There are times when I hear people say they are having “stomach issues”. Talking about these issues (whether it be gas, diarrhea or constipation) are regular topics in my home (my dad was in a business that manufactured enemas and we are Jewish- don’t all Jews talk about their bathrooms business!). Some people treat their bodies like a Ferrari; others, like a clunker. A Ferrari body is given a healthy diet with the right mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, water, salts, vitamins, and soluble and insoluble fiber — all requirements for avoiding stomach stuff. But when occasionally you have stomach issues like bloating or feel naseau, what foods should you avoid?
AVOID THESE FOODS:
DAIRY - Dairy can be hard to digest mainly because of lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products. When lactose isn’t digested properly, such as in people with lactose intolerance, gas and bloating result. If you consume too much lactose, it goes into the large intestine, and diarrhea can develop or worsen. When you're dealing with digestive problems, it may still be okay to eat yogurt and hard cheeses because they have no lactose, or you can try lactose-free milk.
ACIDIC- When you have an upset stomach, avoid acidic foods.For example, tomato sauce and citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit, are acidic and can irritate the stomach lining, causing digestive problems. Many people don’t realize that carbonated beverages are also acidic.
FATTY FOODS- Did you know that fatty foods stimulate contractions in the digestive tract, which can either slow down the emptying of the stomach and worsen constipation, or speed up movement, leading to or worsening diarrhea. For those of you who subscribe to a Keto Diet, avoid high-fat culprits, like butter, ice cream, red meat, and cheese, at least for a while.
ARTIFICAL SWEETNERS- The artificial sweetener perhaps most associated with digestive problems is sorbitol. It's a hard-to-digest sugar found naturally in some fruits, including prunes, apples, and peaches, and is also used to sweeten gum and diet foods. Once sorbitol reaches the large intestine, it often creates gas, bloating, and diarrhea. If you have diarrhea, read food labels so that you can avoid sorbitol,
CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL- If you’re feeling nauseated, the last thing you should have is an alcoholic drink. Alcohol is toxic to the stomach lining and changes liver metabolism. And caffeine stimulates gastrointestinal tract motility, making contents move more quickly through your system, and excessive amounts can give anyone diarrhea.