Dear VJD,
I have been suffering from major digestion issues lately! Constant bloating and gas. I read somewhere that we cannot digest nuts and seeds properly and lately, I have been eating ALOT of healthy trail mixes, including almonds, walnuts and pecans. Can they be the digestion culprits?? What other food are guilty of causing the dreaded belly bloat?

-Kimberlee

Dear Kimberlee,
According to nutritionist Ashley Koff, There are several reasons that gas and bloating occur. One culprit that often goes unexplored is bacteria and specifically an imbalance of good and bad bacteria. If you've taken antibiotics in the last 3-4 months the gas and bloating may be a result of not having replenished your good bacteria. She recommends a trial of a good quality probiotic; one with a clinically proven strain (try align). There are no downsides to trying this as well as looking at dietary clues.

You mention trail mixes and a possible source is the dried fruit. Other foods that may trigger gas / bloating are the sugar alcohols used in sugar-free products (gums, mints, etc). Other foods like beans, and certain vegetables (broccoli, cabbages, onions) can cause bloating, but changing cooking methods and using spices can help address this.

For more information you can check out her cookbook Recipes for IBS:Great-Tasting Recipes and Tips Customized for Your Symptoms.