Stomach Pain: 3 Foods to Avoid

Abdominal pain is a very common condition that can affect people of all ages. The feeling of discomfort it causes can range from a mild discomfort to a sharp and debilitating pain.

Many people experience these symptoms without being able to identify a precise cause, often attributing the discomfort to temporary factors such as stress or indigestion.

However, when abdominal pain becomes recurrent or persistent , it could be a sign of an underlying problem that deserves attention. In this article, therefore, we will see together how to investigate this unpleasant symptom.

The complex nature of abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is a general symptom that can be caused by a wide range of causes. From simple indigestion to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) , to more serious conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or peptic ulcers.

Most of the time, abdominal pain is also associated with bloating , cramps, diarrhea or constipation, making it difficult to correctly diagnose without a thorough medical examination.

Many people experience occasional abdominal pain , especially after a particularly large or heavy meal, and as a result tend not to give it too much thought.

However, when these episodes occur frequently, it is important to investigate the possible causes. Among these, one of the most common but least recognized is food intolerance.

Food Intolerances: A Silent Culprit

Food intolerances occur when the body has difficulty digesting certain foods or components of them. Unlike food allergies, which involve the immune system and can cause immediate and potentially serious reactions, food intolerances tend to manifest themselves with more subtle and delayed symptoms.

Among the most common symptoms, in addition to abdominal pain, there are bloating, gas, diarrhea and chronic fatigue. At the same time, however, it is important to know that there are some types of foods that will allow you to combat abdominal pain.

The three foods to avoid: what are they?

The first step to avoid abdominal pain is definitely to pay attention to the foods you eat in your daily life. Here are the three foods that are often associated with food intolerances and that can cause abdominal pain:

Dairy products

Lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products, is a common cause of abdominal pain. Many people, especially as adults, lose the ability to produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose.

Inevitably, this leads to intestinal fermentation, gas, and cramps. If lactose intolerance is suspected, it is advisable to eliminate or reduce dairy products from the diet to see if the symptoms improve.

Gluten

Gluten is a protein found mostly in wheat, barley, and rye. Although only a small percentage of the population has celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder in which gluten damages the small intestine, many others may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

This condition can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. Again, trying a gluten-free diet can help identify if this is the trigger.

Fructose

Finally, fructose is a natural sugar found in fruits, honey, and some vegetables, but it is also used as a sweetener in many processed foods. Some people have trouble digesting fructose, a condition known as fructose malabsorption.

The Importance of a DNA Test for Food Intolerances

If you suspect that your abdominal pain may be linked to a food intolerance, it is essential to consider taking a DNA test with Holifya .

These tests can provide a detailed overview of genetic predispositions to certain intolerances. Unlike traditional tests, which often require eliminating foods from the diet, genetic tests offer a more precise and definitive answer.

In fact, DNA tests for food intolerances work by analyzing specific genetic markers that are associated with a greater likelihood of developing intolerances.

For example, the LCT gene is linked to the ability to digest lactose, while certain alleles of the HLA gene are associated with celiac disease. Knowing this information can help you tailor your diet more effectively, avoiding foods that may cause discomfort.

Additionally, a DNA test can prevent unnecessary elimination of foods from the diet, which could lead to nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis allows you to make informed food choices, maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.

Final considerations

Abdominal pain is a fairly common problem, but most of the time it is underestimated. Although identifying the cause may take time and patience, this is essential to improve the quality of life once and for all.

Food intolerances are a common cause of abdominal pain, and identifying the foods that cause these disorders is the first step towards wellness. Considering the idea of ​​a DNA test could be a wise choice for those looking for a permanent solution.