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The lining of the stomach contains cells called mucosal cells, and when these organisms become inflamed or irritated, you can experience a stomachache. While everyone will experience an upset stomach from time to time, if you are experiencing them with abnormal frequency, you might want to consider dietary habits and how they might be contributing to your frequent discomfort.

While every person has individual food preferences and tolerances, there are several food categories or items that can cause stomach irritation, especially when consumed with frequency. Even when food is otherwise healthy, if eaten too often or in large quantities, it can cause discomfort. The important thing is to learn about the foods that can lead to discomfort and focus on how your body reacts. There are at least five common foods that can lead to stomachaches in many people.

1. Spicy Foods

The aroma of spicy food is almost intoxicating, beckoning diners to binge and challenge their tastebuds. Unfortunately, while peppers are vegetables with nutritional benefits, they can lead to stomach pain and indigestion. The chemical compounds in chili peppers and cayenne peppers do not break down in the stomach, meaning the same irritation you feel on your tongue and in your mouth can persist throughout digestion. Because these foods can cause irritation in the stomach and intestines, they tend to move quickly through the digestion process, often resulting in bouts of diarrhea.

2. Citrus Fruits

Like peppers, oranges, grapefruits, and lemons offer many health benefits, but they too can lead to an upset stomach. The significant amount of acid found in these fruits might cause indigestion and acid reflux in many people. Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation in the throat or chest. When an individual experiences frequent bouts of reflux, it is possible they will develop other symptoms or conditions, such as GERD.

3. Whole Grains or High Fiber Foods

Fiber is a vital component of a healthy diet, and it is crucial to the digestive system. It is not uncommon for people to be encouraged to increase their fiber intake through whole grains and other high-fiber options, but you should not go overboard. Increasing your intake too quickly or overloading your system with too much fiber can lead to significant and persistent digestive issues. It is not unusual for people consuming a high-fiber diet to experience frequent gas and constipation, resulting in frequent stomachaches.

4. Avocados

Avocados are considered one of the richest sources of dietary fiber, but not every part of the plant serves a nutritional purpose. There is a part of the avocado that cannot be digested by the body. If you have an upset stomach, it is best to avoid this food. However, if you eat too many avocados in one sitting, they might be the problem. As with whole grains, too much of a good thing can be bad.

5. Dairy Products

Many people have a love-hate relationship with dairy products. While people find milk and other products to be delicious, the sugar, lactose, is not easy to digest. If your body cannot digest lactose correctly, it can result in bloating and gas. If you consume too much dairy, the lactose works its way to the large intestines, causing indigestion and other problems. Foods affect everyone differently. While this is a generic list, it does not represent all of the products that might upset your stomach. What foods do you struggle with, and have you found a reason or solution for the difficulty? Leave a comment, and join the conversation.