Food is supposed to nourish you, not make you feel sick -- but when gastrointestinal distress strikes in the form of a stomachache, nausea or diarrhea, it’s smart to find the culprit so it doesn’t happen again. Each person’s sensitivity to food varies, so eliminate certain items from your diet until you know which product caused your pain.
Whole-milk dairy can cause stomach upset due to its high fat content, but the dairy of all fat levels can be difficult to digest because of lactose, the sugar that it contains. Some people don’t have the necessary enzyme to digest the lactose, so it creates gas and bloating. Certain dairy products such as yogurt and hard cheeses have low levels of lactose, and you can purchase lactose-free milk or take a pill before consuming dairy to help your body properly digest the lactose.
When Spice Isn't Nice
Spicy foods don’t cause gastrointestinal distress in everyone, but if you’re a victim --watch out. Spicy foods stimulate the digestive system, says registered dietitian Jung Kim in an article on the website “Everyday Health,” so you should avoid them if you’re having digestive issues or know that you’re sensitive. On top of that, spicy foods can induce heartburn or acid reflux due to the capsaicin in chili peppers.
Sugar Alcohol Symptoms
Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, can be found in sugar-free gum and candy, but too much of it -- more than 50 grams a day, typically, but sometimes as little as 10 grams -- can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. This is because the body can't properly digest the sweetener, according to WebMD. Sorbitol adds sweetness without sugar or calories to a product.
High-fat foods stimulate contractions in the digestive track, with one of two effects -- it can either slow down digestion and cause constipation or speed it up and cause diarrhea. Foods that can cause this pain include full-fat ice cream and cheese, red meat and butter, fried foods, and creamy sauces or desserts.
Fickleness of Fiber
The right amount of fiber each day -- around 25 to 30 grams -- is a fine line. If you eat too much fiber, your digestive system can't adjust properly and you can experience gas and bloating. However, if you don't eat enough fiber, you can become constipated, which causes its own sort of gastrointestinal distress. Increase your fiber intake gradually to allow your digestive system to acclimate to the nutrient.
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