Digestion is the physiological process by which our body transforms the food we eat into the nutrients needed for the body to function.
To this end, the organs of our digestive system work to break down each ingested portion into smaller substances such as carbohydrates, amino acids and minerals so that they can be captured by cells.
When our bodies cannot properly break down our food, the answer we have is the malaise that comes from digestion problems.
Symptoms include the sensation of an ever-full stomach, heartburn, feeling sick, gas, diarrhea or constipation and tiredness. Here are 7 foods that are true digestion pumps:
1. Dairy Products
Milk-based foods are an important source of calcium for the body, but unfortunately they can also cause digestion problems.
Also read: 12 light foods to eat at night without having a heavy stomach
This is because of the intolerance that many people have to lactose, the sugar in milk. As a consequence, dairy consumption may result in abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea.
2. Processed Meat
Processed meats, such as salami, sausages and nuggets, undergo a series of treatments in order to extend their life span and receive added flavor and aromas.
This is done by adding artificial substances that 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, packet snacks and fast food snacks, are detrimental to the digestion process.
When consumed too much, these foods cause inflammation in the abdominal region and reflux of gastric juices, leading to a burning sensation at the height of the stomach.
Also read: 14 Nutrition Facts Everyone Needs to Know
4. Very spicy foods
Although peppers are thermogenic and contribute to calorie expenditure, very spicy foods can cause problems with the digestive system because they cause stomach irritation.
Among the harms caused by spicy foods, such as stomach pain, altered gastric pH, acidity, reflux, irritation of the esophagus, gastritis and ulcers.
5. Canned Corn
Although corn is high in fiber, which would aid the digestion process, canned corn contains a type of cellulose that our body cannot process because it lacks 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 drinks
Coffee is indispensable for many people who can only? Start working? in the morning after a nice cup of fresh coffee. Even though it is a delight, unfortunately this drink can harm the digestive system.
Also read: 4 Simple Ways To Burn Calories Everyday
People who are prone to gastric reflux should avoid coffee because caffeine causes a relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, which facilitates reflux of stomach acids.
7. Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are not a food, but as their consumption is very common, we decided to include them in this list.
In addition to being a source of empty calories (ie, they offer no nutrients, only calories), alcoholic beverages relax the esophageal sphincter, facilitating reflux of gastric juice, which harms 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 hinder digestion, these 7 items we present are not the only ones. Be aware: If you notice that you feel bad eating a certain food, it may be harmful to your body.
Read also: 7 Great Reasons to Eat Almonds Today
5 tips to keep your gut microbiome healthy | UCLA Health Newsroom (April 2024)
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