How Should You Consume the 9 Most Difficult-to-Digest Foods?
Fried foods, chocolate, ice cream, creamed potatoes... These widely beloved delicacies are not actually suitable for everyone. If you generally have a sensitive stomach, then take a look at how to consume the 9 most difficult-to-digest foods.
01
Fried foods like chicken nuggets and french fries are inevitably high in oil and fat, and the accumulation of these two substances in the stomach can lead to illness. Oil produces a substance called "acrylamide" at high temperatures, which is difficult to digest. Solution: To satisfy your cravings, you can still get a delicious experience without fried food. For instance, if you want a crunchy snack, eating salty potato chips is unhealthy, but you can find other ways to prepare potato slices, such as baking instead of frying, or opting for low-fat or fat-free foods like crisp crackers or hollow popcorn.
02
Red chili peppers or jalapeños can irritate the esophageal lining, causing an unpleasant burning sensation after consumption and increasing the burden on the stomach. Even if you add sour cream to cool it down, you still get the same irritation. Moreover, adding things like sour cream can lead to other side effects. Solution: For those with a weak stomach or a "heaty" body, if you really can't resist the temptation of spicy food, you might choose milder spicy options and eat fewer green and red chili peppers.
03
Eating large amounts of chocolate not only brings excess calories but also causes an unpleasant irritation for those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is because chocolate can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to reflux and irritate the esophagus and throat. Solution: When choosing chocolate, dark chocolate is the best option. This is because dark chocolate contains various beneficial minerals for the human body, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and copper, and among all chocolates, it has the lowest sugar and fat content.
04
Acidic drinks can stimulate the esophagus, irritating sensory nerves and causing the affected area to become red and swollen. If you start your day by drinking a large glass of citrus juice, you will increase the acidity in your stomach and intestines. If you are drinking sweet lemonade with a high concentration of fructose at this time, you need to be even more cautious, as excessive sugar intake can cause diarrhea. Solution: Citrus juice is rich in vitamin C and is suitable for regular consumption. As long as you choose the right time to drink it, you don't have to worry about irritating your esophagus. The best time to drink acidic juices like citrus juice is with a meal or between meals.
05
Potatoes are low in calories, high in protein, and contain various vitamins and trace elements, earning them the title of an ideal diet food. It seems nothing is more popular than a bowl of mashed potatoes. This is why mashed potatoes are always at the top of the list when it comes to so-called "convenient foods." Solution: It's best not to buy pre-made mashed potatoes. You can easily make your own at home using fresh potatoes, steaming or boiling them to create pure mashed potatoes without any added seasonings.
06
Onions, garlic, and chives are full of various nutrients that are highly beneficial to health, such as protecting the heart, but they can also cause digestive discomfort like gas and abdominal cramps. However, cooking seems to deactivate the compounds that cause these issues. Solution: American nutrition expert Mary Ryan suggests that when eating these foods, you can use a mixed cooking method of raw and cooked. This way, you can reap the health benefits without suffering the negative effects.
07
There is no quick way to test for lactose intolerance; you'll only know after you sit down and eat a big bowl of ice cream. When you experience bloating, abdominal cramps, and gas, these are your body's signals telling you to stay away from these dairy-rich foods. Solution: If you don't want to give up cool, frozen treats, the only solution is to switch to lactose-free frozen options, such as frozen desserts made from beans or rice flour. But even if you are not lactose intolerant, ice cream contains a lot of fat, and fat stays in the stomach longer than other foods.
08
Broccoli and cabbage are both outstanding members of the cruciferous vegetable family, rich in vitamins, dietary fiber, and possessing anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. But even though they are rich in fiber and various nutrients, these vegetables cannot be completely trusted as healthy. This is because high-fiber vegetables can help expand your stomach capacity and easily lead to a buildup of excess gas in the digestive system. Solution: The solution is simple. Just blanch them in hot water before eating to soften them, which will deactivate the sulfur compounds that cause gas. Both of these vegetables are best suited for cold salads and stir-frying.
09
Beans are notorious for causing indigestion. The oligosaccharides in beans, such as stachyose and raffinose, are fermented by intestinal bacteria, producing gas that can lead to symptoms like belching, rumbling stomach, bloating, and abdominal pain. Solution: Cooking beans in soup form can aid in their digestion. The added water helps digest the large amount of fiber in beans, or you can simply extend the cooking time. Additionally, gradually introduce beans into your diet. This will slowly increase the demand for enzymes needed to digest beans without causing side effects.