Nov 02, 2015 09:42 AM EST
'Healthy' Food That Can Mess With Your Stomach

Everyone would probably agree that food plays a very important role  in a person's health, mood and performance. Eating a high fiber energy breakfast could bring a big boost to start the day right. A person feeling gloomy, after eating an ice cream might feel better. Eating healthy brings a lot of positive effects to all yet sometimes even good and nutritious food can produce a few unlikeable side effects if consumed excessively and carelessly.

According to Healthline, some of the drinks and food we partake and the way we do so can produce feelings of discomfort such as bloating, excessive gas, tightness, or swelling in the abdomen and stomach pain. Some of the food in the list could probably be the cause of such inconvenience.

Whole grains

Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, wellness manager at the Cleveland Clinic and nutritionist explained that though Fiber can hasten the digestion process and produce some medical benefits, it is an indigestible carbohydrate which can cause gas, bloating, and belching. To prevent these feelings, one should increase the amount of fiber being eaten every day slowly and drink plenty of water.

Raw cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are low carb vegetables and rich with anti-oxidants and other nutritions.These include greens like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and collard greens.  Cavuto says,"These veggies contain an indigestible complex sugar called raffinose that is responsible for producing gas..On top of that, their soluble fiber doesn't break down until reaching the small intestine which may lead to bloating and an upset stomach."

Dairy

Americans who are lactose-intolerant- those who lack the enzyme used to absorb lactase are more likely to experience , digestion in the large intestine instead of the stomach, which can cause diarrhea and gas.

Sugar-free candy

Sugar-free food might be deemed healthier than those that aren't but can cause a swollen midsection. Kirkpatrick  said, "The sugar alcohols (like sorbitol, manitol, anything ending in 'ol') are not digestible, They cause bacteria to ferment in the intestine, causing gas, discomfort, and bloating."

Dried fruit

Dried fruits are healthier snack but should be consumed in smaller portions from a stick to a 1/4 cup serving. According to Kirkpatrick, "All fruit has naturally occurring sugars called fructose, but when it's dried, the sugar ends up being more concentrated so there is more in a smaller amount. It also tends to have more fiber, and topping that with the extra sugar leads to more fermentation in the intestine, which can have you feeling gassy."

Nutrition bars

Though they can give a boost of energy and perfect for "on the go" breakfast,  they are made up of chicory root fiber which could lead to digestive problems brought by too much fiber such as bloating, nausea, gas and stomach cramping.

Instant oatmeal

Most brands are low in fiber but high in sugar which could increase one's blood sugar and lead not only to digestive pain but also to other health problems.

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