Heartburn, bloating, belching... Are these stomach discomforts often troubling you? Recently, the U.S. "AOL Health" website published a list of the top 10 "dangerous molecules" that harm the stomach, summarized by experts.
1. Mint. Mint relaxes the esophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of heartburn. Be cautious of anything containing mint, such as mint tea, mint candies, and mint gum.
2. Soda and juice. These two drinks contain a lot of fructose. About 30% of adults cannot absorb fructose well, which can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
3. Beans. Beans contain oligosaccharides, which are difficult for the human body to digest, and thus can cause gas in the intestines. Eating some fermented bean products appropriately, such as fermented bean curd, natto, and douchi, can help improve this.
4. Coffee. Coffee can irritate the stomach, causing it to secrete too much stomach acid, leading to indigestion and heartburn. People with stomach ulcers and heartburn symptoms should drink less coffee. Drinks containing caffeine should also be consumed in moderation.
5. Broccoli. Broccoli has a high content of soluble dietary fiber. This fiber can only be broken down in the large intestine, producing a large amount of gas. At the same time, broccoli also contains gas-producing sugars similar to those in beans.
6. Tomatoes. Tomatoes are highly acidic and may stimulate the stomach to produce more stomach acid. Therefore, eating too many tomatoes can lead to symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux. Tomato sauce made from tomatoes is the same.
7. Dairy products. For people with lactose intolerance, consuming dairy products can cause stomach discomfort. You can choose yogurt, hard cheese, or milk with low lactose content.
8. Greasy food. Foods with high fat content, such as fried foods, increase the chances of developing heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. Because high-fat foods are difficult to digest, the body automatically secretes more stomach acid. Similarly, overeating can also stimulate excessive stomach acid secretion.
9. Cold drinks. Excessive consumption of cold drinks can lower the temperature in the stomach, affecting stomach acid secretion and the function of digestive enzymes. Therefore, it is best to drink some hot beverages with meals, such as tea and hot lemon water. Cold drinks are best consumed between meals.
10. Chocolate. Chocolate contains a large amount of theobromine, which relaxes the esophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.