4. Alcohol
Just like salt, alcohol causes water retention. Excessive alcohol in the system slows down the release of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) which helps kidneys to reabsorb water needed by the body. If this happens, excess water is then passed out through urinating and this result in electrolyte imbalance in the system. Often people like to eat salty foods when drinking alcohol; which increases dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. When the system recovers from dehydration, it retains water, thereby leaving you bloated.
Alcohol is amongst the drinks that can irritate the stomach and intestine lining; causing inflammation and sometimes gastritis. This usually happens when you drink on a daily basis and don’t allow your stomach lining to recover; making it more sensitive. Irritated or damaged stomach linings halt the digestive process, causing stomach discomfort, excess gas production and bloating. This can be avoided by reducing alcohol intake, maybe to one glass per week.