Our stomach is the main indicator of our health. Gut microflora is responsible for digesting food in our bodies, but it also determines what level of inflammation and immunity we will have.
Weight, acid reflux and digestive problems are determined by the bacteria in our gut. And what we eat has more consequences than we can imagine. A poor diet can lead to many problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), constipation or diarrhoea.
And this phenomenon of “poor nutrition” is exacerbated during the festive season. All healthy diets are forgotten as party plans come into play. However, let’s take a look:
Below are 13 difficult-to-digest foods, according to WebMD.
1. Foods high in carbohydrates
Eating carbohydrate-containing foods can cause long-term health damage by increasing inflammation and altering gut microflora.
For example, potatoes may be considered a carbohydrate-dense food, but they consist mainly of water. Rice, pasta, pretzels, bagels or doughnuts are more harmful to the body as they are intensely saturated with carbohydrates.
2. Fried food
Fried foods should be strictly forbidden, as they harm the body on several levels. Not only do they add pounds, but they are also difficult to digest. As they are difficult for the body to digest, they can pass through the intestines without being broken down and cause diarrhoea or bloating.
Most fried foods are low in fibre, making them difficult to digest. They may even cause constipation. If you have digestive problems, incorporate low-fat, non-fried foods into your menu to restore intestinal health.
Even high-fat foods should be eliminated from your grocery list. Foods like ice cream, steaks, crisps and others are difficult to digest and can make you feel uncomfortable and satiated.
3. Processed foods
Processed foods are some of the worst culprits when it comes to our health. They have zero nutritional value, contain no fibre and irritate the gut with unnecessary additives and preservatives.
Some may also contain lactose, which can exacerbate digestive problems. Not only do processed foods increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart problems, as well as obesity, but they also cause gas, bloating and cramps.
If you can’t completely avoid processed foods, combine them with lean protein or other slow-digesting foods to increase their nutritional value and reduce stomach discomfort.
4. spicy foods
Spices are added to food to stimulate the digestive system. But for some people, they have adverse effects as they may have a hypersensitivity to spices. Many people experience gas, bloating, heartburn, acid reflux and even stomach pain with an increased intake of spices. Spicy foods should be avoided closer to bedtime.
5. Artificial sweeteners
The most stomach irritating artificial sweetener is sorbitol. It can be found naturally in some fruits, such as apples, prunes and peaches.
When added to sweeten chewing gum and diet foods, sorbitol causes gas, bloating and diarrhea. Artificial sweeteners increase inflammation in the body and can lead to many other health problems. They even contribute to increased belly fat in some people.
6. Foods rich in fibre
Foods rich in fibre can be difficult to digest as the stomach requires more effort to break them down. Foods rich in fibre include raw vegetables, lentils, beans and brown rice.
Yes, raw vegetables are healthy, and most nutritionists talk glowingly about their benefits, but moderation is key. Because raw vegetables are rich in fibre, which is insoluble, they can cause gas, bloating, diarrhoea and other stomach problems. Lentils should also be eaten in moderation as they can be difficult to digest.
People with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract find it difficult to digest these fibre-rich foods. They can opt for sautéed or steamed vegetables, as the fibre is broken down and is easier to digest when cooked.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol is bad for the stomach and liver. It is toxic to the body and causes serious health problems such as cirrhosis and addiction. Even moderate amounts of alcohol can relax the oesophageal sphincter and cause heartburn and acid reflux.
In large quantities it can cause inflammation of the gastric mucosa, cramps and diarrhoea. In addition, alcohol only contains empty calories and slows down fat metabolism in the body.
8. Coffee
For those who can’t function without a daily cup of coffee, it’s bad news, but too much caffeine is detrimental to the digestive system. It increases the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, which shortens the time food stays in the intestines.
This causes diarrhoea and low levels of nutrition. As caffeine is a diuretic, it can lead to dehydration and therefore constipation. In addition, caffeine increases the production of acid in the stomach. People with stomach problems should avoid caffeine in cola, chocolate and even tea. Limit your coffee intake and preferably do not drink it on an empty stomach.
9. Dairy products
Milk and dairy products are difficult for everyone to digest, and some more so than others. This is due to the presence of lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products. When a person cannot digest this group of products, they get gas, abdominal bloating and in some cases even nausea.
Consuming too much dairy products can cause diarrhoea as they enter the large intestine and slow it down. To make up for the nutrition lost due to giving up dairy products, yoghurt and hard cheese can be consumed, as they are lactose-free.
10. Acidic foods
Foods like tomato sauce, citrus fruits like oranges, sweet limes, lemons and limes are acidic in nature. They irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and disturb the intestinal environment. Even cola and carbonated drinks can cause gas and bloating. Acidic foods should be avoided in excessive quantities, especially in case of an upset stomach or diarrhoea, as they may further irritate the body.
11. Foods high in fructose
Artificially sweetened fructose foods, including fruit juices, soft drinks and baked goods, cause bloating and gas and may be difficult to digest. If consumed in excess they may cause diarrhoea and cramps.
12. peppermint
Although peppermint is consumed by people to get a rush of freshness after a meal, it is also responsible for the opposite, i.e. causing heartburn. It relaxes the muscles at the top of the stomach, causing food to move back into the oesophagus.
The best way to reduce the pressure created by food pushing back is to eat food in small portions, get rid of excess weight and not lie down immediately after eating.
13. Corn
People love crunchy corn and corn chaat during parties and celebrations. They are delicious and enjoyed by people of all ages. But then, late at night or in the morning, you might have noticed a few kernels of corn in your stool and may have wondered why this happens.
Here’s the answer. Corn consists of cellulose and the human body does not have the right enzymes to break it down. Therefore it is difficult for the digestive system to completely break down the corn, which can sometimes cause gas and bloating in the stomach.
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