Some Foods Are Not For Everyone

Do have irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, acid reflux?

While those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, acid reflux or an ulcer will have various reactions to different foods and drinks, experts agree the following five items are likely to irritate one or more of these stomach-related conditions:

1 – Peppermint – Dr. Gerald Isenberg, UH Case Medical Center
While peppermint has numerous benefits, including aiding in digestive issues, it can also have the reverse effect and increase heartburn symptoms. Mint increases the chance of acid reflux because it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle located at the end of the esophagus, allowing acid from the stomach to back up into the food pipe.

2 – Sodas & Fruit Juices – Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum
Both of these beverages contain a whopping 3/4 teaspoon of sugar per ounce. Many people have heard of lactose intolerance, but fructose intolerance is another major cause of IBS. As many as 30 percent of adults have fructose malabsorption, meaning their bodies can absorb less than 25 grams of fructose (six spoons) at a time. Whatever the body cannot absorb acts like a sponge by sucking water into your gut while triggering unhealthy infections in the colon.

3 – Beans – AOL Health
Beans can produce intestinal gas because they contain oligosaccharide, a type of complex sugar comprised of large molecules too big for the small intestine. In addition, the body cannot break down this complex sugar because the body lacks the enzyme to do so.

4 – Coffee – Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum
The acids in coffee can irritate the stomach lining which can cause excessive production of hydrochloric acid, leading to indegestion and reflux, especially those with ulcers or who are prone to heartburn. Sorry, java lovers, decaf contains the same acids and will result in the same reaction. To satisfy your coffee craving, drink one cup of licorice tea a day, which has been known to soothe the stomach and treat ulcers.

5 – Broccoli – Katherine Brooking, Dietitian
Broccoli is a gas-producing veggie that may cause stomach issues for those who deal with IBS. Broccoli is placed in the category of soluble fiber, a type of fiber that doesn’t break down until it reaches the large intestine where digestion causes gas.. Plus, broccoli contains a small amount of raffinose, a complex sugar that produces gas, and is also found in beans.

About the author, Scott Walker, Jr. is a Virginia native and is now retired living in Jensen Beach Florida. Scott bicycles, swims and walks every day to help maintain his 22.3 body mass index ( BMI ). Your body mass index can be measured by multiplying 702 x your weight in pounds divided by your height in inches squared.

The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.

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