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Last Updated: Mar 31, 2021
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Digestive Health - 10 Foods to Avoid If You Have Digestion Problems!

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Dr. Sandeep KulkarniGastroenterologist • 20 Years Exp.MBBS, MD - Medicine, DNB - Gastroenterology
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Taking a balanced diet not only helps in maintaining overall health but also in curing indigestion problems. The right mix of carbohydrate, protein, water, fat, vitamin, salt and fibre is essential for the body to function well. However, when you are having indigestion, which results in symptoms like bloating and nausea, there are foods which should be avoided at any cost. Below given are foods which you should avoid while having tummy troubles-

  1. Dairy Products: Dairy Products contain a protein called the casein. This protein can be highly allergic and inflammatory. Its strong insulin response can hold up fat and makes someone look fatter than his usual self. Lactose, the carbohydrate found in milk is extremely difficult to digest. If you are lactose intolerant, you should make it a point to stay away from dairy products such as kefir and yogurt to ensure smooth digestion.
  2. Gluten: This protein molecule is found in barley and wheat. Gluten is extremely difficult to break and has the capability to create a lot of damage. The unbroken molecules of gluten cause inflammation and bloating. People, who have GI issues, should definitely eschew gluten to ensure food digestion.
  3. Sugar: Patients suffering from indigestion should stay away from sugar related products such as candy, cake and crackers. Intake of sugar product increases the rate of inflammation, feeds harmful bacteria and suppresses the immune system. 
  4. Fatty Foods: Fatty foods can either worsen constipation or speed up movement, leading to diarrhea. When you are experiencing a bout of indigestion, avoid high-fat culprits, like butter, ice cream, red meat, and cheese.
  5. Fried Foods: Like fatty foods, fried foods can also move, undigested, through the body very quickly, leading to diarrhea. The end result is that you stay in your digestive tract for too long, making you feel bloated. 
  6. Gums: Guar and xanthan gum are proved to be responsible for causing colitis. People with bowel disease are strongly suggested to stay away from gums and thickeners in order to avoid indigestion.
  7. Soy: Soy possesses protein inhibitors. It is an enzyme that restricts digestion. The carbohydrate content of the soy does not get recognized by the GI system. This leads to bloating, cramps and gas.
  8. Nightshade vegetables: Vegetables such as potato, bell pepper and tomatoes contain a compound called solanine. The latter is known to be responsible for indigestion. People with a compromised GI should not consume these vegetables at all.
  9. Red Dye: Many fast food items contain a red dye which is known to decrease the production of energy, disturb nerve signaling and is an inflammatory agent.
  10. Artificial  Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners, associated with digestive problems, is sorbitol. It is a hard-to-digest sugar used to sweeten gum and diet foods. Once this sugar reaches the large intestine, it often creates gas, bloating, and diarrhea. 
  11. Legumes and beans: Legumes and beans contain compounds called saponins and lectins respectively. They are a major cause of a leaky gut and inflammation.
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