ENTRE News – Stomach pain is very uncomfortable and can interfere with activities. Therefore, you should avoid foods that trigger stomach aches and can cause diarrhea. Stomach pain can be caused by many things. However, this condition can also be caused by the food you consume. Stomach ache can occur when consuming foods that stimulate the production of excess stomach acid and irritate the digestive tract.
For example, foods that are too sour, spicy, fatty, coffee and alcohol. Apart from that, food contaminated with viruses, bacteria and foreign objects can also trigger stomach ache. So, to prevent diarrhea which can interfere with your activities, you should know the following foods that can trigger stomach ache :
1. Spicy food
Spicy foods are one of the most common stomach ache triggers FOR4D. This usually happens due to an unusual level of spiciness. The chemical content in chilies, commonly called capsaicin, provides a hot effect. ResearchTrusted Source shows that while capsaicin may have various health benefits, such as treating pain and arthritis, it also has the potential to cause irritation. Capsaicin can irritate the stomach lining during the digestive process. When consumed in large quantities, capsaicin can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, burning diarrhea. To avoid stomach upset, you can add seasonings that do not contain capsaicin to food, such as mustard powder or paprika. These spices tend to be lighter on the stomach.
2. Milk
Milk contains a type of sugar called lactose and some people have lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a condition that causes a person’s digestive system to not have the enzymes to break down lactose into energy. As a result, the lactose will be immediately excreted by the body more quickly in the form of diarrhea.
3. Garlic
Citing the Siloam Hospitals page, garlic is one of the foods that causes diarrhea because it contains compounds that can make the digestive system release gas. If excessive, this gas can trigger colon irritation or IBS. Garlic also contains insoluble fiber which will speed up the process of digestion of food. If you are experiencing diarrhea, this will certainly make the condition worse.
4. Coffee
The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant. It makes you feel mentally alert, and also stimulates your digestive system. Many people immediately defecate after drinking coffee. According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), drinking 2-3 cups of coffee or tea a day can often cause diarrhea. In addition, quite a few people add other digestive stimulants to their coffee, such as milk, sugar substitutes, or cream, which ultimately increases the laxative effect of the drink. Using dairy substitutes, such as oat milk or coconut creamer, can reduce the laxative effects of coffee. On the other hand, if you think coffee causes diarrhea FOR4D, try switching to green tea or another hot drink.
5. Onions
Just like garlic, onions also have compounds that trigger the release of gas in the digestive system. In addition, onions are known to contain fructans, which is a type of carbohydrate that is difficult for the body to digest.
6. Fast food
Fatty, oily, or fried foods contain saturated fat and trans fat. These foods include triggers for stomach ache, diarrhea, and can worsen symptoms. This is because the body has difficulty breaking it down. Fast food often contains little nutritional value, so the body takes in little. Because of this, the food tends to pass through the body and out quickly. Foods that are high in saturated fat include French fries, fried chicken, burgers and bacon. Instead, try choosing grilled chicken, turkey burgers, or vegetarian options when you want to satisfy a fast food craving.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol is also a food trigger for stomach upset, which is most commonly reported by patients with irritable bowel (IBS). Therefore, IBS sufferers should also stay away from alcohol. A study in The American Journal of Gastroenterology found that women with IBS are at higher risk of stomach ache, nausea and diarrhea after drinking alcohol.