Some people have sensitive stomachs, which makes it difficult to digest certain foods. People with sensitive stomachs frequently experience bloating, pain, or diarrhea after eating. What are the causes of a sensitive stomach, and what foods are suitable for people with this condition? Check out the following review.

What is a sensitive stomach?

A sensitive stomach is not a medical term; it refers to a condition in which a person frequently experiences bloating, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. These symptoms often occur after eating specific foods or in response to unknown triggers.

A sensitive stomach can affect anyone and at any time. If these symptoms persist, you may have a food intolerance or a more serious condition that requires specialized treatment.

Causes of a sensitive stomach

Those with a sensitive stomach often experience digestive issues after consuming certain foods like fried items or dairy products. Lack of fiber in the diet and dehydration can also contribute to digestive problems, resulting in stomach pain and other discomforts.

Here are some common causes of a sensitive stomach:

Food intolerance

This is when someone has difficulty digesting certain foods. Unlike food allergies, food intolerances are generally not life-threatening. This condition is usually due to a lack of certain digestive enzymes, reactions to toxins, or compounds in food that are hard to digest. Common culprits include gluten, caffeine, MSG, sulfites, and salicylates.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause a sensitive stomach, with symptoms similar to those of a sensitive stomach. However, IBS is characterized by changes in bowel habits accompanied by stomach pain. Pain may be triggered by certain foods, stress, constipation, or diarrhea.

On the other hand, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract and can lead to permanent bowel damage. Symptoms of IBD may include:

• Diarrhea
• Bleeding ulcers, leading to blood in the stool
• Abdominal pain, cramps, and bloating from bowel obstruction

Other causes 

In addition to the causes mentioned above, other conditions that can cause a sensitive stomach include:

• Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents
• Peptic ulcers 
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)

Managing a sensitive stomach

Treatment for a sensitive stomach depends on its underlying cause. Here are some tips to help manage symptoms:

• Avoid trigger foods: Steer clear of spicy foods, dairy products, acidic foods, fried items, and foods containing gluten
• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on foods with low fat and moderate fiber
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and constipation
• Eat smaller portions: Try eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Eat slowly: Take your time to chew your food thoroughly
• Reduce caffeine: Cut back on caffeinated beverages
• Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate digestive issues, so find effective ways to manage it

When dealing with a sensitive stomach, bland foods may help soothe discomfort. Consider incorporating:

• White rice
• Bananas
• Eggs
• Grains
• Fermented foods like kimchi
• Steamed or boiled vegetables
• Bone broth

If you’re experiencing persistent stomach issues, consider adjusting your diet to prevent worsening symptoms and consulting a doctor. You can also make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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