Why wheat atta gives bloating to Indians in the US: Nutritionist explains

Moving to a new country is no cake walk, let alone a new continent. For many Indians who relocate to the United States, the transition isn’t easy. It’s beyond feeling homesick. For instance, food. Even if you somehow find ingredients that are similar to the ones you get in India, they don’t feel or taste the same. Some even experience gut issues. If you love to enjoy chapatis and other dishes made of wheat flour, you might know that the bloating that follows is real. Why is it, though?

Neha Shah, a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach based in the US, has dissected the problem and also suggested some tips to overcome the bloating. “Indian immigrants in the USA often face unexpected health challenges - bloating, inflammation, weight gain, after moving away from familiar, high-quality foods in India. The problem isn’t their traditional diet; it’s the poor-quality, processed ingredients found in typical US supermarkets,” she explains in a video shared on Instagram.

The nutrition coach notes that the whole wheat flour that Indians buy from the supermarkets in the US is the biggest culprit behind bloating and gut issues linked to it. “Most commercial atta is made from modern wheat that has way more gluten than our bodies need, making you bloated. It is milled at super high temperatures, which messes with the natural balance of carbs and protein, causing high blood sugar spikes,” she says.

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The nutritionist adds that the reason behind this is to extend the shelf life. “To make it last longer on shells, they often remove the outer layer of the grain, leaving you with empty calories. That's where all the fiber and nutrients are,” she says. This leaves you with low-quality flour that’s difficult to digest and is sticky in the gut. And the result is bloating, inflammation, and an upset stomach.

Shah advises to buy ‘organic US-grown heritage wheat with simpler gluten structure that's easier on the stomach’. She also recommends buying them from local stone-ground mills in the US. This method of turning the wheat into flour preserves the oil, nutrients, and fiber. “This kind of atta is rich in protein, iron, vitamins, and PCOS-friendly inositol,” she adds.

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For those looking to make a change, starting small. Check the labels of the Indian food you are buying from supermarkets. Always prioritize organic products. Local and trustworthy mills could provide you with better products than the ones you get in a packet. These simple swaps will help you keep bloating at bay, and your gut will thank you.