Belvita is a breakfast biscuit that is marketed as being healthy and filling. However, it may not be safe for everyone, especially people with certain medical conditions.
In the article, I’ll share all of the belvita side effects and solutions to avoid it to help you make informed choices about your diet.
Let’s dig in.
What Is Belvita? Are Belvitas Good For You?
Belvita is categorized as a breakfast biscuit high in fiber and can help you feel full. However, it is also high in sugar and calories and contains some unhealthy ingredients.
Are belvita bars healthy? The answer depends on your health needs and preferences.
If you are concerned about the potential drawbacks of Belvita, many other healthy breakfast options are available.
What Are Belvita Side Effects To Beware Of?
If you consume Belvita improperly, you might struggle with digestive discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, allergy, bloating, unexpected weight gain, or even fluctuating blood sugar and nutrient imbalance.
Digestive Discomfort
Despite being advertised to provide steady energy, these biscuits can actually cause abdominal pain or feelings of discomfort in the digestive system.
Some of my friends experienced it, and we call it belvita stomach pain.
This snack often contains refined carbohydrates, such as white flour and sugars, which can be harder for the body to digest than whole grains.
Moreover, the processing methods used in producing Belvita biscuits may strip away some of the natural enzymes and nutrients in whole foods.
This can make them less digestible, potentially resulting in digestive issues.
Additionally, the added preservatives, flavorings, and other artificial ingredients list found in some belVita breakfast biscuits can disrupt the natural digestive process for some people, leading to mild discomfort.
Blood Sugar Fluctuation
Levels of blood sugar fluctuation refers to the rise and fall of glucose levels in the bloodstream.
When levels of blood sugar increase, our body produces insulin to assist in reducing them.
However, if you eat a lot of sugar, your body may not be able to release enough insulin to offset it, and a sugar crash might follow.
As a result, you may experience signs like tiredness, lightheadedness, and migraines.
Repeated or more frequent blood sugar fluctuations can have adverse effects on your overall health.
It may increase risk of developing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain. It can also impact your steady energy levels, mood stability, and well-being.
Allergic Reactions
While Belvita biscuits generally contain common ingredients like wheat, coarse wheat bran in Belvita Kraker Bran, soy, and milk, which are well-tolerated by most people, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to these components.
The symptoms can vary from slight to strong, depending on the person and the seriousness of their allergic reaction.
Common signs of an allergic reaction to Belvita biscuits may include itching, redness, or swelling. One of my friends also suffered from hives and a rash on her skin.
In more serious situations, people may have trouble breathing, feel their chest tightening, or even experience anaphylaxis. It is a severe and fatal reaction that requires immediate medical help.
Still, these symptoms can happen with any food product. So, be careful when you eat something new.
Weight Gain or Overconsumption
Belvita biscuits are high in calories and sugar. Specifically, canola oil or corn starch used in this snack contains calories that can contribute to weight gain when consumed in excess.
A Belvita Golden Oat biscuit can serve up to 150 calories, 10 grams of sugar, and about 2 grams of fiber. Eating them too much can add up lots of calories and sugar.
Besides, overconsumption of Belvita biscuits can also lead to unhealthy habits. If you see it as a snack or a way to satisfy your sweet tooth, you may be more likely to overeat in general.
Moreover, the large amount of sugar in this food can make you want to eat more sugary foods, leading to weight gain.
I once even struggled with loss of appetite after excessively consuming the biscuit due to the feeling of fullness it gave me.
Nutrient Imbalance or Deficiencies
Belvita biscuits may not have all the nutrients your body needs. While they can be a tasty snack, relying on them too often may mean missing out on important vitamins and minerals.
If you don’t eat healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, orange juice, and whole grains, your body may not get all the necessary nutrients.
It can cause imbalances or deficiencies in important vitamins and minerals.
Diarrhea
Eating too many Belvita biscuits might be to blame when you have loose or watery stools and need to go to the bathroom more often than usual.
Belvita ingredients like sugar, dietary fibers & carbohydrates can be hard for some people’s bodies to digest in large amounts.
When your body struggles to break down these substances, it can result in loose stools and increased bowel movements.
Constipation
However, if you eat too many Belvita breakfast biscuits without eating enough other fiber-rich foods, constipation is to be expected.
Fiber intake absorbs water in the digestive system, making stools bulkier and easier to pass.
When your diet lacks sufficient amounts of grams of fiber, it can result in slower digestion and make it harder for your body to move waste through the digestive tract. Even if you drink lots of water, it is not gonna help much.
Some symptoms of constipation you may experience are: infrequent bowel movements, hard or lumpy stool, difficulty passing stool, feeling of incomplete evacuation, excessive straining, etc.
Bloating
Do belvita biscuits cause gas? Yes, belvita causes gas, which can make you feel bloated and uncomfortable.
Ingredients, like specific types of carbohydrates or sugars, can ferment in your intestines.
This fermentation process produces gas as a byproduct, which can trigger bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort.
In addition to the ingredients, consuming or eating many biscuits too quickly can also contribute to the buildup of gas in your digestive system.
Eating a lot of these biscuits in a short period can overload your digestive system, making it harder for your body to process the food efficiently.
This can result in the production of more gas and lead to bloating.
How To Avoid Belvita Side Effects?
Eat In Recommended Serving Sizes
Even some healthy food like Malt O Meal, you have to eat it in control.
So, similarly, to avoid adverse effects, you must eat Belvita biscuits in the recommended serving sizes stated on the packaging and drink plenty of water.
Consuming them in the suggested portion to prevent overeating or potentially negative consequences.
Normally, I will eat the recommended serving size of 2 biscuits, but you may need to eat less if you are sensitive to fiber.
Don’t Eat If You Are Allergic To Wheat, Nuts, Or Seeds
Belvita biscuits have ingredients like wheat flour, seeds & nuts which may prompt allergic reactions in some people.
Check the ingredient list before eating Belvita biscuits if you have any allergies.
Talk To The Healthcare Professionals
Suppose you have any concerns or questions about consuming Belvita biscuits. In that case, consulting with healthcare professionals such as doctors or nutritionists is always a good idea.
This is especially important if you are pregnant, as you are eating for two.
For instance, I enjoy eating Belvita with Ensure in the morning.
However, when I became pregnant, I prioritized consulting with my doctor to ensure the safety of consuming Belvita and Ensure during pregnancy.
Their advice made me confident in my everyday nutrient intake.
Remember, healthcare professionals can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific health needs and dietary requirements.
So, don’t hesitate to contact them for guidance and reassurance whenever you have questions or uncertainties.
Conclusion
Knowledge of the belvita side effects allows you to take proactive steps to manage your health. Pay attention to your body and make choices that best support your well-being.
If you have concerns about consuming this food, especially if you have a condition such as diabetes, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor before including it in your diet.
Your health is the most important thing. Do not risk it!
