Starting a vegan diet means big changes… a change in habits, paradigms and even your figure.

Also, it changes the way your body reacts to what you eat because it is not used to your new way of eating.

Some reactions are uncomfortable, such as gas and bloating, but they will be overcome in a few weeks if you are patient and have information.

What happens when I start a vegan diet?

Your food not only provides nutrients to your body, it also feeds billions of microorganisms that live in it.

Among them the microbiota, which are the set of bacteria that live in the human intestine.

Depending on the type of food you choose, you will get different results. For example:

• If you overdo processed foods, you are feeding microbes associated with obesity.

On the other hand, if you consume fiber through vegetables, seeds and grains, you benefit the bacteria that reduce excess weight.

Why should you know this when starting a vegan eating style?

Because when you replace a years-long diet in which you have included meat and dairy with one based on plants, your microbiota needs time to adapt to the large amount of vegetables, fruits, seeds and cereals that you are going to start eating.

And since these types of foods additionally contain fiber and natural sugars that are difficult to digest, you experience gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort.

The adaptation lasts between 2 and 4 weeks. You will see how after a month, you feel better.

But while that happens, there are some actions that can help you alleviate the discomfort.

Actions you can take to reduce inflammation

Grab paper and pencil to write it all down!

✓ Drinking a glass of warm water and lemon juice in the morning helps reduce swelling.

✓ Ginger, parsley, mint, coriander and chamomile have calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

✓ Celery and cucumber reduce gas and bloating because they have water and fiber. Also watermelon (or watermelon) because it has water, potassium and citrulline.

✓ Chia seeds contain fibers that promote light digestion and regular bowel movements.

✓ Drink plenty of water so that the fiber does its job more easily.

✓ Chew each bite well.

✓ Cooked plant foods fall into the stomach better than raw foods.

✓ Digestive enzymes can help you.

✓ Tryptophan helps you regulate sleep, appetite, mood and pain. Learn about the sources of tryptophan for vegans.

Remember that changing an eating habit takes time and effort.

But if you are convinced that you want to start a new, healthier lifestyle, don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone.

I assure you that it will be worth making some sacrifices to obtain the final reward.