Digestion is the physiological process by which our body transforms the food we eat into the nutrients necessary for the body to function.
For this, the organs of our digestive system work to decompose each ingested portion into smaller substances, such as carbohydrates, amino acids, and minerals, so that they can be captured by the cells.
When our body is not able to break down food properly, the response we have is discomfort due to digestion problems.
Among the symptoms is the feeling of a full stomach, heartburn, nausea, gas, diarrhea or constipation, and tiredness. Discover 7 foods that are real bombs for digestion:
1. Dairy
Foods derived from milk are an important source of calcium for the body, but unfortunately, they can also cause digestion problems.
This happens because of the intolerance that many people have to lactose, the sugar in milk. As a result, consumption of dairy products can result in severe abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea.
2. Processed meats
Processed meats, such as salami, sausages, and nuggets, undergo a series of treatments in order to increase their lifespan and receive added flavor and aromas.
This is done through the addition of artificial substances, which can cause digestive and metabolic problems, such as inflammation and accumulation of toxins in the body. In addition, processing causes the original nutrients of these foods to be lost, further decreasing their nutritional quality.
3. Fried foods and high-fat foods
Fried foods and other foods high in saturated fat, such as stuffed crackers, packaged snacks, and fast food snacks, are harmful to the digestion process.
When consumed in excess, these foods cause inflammation in the abdominal region and reflux of gastric juices, leading to a burning sensation in the stomach.
4. Very spicy foods
Although peppers are thermogenic and help to burn calories, very spicy foods can cause problems for the digestive system, as they cause stomach irritation.
Among the harm caused by very spicy foods then stomach pains, change in gastric pH, acidity, reflux, esophageal irritation, gastritis, and ulcers.
5. Canned corn
Although corn is rich in fiber, which would help the digestion process, canned corn contains a type of cellulose that our body cannot process because it does not have the necessary enzymes.
In addition, many canned corn brands market genetically modified products, which still need more scientific research to prove their nutritional properties.
6. Coffee and caffeinated beverages
Coffee is indispensable for many people who can only “get going” in the morning after a good cup of fresh coffee. Even though it is delicious, unfortunately this drink can harm the digestive system.
People who are prone to gastric reflux should avoid drinking coffee because caffeine causes the esophageal sphincter to relax, which facilitates the backflow of stomach acids.
7. Alcoholic beverages
In addition to being a source of empty calories (that is, they do not offer any nutrients, only calories), alcoholic beverages relax the esophageal sphincter, facilitating the reflux of gastric juice, which damages the stomach mucosa.
In addition, alcohol impairs the functions of some enzymes, favoring the accumulation of toxins and waste.
Although they are among the foods that most hinder digestion, these 7 items that we present are not the only ones. Be aware: if you notice that you feel bad when consuming a certain food, it is possible that it is harmful to your body.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals, and other specialists.