Worst Foods for Your Stomach

by Stacey Feintuch

healthywomen.org

Being laid low with a bout of tummy trouble is never any fun. Often, what you eat is to blame. That's when you have to look to your diet to see what's the culprit. 

Try to figure out what foods may be bothersome to you by trial and error, temporarily cutting back on certain foods. Then, reintroduce them into your diet to figure out what's behind your stomach issues. 

If you're not ready to give up the offenders, try eating smaller portions of those foods. And avoid combining two or more potential culprits in one sitting.

Always speak to your health care professional before you restrict your diet. You can harm your nutrition and health by eliminating certain foods or food groups from your diet.

Here are some foods that can wreak havoc on your belly, upsetting your digestive system and making you pack on the pounds.

Ice cream Stop chasing down that ice cream truck. The lactose in this dairy treat can cause bloating, gas and stomach discomfort, even if you aren't lactose intolerant. Its Greek yogurt and whipped cream topping elevates this to a tempting dessert—without all the sugar and calories found in most desserts. 

Beer 

While alcohol may relax you, it also relaxes your esophageal sphincter. That confines acid to the stomach, which can lead to heartburn or acid reflux. This carbonated and caloric beverage is made from sources of fermentable carbs like maize, wheat, rice and barley. So, it contains both carbon dioxide (gas) and fermentable carbs, which both cause bloating. Plus, it will give you empty calories and dehydrate you. If you want an alcoholic alternative, red or white wine may cause less bloating. If pounds are your concern, opt for a light beer when you're craving a brew. 

Watermelon 

This sweet summer treat is refreshing and tasty. But it's high in fructose, a naturally occurring sugar that is often not completely absorbed by our digestive system. And that leads to gas. You also want to avoid the seeds. Swallowing them can block your bowels. That can lead to discomfort and pain. 

Carbonated beverages 

These beverages contain a lot of carbon dioxide, which causes gas. Some of that gas can get trapped in your digestive system. This may lead to discomfort, bloating and possibly cramping. Instead of soda, opt for plain old water. For more flavor, add in a twist of lemon or lime. 

Potato chips

It's not surprising that chips are on this list. They're loaded with saturated fat, which causes abdominal fat gain. And they boast salt, which can cause bloating. Plus, since they don't make you feel satisfied, it's hard to eat just one chip. If you want your potato fix, turn to sweet potatoes. Because they're brimming with water and fiber, sweet potatoes will help you feel full and satisfied. Plus, their creaminess and tastiness will satiate and indulge any comfort-food cravings, without the calories found in junk food. Just avoid coating these potatoes with bacon, butter or other fatty toppings; otherwise, you'll counteract their slimming prowess. 

Pizza 

It may be the ultimate cheap and easy takeout food. But your stomach will pay the price for it. Researchers have found that pizza is among the top contributors of saturated fat to the American diet. Most slices provide up to half a day's worth of saturated fat. Unlike other fats, saturated ones are most likely to be stored in the stomach. Plus, pizza can do a number on your stomach if you're lactose intolerant. 

Corn The vegetable may be fun to eat but it can do a number on your stomach. Corn contains cellulose. It's a fiber that's hard to break down because we don't have a necessary enzyme to do so. The longer you chew it, the easier it is to digest. But if you eat it quickly, it can pass through you undigested. That can cause abdominal pain, gas and bloating.