The increase in digestion problems is largely due to the change in society’s diet.

Not all the foods we eat act in the same way at the moment of digestion, many of them can cause diarrhea or constipation , while others can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease. But do you already know which ones can affect your gastrointestinal tract the most? Here we inform you about the foods you should avoid if you do not want to have discomfort in your digestive tract.

DIGESTIVE SWEETENERS

If you are one of those who prefer to sweeten your coffee by adding artificial sweetener instead of sugar, you could be inflaming your body, which affects your digestion. Partially digested sweeteners can cause bloating, gas and diarrhea, and therefore have a major impact on the gastrointestinal system.

SPICY FOOD

Spicy foods can trigger heartburn, especially if eaten before bedtime. Therefore, if you are a lover of spicy food, it is recommended to take this type of food during lunch time, never at dinner time.

PROCESSED FOOD

Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, soft drinks and potato chips move quickly through the digestive tract, which can cause bloating, cramping and other gastrointestinal problems. In addition, these types of foods raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and lead to weight gain.

CHOCOLATE

The caffeine in chocolate can trigger heartburn symptoms in people prone to digestive disorders. In addition, as chocolate is also a diuretic food, it can also cause diarrhea if taken in large quantities.

COFFEE, TEA AND SOFT DRINKS

These drinks relax the esophageal sphincter, which we have already seen can stimulate acid reflux, and may also act as diuretics, which consequently causes diarrhea or abdominal cramps. Those who suffer from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease should avoid caffeinated beverages.

DAIRY

Calcium is an essential mineral in our diet and the consumption of dairy products is one of the most effective ways to incorporate it into our organism. However, for many this can cause stomach upset: these are people who suffer from lactose intolerance. This is a very common disease that occurs when the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is what breaks down lactose (the natural sugar in milk).

ALCOHOL

Alcohol disinhibits us, relaxes us, but unfortunately it also “loosens” the esophageal sphincter, which can cause heartburn or acid reflux. In short, if we drink a lot of alcohol we can suffer from inflammation in the stomach mucosa, which prevents the absorption of nutrients and impairs the work of certain enzymes. Those who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders should moderate alcohol consumption.

FRIED / HIGH FAT FOODS

Abusing this type of food can increase acid reflux and heartburn. Excess fats can also cause steatorrhea, which is the accumulation of fat in the stool.

It is recommended that those suffering from irritable bowel disease avoid these foods to avoid aggravating digestive problems. The same advice goes for those who have had stomach pain recently.

Now that you know some of the foods that could upset your stomach, try to avoid them as much as possible, so you don’t have to go to the doctor for a checkup and have a hard time.