If you’re someone whose stomach is easily irritated you already know that discomfort can be triggered by a number of foods. A sensitive stomach can be the result of different conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or inflammatory bowel disease. We’re going to make things easier for you and recommend that you stay away from these foods which can make matters worse.1
What To Avoid When You Have Bad Stomach
1. Dairy
Dairy has been known to cause inflammation of the bowels. If you’re someone with a sensitive stomach, dairy products can make you feel worse. Natural yogurt, however, can help promote the growth of good bacteria in your stomach
2. Chocolate
Chocolate can be acidic in the stomach and ultimately cause acid reflux. Caffeine in the chocolate can induce cramps and leave you feeling bloated. Not to mention, most chocolate contains dairy which can be what causes problems.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol relaxes your body but it also relaxes the opening to your esophagus. This means that large pieces of food are likely to go into your stomach where they won’t be properly broken down, causing indigestion. This relaxed opening makes it easier for acid reflux to happen as well.
4. Corn
All forms of corn including popcorn contain a kind of fiber that is indigestible by the human body. Popcorn can contain bits of the outer kernel’s shell which can irritate the wall of the intestine.
5. Chili
Spicy food can really aggravate a sensitive system. It can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn.
6. Seeds And Nuts
Seeds and nuts are usually hard to digest and the hard material can have a hard time passing through your system. Replace them with nut butters like almond butter or peanut butter.
7. Fructose
Fructose is a type of sugar naturally found in high amounts in certain fruits like apples, mangoes, watermelons and certain vegetables like asparagus and sugar snap peas. Unfortunately, fructose can also be difficult to digest which takes it off your menu. Fructose is also found in large amounts in artificial sweeteners so beware of processed foods which can contain copious amounts of the stuff
8.Carbonated Beverages
It’s not just the carbonation that irritates. The citric acid and sodium benzoate can also be to blame. The gas can also cause bloating, burping, and that unpleasant feeling of being too full.
9. High Fat Or Fried Foods
There’s a reason they tell you to stay away from greasy foods when you have a bad stomach. All that fat can overwhelm your system and leave you feeling horrible. More often than not, fried foods cause acid reflux and heartburn as well.
Here are foods that might help soothe your stomach instead
- Potatoes, rice, and pasta: These foods are easy to digest. Don’t season or spice them too heavily to avoid more discomfort.
- Oatmeal: It contains soluble fiber that passes through easily.
- Pureed vegetable soups: Pureeing vegetables gets rid of most of the indigestible fiber. However stay away from vegetables that might cause gas like beans, broccoli or Brussel sprouts.
- Salmon and mackerel: These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce inflammation and irritation.
- Eggs, chicken, and turkey: These are lean proteins that are easily digestible.
- Water: It’s important to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. Not only does your system need water to effectively digest your food. If you’re suffering from prolonged diarrhea you may be at risk of dehydration.
A sensitive stomach and irritable bowels can be difficult to manage but as long as you stay away from these aggravating foods, you can stay comfortable and healthy.
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