Inflamed stomach: two processed foods that can notoriously cause it!

Inflamed stomach is no good news. It can lead to a bad day start with bloating and gas formation. Many types of foods can cause it. But processed foods are the main culprits. And two of these processed foods are the most notorious. Which are those two?

Inflamed stomach

Inflamed stomach causes a lot of discomfort. It can lead to concentration failure, poor work performance, and bad moods. Because there is a lot of gas formation, bloating and stomach aches that take our focus away from daily routine and other essential work.

The list of foods causing it is endless. But processed foods are the major contributors to this problem. These foods have additives such as high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, artificial colors, and hydrogenated oils that can cause the inflammation. Moreover, these foods are stripped of essential macronutrients such as protein and dietary fiber. Their lack adds to the poor gut health.

Expert dietitians opine that two processed foods are most notorious in leading to stomach inflammation. They all agree that potato chips and donuts are a bad choice for snacks or breakfast and directly irritate the stomach lining. This is due to their high content of fats and advanced glycation end products (or AGEs).

Potato chips

These are refined carbs. Hence they move at a faster pace through your gut. This leads to irritation of the stomach mucosa and cramps, gas, and bloating. Moreover, they are rich in fats and calories. This can cause weight gain and high spikes in blood sugar and blood bad cholesterol. Trista Best, dietitian at Balance One Supplements says:

“Potato chips are traditionally processed and fried with added sodium or artificial flavors,”

“The consumer may also use [high-fat] dips or cheeses when eating them and is likely to mindlessly eat them without noticing the quantity.”

Dr. Amy Lee, internal medicine doctor with specialization in obesity and medical nutrition says:

“If you eat a few chips, the calories really don’t add onto the waistline.”

She adds:

“The sense of thirst and food cravings are pretty similar psychologically, so a lot of people don’t grab a bottle of water to quench a thirst but may find themselves eating more food, hence calories that could be stored.”

Lisa Richards, creator of Candida diet warns:

“Potato chips are also generally made from refined carbohydrates that have been fried. This adds excess carbs, fat, and sodium into your diet.”

Instead opt for apple slices and nut butter.

Read here: Are all ultra processed foods really bad?

Donuts

These are highly delicious but not healthy. They are addictive due to their high refined sugar and fats content. Sugars inflame the stomach. Dietitian Heidi Moretti explains:

“Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are very inflammatory foods that can also cause bloating and digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome,”

They encourage the growth of unhealthy gut bacteria that cause gas and distress.

Hence, avoid processed foods. Or at least cut back on their intake.