Eight Foods to Avoid if You Want to Stay on Good Terms with Your Tummy

In theory, our bodies should be able to digest just about anything we put in our mouths - however, we all know that process is more pleasant for some foods than others! We've put together a list of foods to avoid if you're looking to stay on friendly terms with your digestive system.

1. High-fat and fried foods: These (often delicious) items can overwhelm your stomach, leading to heartburn and acid reflux. .

2. Chili peppers: The go-to ingredient in many spicy recipes, chili peppers can irritate the esophagus and lead to heartburn pain.

3. Dairy: For the lactose intolerant, dairy can cause diarrhea, gas, abdominal bloating and cramps.

4. Alcohol: While it might taste good going down, alcohol can do a number on your digestive system. It relaxes the esophageal sphincter, which can cause acid reflux or heartburn. It can also inflame your stomach lining, impair certain enzymes and prevent nutrients from being absorbed. Consuming too much alcohol can also cause diarrhea and cramping.

5. Berries: While only a theory, and not scientifically proven, many doctors believe that tiny berry seeds can be a problem for people who have diverticulitis, or pockets that develop in the intestine and become inflamed or infected.

6. Chocolate: Chocolate can cause digestive trouble in people with irritable bowel syndrome or chronic constipation.

7. Coffee, tea and soft drinks: These don't only over-relax the esophageal sphincter (which keeps stomach acid confined), they can also act as diuretics, leading to diarrhea and cramping. Caffeinated beverages are especially bad for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

8. Corn: The jokes about corn and digestion are true. Humans lack the enzyme required to break down cellulose, a type of fiber found in corn.

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