Foods to Avoid on July 15th (Monday) if You Have Indigestion and Frequently Feel Bloated!!

During the summer when appetite diminishes and indigestion occurs, energy levels drop and daily life becomes difficult. If you usually have a weak gastrointestinal tract, it is best to avoid foods that cause indigestion.

1. Fried food

Fried foods have a high fat content and can cause stomach pain and diarrhea. Excessive oil can irritate the digestive system and lead to indigestion symptoms. There are also research findings indicating a link to acid reflux. Therefore, if you feel uncomfortable after eating fried foods, it is helpful to use cooking methods that use less oil, such as lightly greasing the pan and stir-frying or baking in the oven instead of frying.

2. Flour

There are cases where eating only flour-based foods causes indigestion. This is due to a protein called 'gluten.' Gluten is a protein formed during the kneading process of wheat, giving flour foods their chewy texture. People who lack or have insufficient enzymes to digest gluten may experience symptoms ranging from headaches and indigestion to severe allergic reactions when consuming wheat flour. Those who have difficulty digesting gluten can substitute with gluten-free foods or whole grains.

3. Coffee

Coffee is an acidic food that can cause abdominal bloating in people with sensitive stomachs. Excessive intake of caffeine stimulates the secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone, which also causes abdominal bloating. Additionally, numerous components in coffee, such as polyphenols, can collectively make the colon hypersensitive, increasing colonic motility. Excessive colonic motility can lead to diarrhea, reduce the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, cause acid reflux, and worsen heartburn symptoms.

4. Chocolate

Chocolate is a food that relaxes the esophageal sphincter. It can cause heartburn and indigestion. Although it varies from person to person, if you experience heartburn and indigestion after eating chocolate, it is advisable to reduce consumption for a while.

5. Legumes

Beans contain indigestible fermentable fibers called oligosaccharides, which can cause gas, abdominal discomfort, and bloating. Oligosaccharides are not digested in the stomach or small intestine and enter the colon where they are fermented by beneficial bacteria, making them actually beneficial for the gut. However, this process produces gas that can cause discomfort. Soaking dried beans in water for more than 4 hours before cooking can help reduce gas.