Common Foods That Could Be Hurting Your Belly

Dairy

You don't have to be allergic to dairy products to be lactose intolerant, which means your body can't completely digest a type of naturally occurring sugar (lactose) found in milk. People who are lactose intolerant often experience lower abdominal pain and bloating. Because this intolerance is so common, affecting about 10 percent of people, it's among the first things you should test.

Inulin

When you buy products whose packaging proclaims "high fiber" or "good source of fiber," you're often buying a product containing inulin, a type of fiber often from chicory root. There's nothing inherently wrong with inulin, but it can cause digestive upset in some people who are more sensitive to the ingredient. While adding more fiber to your diet prevents constipation and colon cancer, adding too much fiber (or adding fiber too fast) can cause gas and bloating. If you're experiencing pain after consuming high-fiber products, try backing off for a few days, then slowly adding these foods back to your diet.

Sulfites

You've probably heard of these pesky preservatives, but did you know that they can cause abdominal pain, along with a range of other symptoms? Studies have shown that you can become newly sensitive to sulfites through your 40s and 50s, and symptoms of sensitivity include cramping and diarrhea.

It's worth noting that people with asthma are indirectly affected by sulfites, so if you keep your inhaler nearby and have been having tummy trouble, try cutting this out first. Sulfites are found in some processed meats, alcoholic beverages, dried fruits, condiments, soup mixes and even some baked goods.

Sugar Alcohols

Your dentist might thank you for choosing sugarless gum and candy that use artificial sweeteners, which haven't been shown to negatively impact dental health the way sugar can. But so-called sugar alcohols such as xylitol, sorbitol and others can cause stomach upset and even lead to diarrhea, especially if consumed in large quantities.

Large Meals

Chowing down might feel good in the moment, but consuming a huge meal in a single sitting can cause pain, gas, bloating and more. Your best bet, at least for your digestive health, is to eat in moderation—never to the point of extreme fullness. Some people find they feel full longer if they space out their meals at regular intervals throughout the day. Starving yourself and then overeating later often leads to abdominal pressure and pain.

Leftovers

We've all been guilty of eyeballing the carton of yogurt that sat on the counter all morning or nibbling at tempting leftovers in the office break room, but one sure way to trigger digestive pain is to expose yourself to harmful bacteria that multiply when food isn't properly stored. Save yourself the pain and discomfort of food poisoning: If you're not sure how long it's been sitting out, toss it.

Beans & Other Musical Fruits

There's a short list of foods that are known to trigger gas and bloating for many people: beans, cabbage, onions, apricots, prunes, bananas and wheat germ. Figuring out if these foods are linked to your belly pain might help you alleviate it. Before cutting these healthy foods from your diet completely, experiment to see if different cooking methods can help make them more digestible. For example, rinsing canned beans several times before cooking helps cut down on the amount of gas they produce when eaten.  

Your Favorite Foods

You might think that the foods that cause discomfort are the kinds of foods you hardly ever eat—or naturally have an aversion to. Unfortunately, you're just as likely to develop an intolerance or an allergy to foods that you crave and eat often. Don't cross a food favorite off your list of suspects just because you've always eaten it--or because you like it. It's important to be objective when determining which foods could be causing issues.

The best way to determine if a specific food is causing you digestive distress is to keep a daily food journal and work with a doctor or allergist to design an elimination diet to pinpoint the culprits. And once you have a list of what to avoid, closely examine all food labels for the suspects!

This article has been reviewed and approved by Becky Hand, M.Ed., Licensed and Registered Dietitian.