Eating foods that are high in carbohydrates can have long-term negative effects on your health, as they can increase inflammation and alter your intestinal flora. These foods, which are usually high in fiber and acidic, can cause stomach discomfort for some people. If your stomach doesn't feel well, it's best to avoid oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, contain the same sugars that make beans gassy.
Their high fiber content can also make them difficult to digest. To make them easier on your stomach, try cooking them instead of eating them raw. Fatty foods, like French fries, hamburgers, and fried foods, are harder to digest and can cause stomach pain and heartburn. Cruciferous vegetables are one of those potentially difficult foods to digest, at least for some.
Most refined grains are easily digestible. That means that whole-grain breads, rolls, and bagels aren't necessarily good options. Fiber is generally beneficial for gut health and overall health. However, for a person with gastrointestinal problems, high-fiber foods may not be the best idea.
Fiber is difficult to digest, which can be problematic for a person with slow motility, according to Modell. Following a low-fiber diet with foods that are easy to digest may help control symptoms in people with gastrointestinal problems. Examples of low-fiber foods include white rice and white pasta, potatoes, and low-fiber fruits such as grapefruit. Spicy foods and large amounts of chili pepper in food can cause abdominal discomfort and acid reflux.
To identify any potential patterns in your diet that could be causing digestive issues, keep a food log that indicates how you feel after eating certain foods. As a general rule of thumb, Brittany Modell, RD, founder of Brittany Modell Nutrition and Wellness suggests that when it comes to digestive disorders or symptoms, it's best to opt for creamy-textured foods that are lean, low in fat and low in fiber. Tony Castillo, RDN, nutrition consultant at RSP Nutrition adds that as with many conditions it's best to talk to your doctor or RD to make sure that eating easy-to-digest foods on a regular basis is the best option for you. The best way to know if these are responsible for your digestive problems is to keep a food record in which you write down the foods you eat and how they make you feel when you consume them shortly.