Your Stomach Might Not Agree
How strong is your stomach? Are you able to eat anything and everything, or do you have a stomachache right after taking a bite of something new? Sure, certain foods are more likely to cause digestive discomfort than others (think milkshakes versus eating plain veggies), but underlying conditions could still influence which ones affect you. If you're constantly dealing with tummy issues, here are 20 foods you might want to limit or avoid.
1. Fried Chicken
As delicious as that crispy, golden coating might be, those high-fat wings and drumsticks are probably going to send you running to the bathroom soon after you lick the grease off your fingers. If you like eating your fried chicken with mayo, you'll only make your symptoms worse.
2. Ice Cream
Even if you're not lactose intolerant, ice cream might make you pretty queasy. After all, it's not just the dairy your sensitive stomach needs to deal with, but all the sugar and fat in this creamy dessert too. Like varieties with chocolate chunks in them? Well, the richer it is, the more your tummy might hurt.
3. Spicy Hot Wings
Fried chicken is bad enough, but you know what's worse? Dunking them in hot sauce. Why, you might ask? Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that gives you that characteristic heat but can also aggravate digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. Those with IBS should be extra wary!
4. Sushi
While sushi isn't greasy and can actually be pretty healthy, it's also—you guessed it—mostly raw. Beyond the uncooked fish, though, many fusion rolls are also drenched in spicy mayo or covered in tempura bits, all of which may aggravate acid reflux or leave you feeling bloated.
5. Wasabi
Yep, sushi isn't the only thing that might get your stomach churning. Even that green stuff you're meant to eat with your raw fish can aggravate digestive discomfort! If your stomach tends to react poorly to pungent foods, you might want to skip the spicy goop altogether.
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6. Milkshakes
It probably comes as no surprise that if ice cream is bad for sensitive stomachs, adding more milk to it won't make things better. Past all the bloating, gas, and diarrhea you'll likely get from milkshakes, the high fat content of these decadent beverages may also aggravate acid reflux, especially if you drink a large serving.
7. Tomato Soup
Tomato soup might seem like a comforting choice when you're not feeling your best. The problem with it, though, is that it can be pretty acidic, which can be troublesome if you're prone to heartburn. Adding heavy cream may only make it more difficult to tolerate!
8. Bacon
Sorry, bacon lovers—this greasy breakfast ingredient should be permanently off your plate if you struggle with indigestion after having a strip or two. Bacon contains substantial amounts of fat, after all, so having a large serving of it is only going to bog you down. Do your body a favor and pick a leaner protein!
9. Macaroni and Cheese
Another comfort dish is off the list, and this time, it's mac and cheese. Traditional recipes often contain milk, butter, and generous amounts of cheese, making them crazy high in fat. Unless you choose dairy-free alternatives, those who are intolerant might be in for a bad evening.
10. Pickles
Sure, most people pick pickles off their burgers because of their distinctive, briny flavor, but did you know that these crunchy snacks can also spell out bad news for those struggling with reflux symptoms? Spicy varieties may be especially uncomfortable for anyone who reacts poorly to hot peppers, too!
11. Oranges
We know, we know—oranges are packed with vitamin C, which should mean they don't belong on this list and should instead be touted for all the health benefits they bring. However, their acidity can ruin all the perks that come with eating them. In fact, all citrus fruits might bring you grief if you have a sensitive tummy!
12. Sugar-Free Candy
Ever run to the toilet after you had a bag of sugar-free candy? Well, even if it's technically better than sugary varieties, swapping in sweeteners such as sorbitol, maltitol, or xylitol can lead to a whole lot of gas and discomfort. If you frequently experience digestive problems after enjoying these treats, remember to check the ingredient label beforehand!
13. Kimchi
While kimchi is often praised for its probiotic content, which should actually help your gut not cause it more discomfort, everyone's body is different. This popular Korean side dish isn't always easy on a sensitive stomach! Some traditional recipes can be pretty spicy, after all, and it can also be quite acidic.
14. Curry
You probably already know why curry is on the list. The generous amounts of chili peppers aside, though, richer varieties made with cream or butter may also worsen tummy troubles, and that's not even including the ingredients added in!
15. Dried Apricots
Sorbitol isn't only found in sugar-free snacks—in fact, it's naturally present in dried apricots, which means if you eat several handfuls, you might, ahem, get the laxative effects. Plus, because dried fruit is concentrated, it's also easy to eat more than you would if you were consuming fresh fruit.
16. Peppermint Candy
There's no better way to celebrate Christmas than with candy canes! And yet, if you've got a sensitive stomach, you might want to lay off the peppermint treats. While it could relieve certain IBS symptoms, it may also relax the muscle that helps prevent acid reflux.
17. Honey
If you've ever drizzled honey in your tea or oatmeal, only to experience digestive issues soon after, you might not have immediately traced it back to the syrup. But it's all the fructose content: if you have difficulty absorbing larger amounts of it, that can result in all the usual unpleasant symptoms.
18. Protein Bars
Nobody wants to head to the gym feeling like they can't stop running to the bathroom! If you tend to have a protein bar before your workout session, though, the high-fiber content may only get the gears in your gut turning. Some varieties may also contain those sugar alcohols with laxative effects, too.
19. Sausages
No matter if it's breakfast sausages or bratwurst, these fatty dogs can be pretty difficult to tolerate if your tummy doesn't deal with greasy meals. Of course, this doesn't mean you have to give them up altogether—simply choose leaner, mildly seasoned options!
Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto on Pexels
20. Instant Ramen
Instant ramen might be a college student's go-to, but beyond all that salt is, well, all the other questionable stuff you'll find in the seasoning packet. If you grab spicy versions, your stomach will only be in for a (worse) ride. Plus, lots of varieties are high in fat and calories!
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