Do you find yourself struggling with an upset stomach more often than not? You might find that you have issues with gas, bloating, pain, or irritability in your stomach. This means you’re likely fueling the pain by eating foods that aren’t agreeing with you. So instead of eating whatever you’d like, it might be time to take a closer look at what you’re putting in your body and how it affects your digestion. Here are five things you should be avoiding to aid yourself in your digestion.
Artificial sweeteners
You might not realize it, but artificial sweeteners are nearly everywhere. From the chewing gum you frequently enjoy, to sports drinks, these things are everywhere. What many people don’t realize is that these sweet treats can damage the microbes in the stomach. Therefore, it’s best to avoid sweeteners like stevia, aspartame, and sucralose.
Cruciferous vegetables
You might not recognize the name, but this is the name for vegetables broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and cabbage. These things happen to contain a lot of insoluble fiber, and if you have a sensitive stomach, you may struggle to digest these. So find other ways to get your veggies and your stomach will thank you.
Dairy
While this seems like an obvious one on this list, most people don’t realize the effect dairy has on your body. You don’t have to be lactose intolerant to deal with the side effects of consuming too much dairy. So put the ice cream down, grab a healthier alternative, and give your large intestine a break.
Fried food
Another obvious contender on our list, fried foods. They tend to move through the body too quickly, which can cause diarrhea, bloating, or gas. So unless you’re really hankering for a fried food fix, it might be wise to avoid the french fries with your dinner. Opt for healthier alternatives not only for your gut but for obvious health reasons as well.
Coffee
Last but not least, coffee. Everybody knows that this dieretic speeds up the digestive process, meaning you’ll likely find yourself running to the bathroom after your morning cup of joe. This is because caffeine activates contractions in your colon making you need to go ASAP. Coffee is also extremely acidic and can cause irritation in the gut lining, so try to stick to only one cup a day.