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If you live with digestive issues, I feel your pain. You’ve probably been on a wild goose chase all of your life trying to find the cause of your issues. One doctor tells you to take this product, while another tells you that said product can make matters worse in some people. Well, which people?! “Only your body can tell you that,” says the doctor. That’s helpful…not! We know certain foods, in general, are good for one’s digestion, like whole grains, leafy greens, kombucha, lots of water and olive oil. But some “good gut” foods only really help when you have a good gut, to begin with. If you have a weak stomach and a poor digestive system, foods that help others may harm you. Here are surprising foods that mess with your gut.

We know certain foods, in general, are good for one’s digestion, like whole grains, leafy greens, kombucha, lots of water and olive oil. But some “good gut” foods only really help when you have a good gut to begin with. If you have a weak stomach and a poor digestive system, foods that help others may harm you. Here are surprising foods that mess with your gut.

Top view on homemade Kombucha with fruits

Kombucha

Kombucha’s entire marketing campaign is about the fact that it puts healthy bacteria into your gut, but that bacteria can cause too much activity in your tummy, which can lead to bloating.

Bigstockphoto.com/Raw red cabbage chopped on wooden board photographed with natural light (Selective Focus Focus one third into the red cabbage)

Cabbage

This food pulls water into the intestinal tract, rather than pushing water into the colon where we want it. It’s also a cruciferous vegetable that can cause gas and bloat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bigstockphoto.com/Nuts mix in a wooden plate

Nuts

Nuts move through you slowly—a reason dieters love them because they keep you full for a long time—but this sluggish process can cause gas in those with digestive issues. Nuts are also high in fats, which can be hard to digest.

 

 

 

 

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Apples and pears

While these foods are high in fiber, they are also high in FODMAPs—something you should research immediately if you’ve struggled with chronic digestive issues. When you want a quick fruit snack, grab berries, mango or a banana.

 

 

 

 

 

Shutterstock.com/Bread crumbs

Any flour

Even whole grain flour has been stripped of fiber. Once a grain has been turned into flour, it’s been processed and isn’t nearly as nutritious as the original whole grain. So eat quinoa instead of quinoa flour, brown rice instead of brown rice flour—you get the picture.

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Liquids

Staying properly hydrated can alleviate all forms of digestive issues! But not if you drink with your meals. Your body processes liquids and solids differently and to put it simply; it just becomes confused if it has to do both at once. Drink liquids at least a half an hour away from consuming food.