Do you suffer from belly aches (caused by irritable bowel syndrome) and are you wondering if there is anything you can do about it? Yes, you can! In this blog we will discuss the top 5 trigger! Is there anything you would like to include or do you have an experience you can share with us? Please let us know in the comments!
FODMAPs
The main triggers in food when suffering from from IBS are the fermentable oligosaccharides disaccharides monosaccharides and polyols; also know as FODMAPs. These are carbohydrates found in a variety of foods and drinks. Examples are lactose in dairy products and fructans in grains, onion and garlic. When you have an intolerance for one or more FODMAPs it is good to find out which one and how much you can tolerate. The more you can eat, the happier you will be!
The Low FODMAP diet is especially made to help you find out if you have an intolerance to a food. Want to know more, just click here.
Caffeine and alcohol
When you have a sensitive belly it is possible that you react to more or different products than just FODMAPs or foods you can have an intolerance to.
Caffeine and alcohol are substances added to drinks (or even foods) that can trigger your gut. They are known for their stimulating quality and that is what they do! They stimulate your gut and can cause digestive distress like cramps or diarrhea.
Fats and protein (too much of it)
Some people who have a sensitive belly can experience an increase in their abdominal pains when eating too much fatty foods or foods high in protein. When your stool is floating this can be a sign of a high fat level in your stool (because fat floats), also diarrhea after a fatty meal can be a sign that your body is not really enjoying those chips or big pieces of meat.
When suffering from terrible smelly gas (smells like rotten eggs) this is mostly a sign of bad protein digestion. Big amounts of meats, like after a barbecue, can be the reason. Dairy and fish also contain protein but are tolerated better. Plant based protein are also likely to be digested better.
Are you doubting if your gas or stool issues are caused by fat or protein, you could try to downsize your portions and see what it does for your belly.
Stress!
I am probably not the first to say this but stress is a major factor when suffering from an upset belly. Having stress stimulates the production of hormones like noradrenaline which slows down the digestive system and has a direct effect on the stomach and gut.
Keep in mind that stress is not just a negative feeling but also the excitement of an upcoming holiday or wedding.
Lifestyle
What is lifestyle? Your lifestyle includes everything you do in a day connected to the foods you eat and how you eat them, the drinks you drink, the exercise you enjoy, the amount of sleep you get and the stress you have.
Do you enjoy a healthy salad but are you running around, calling about a work deal while eating it…. not so healthy anymore.
Chew your food, sit down, stop talking for a little bit, drink enough water, take a break to really enjoy meal times.
Are you lying down on your yoga mat trying to remember if that study assignment was on time an trying to figure out what groceries to do after class? Not relaxed and therefor not the best lifestyle choice…
Do you love sports but is watching the game on TV a bigger priority than actually going to the gym? Not the best way to work on your happy and healthy lifestyle.
I think you get what I am saying… I am not the first to write these tips down but I am a strong believer in managing your own healthy lifestyle and therefor managing your happy belly are very important! Do you have any questions for me? Please leave them below…
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