What foods to avoid when you have an upset stomach, according to science

It is a very common and, in general, temporary health disorder. Its main features are loose, liquid and more frequent stools.

After one or two daysthe digestive system returns to function normally and bowel movements also return to their usual appearance.

However, if it continues for, say, several weeks, it could be a symptom of a larger problem, such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

While diarrhea lasts, certain foods and drinks help relieve it. But it’s also convenient abstain from many others.

Causes of diarrhea

THE Mayo Clinicfrom the United States, highlights the main causes of diarrhea in virus (norovirus or Norwal virus, enteric adenovirus, cytomegalovirus and rotavirus, common cause of acute childhood diarrhea).

THE Pathogenic bacterialike E. coli, it can also produce diarrhea Pleases parasites ingested with contaminated food or water. C. difficile is another bacteria associated with this condition and can appear after hospitalization or treatment with antibiotics.

Just the antibiotics They eliminate bad bacteria, but also some good bacteria, causing an imbalance in the gut. Something similar happens with cancer remedies and antacids containing magnesium.

Other causes of diarrhea: lactose intolerance and difficulty digesting fructose, use of some sweeteners (sorbitol, erythritol and mannitol), surgery on the gallbladder or part of the intestine. As for chronic diarrhea, it is caused by irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative and microscopic colitis, among others.

For what concern treatmentthe prestigious American clinic states that antibiotics or antiparasitics are effective when diarrhea has been caused by bacteria or parasites. In the case of viruses, antibiotics will be ineffective.

Foods to avoid when you have diarrhea

He National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the United States report that “Research shows that, in most cases, it follows a restricted diet does not help cure diarrhea. “Most experts do not recommend fasting or a restricted diet.”

But in a situation where the intestine is very sensitive, hydration and type of diet They play a very important role in reducing the effects of this disorder.

There are some most recommended foods and drinks and many more it is advisable to discard it from the diet for a few days. According to an article on the portal Medical news todayHot cereals (oatmeal), bananas, chopped apples, unsalted white rice, bread, boiled potatoes and water crackers are useful.

To combat dehydration you need to drink lots of water during the day, even after each bowel movement, to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. THE sports drinks They are also indicated for recovering from diarrhea.

In the list drawn up by this specialized healthcare site They also highlight foods to avoidCondiments, stir-fries, or high-fat foods, such as beef (replace with steamed vegetables or lean proteins).

You should also discard sugar and sweeteners, high-fiber foods (whole grains, wholemeal bread and nuts), onion, garlic, raw vegetables, foods that produce gas (cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower), citrus fruits and dairy products.

As for the drinksavoid carbonated drinks, coffee, tea, wine and all alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, etc.).