almonds, coconut or soy, and alternative sweeteners such as stevia. Adding CharcoCaps to your daily routine can relieve occasional issues with bloating or gas after consuming yogurt and other cultured dairy products.