Just as important as soothing a stomach issue is preventing it by knowing what not to eat. It’s wise to steer clear of these common tummy triggers:
Fried and greasy foods: “Fatty foods can be hard for the body to digest, and eating too much can cause diarrhea and bloating,” says Bauer.
Spicy foods: Hot, spicy food can trigger gastrointestinal distress such as reflux, indigestion and diarrhea for many people, Bauer says.
Cruciferous veggies: “High-fiber veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are really good for you, but they can lead to gas, bloating, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea if you add too much into your diet too quickly,” says Bauer.
High-fiber foods: “Things like kale, beans, lentils, whole grains, and even popcorn are bulky, fibrous foods that take up a lot of space, and in general these are the most likely to provoke the G.I. system,” Freuman says.
Sugar and sweetener: Sweeteners, including natural sugars, can be troublesome for some people. “Sorbitol and xylitol, for example, can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea,” says Bauer.
Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol can interfere with the secretion of gastric acid, and it relaxes the esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to travel up the esophagus, causing indigestion. “It can also trigger diarrhea for some,” says Bauer.
