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8 Worst Foods for Your Gut

Amanda

Nov 18, 2019

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Caring for your gut is not always a clear do and don’t game. The many ways that people respond to the variety of food choices out there can create a gray space in trying to understand which foods to stay away from. Certain foods like dairy products, for example, can tread the lines of both beneficial and harmful.

In some cases, moderation is key, and negative responses are just a side effect of an excess of one type of food. In other cases, a person’s microbial makeup determines whether or not they can absorb the nutrients, or if they respond with adversity such as lactose intolerance. It’s important to remember that while certain foods are prone to mess with your gut, the way that food impacts a person’s gut is unique to the individual and how it interacts with their existing bacterial composition.

With this in mind, some foods are at the very least questionable for your gut, and at most, foods you should stay away from. Take a quick peek through our slideshow for more info.

three glasses of white wine being cheered

Image by Matthieu Joannon / Unsplash

1 of

Alcohol

Alcohol in excess can lead to inflammation, nausea, vomiting, and bacterial overgrowth.

a tablespoon overflowing with granulated sugar

Image by Sharon McCutcheon / Unsplash

2 of

Processed Sweeteners

Artificial and processed sugars can lead to obesity and insulin resistance. This study shows that sugar has an ability to suppress colonization of the good bacteria in your gut.

Warm chocolate chip muffin spread open with a piece of melting butter in the center

Image by Sheila Pedraza Burk / Burst

3 of

Saturated Fat

A diet too high in saturated fats can lead to colitis, or swelling of the large intestine that causes pain and diarrhea. It can also increase chances of developing irritable bowel syndrome.

Image by Chan Walrus / Pexels

4 of

Fried Foods

Sadly, fried foods are difficult for digestion and promote the growth of unhealthy bacteria. Their tendency is to remain in the digestive tract for too long, leading stomach irritation and pain, diarrhea and gas.

Fresh green cabbage with drops of water falling off the leaves

Image by Pixabay

5 of

Cruciferous Veggies

Certain types of vegetables like broccoli and cabbage contain a sugar called raffinose that is difficult to digest and can cause gas and bloating.

A pound og raw red meat on top of a wooden cutting board

Image by Fabio Bueno / Pexels

6 of

Red Meat

The way that red meat interacts with gut bacteria has the potential to raise risk of heart disease. Red meat contains high levels of the compound carnitine, which is associated with the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, stroke and death when populated heavily in the gut.

A small glass of orange juice with orange slices lying next to the glass

Image by Eiliv-Sonas Aceron / Unsplash

7 of

Fruit Juices

Artificial fruit juices tend to be high in artificial sweeteners which contain substantial amounts of fructose. Even natural fruit juices are often high in both fructose and sorbitol which are both known to cause digestive trouble.

A bundle of red kidney beans that affect gut health

Image by icon0.com / Pexels

8 of

Beans

Beans contain both soluble and insoluble fiber that can add bulk to stool and affect your gut adversely when over consumed.

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Dr. Cynthia Barber

Expert Reviewer

“Your gut microbiome is unique to you. If you are experiencing gut issues then it may help to start a food journal. Write down what you eat, when you eat and how you feel up to 6 hours after eating. This will help you learn what is good and bad for your unique gastrointestinal system (your gut). Some foods may also cause other reactions such as rashes, headaches, bloating and general aches. A food journal may help you identify foods that you are reacting to negatively.”

Amanda

GR8NESS Writer

Amanda is a GR8NESS contributing writer who lives in celebration of self care, and endeavors to approach all things with a student mentality. Her love for the study of self-development is rooted in fitness, holistic wellness, and skin care. She is an advocate for mental health; and hopes to connect others to their own way of daring to care.

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