Cramps, bloating, nausea… When your stomach is upset, certain foods can turn mild discomfort into a full-blown digestive nightmare. Here are the main foods you should temporarily avoid to give your digestive system a break.
1. Dairy products
Milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt — all of these can worsen stomach pain, especially if you’re sensitive to lactose. They often cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea when the digestive system is irritated.
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2. Fatty and fried foods
French fries, burgers, fried chicken, creamy sauces… These foods slow down digestion and increase stomach acid production, making pain, heaviness, and nausea much worse. When your stomach hurts, anything “swimming in oil” is a bad idea.
3. Spicy foods
Chili, hot sauce, strong curries… Spices irritate the stomach lining and can turn a simple ache into a burning sensation.
4. Sugary foods
Soda, pastries, candy, milk chocolate… Sugar ferments in the gut, creating gas and bloating — the last thing you need when your stomach is sensitive.
5. Gas-producing vegetables
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, garlic, lentils, chickpeas… These healthy foods become a problem when you already have pain, because they ferment quickly and can cause intense bloating and cramping.
6. Carbonated drinks
Soft drinks, sparkling water, beer, champagne… These beverages fill your stomach with air and immediately increase bloating and discomfort.
7. Coffee
Coffee boosts acid production and speeds up digestion — a combination that can worsen pain, acidity, and nausea.
8. Alcohol
Wine, beer, cocktails… Alcohol irritates the digestive tract and can trigger nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. Even small amounts can make a sensitive stomach feel worse.
What to eat instead
To soothe your stomach, opt for gentle, easy-to-digest foods such as:
- bananas
- white rice
- peeled apples
- herbal teas (chamomile, peppermint)
- broth
- white bread
- plain water
The rule is simple: keep it mild.
