Almost everyone has experienced the discomfort of indigestion at one time or another. If the causes are many, the consumption of foods that are difficult to digest is often a determining factor. In this article, we are going to look at some hard-to-digest foods that are advisable to avoid, especially in the evening. Stay tuned !
Raw vegetables :
Raw vegetables are difficult to digest because our body does not have the enzymes necessary for their decomposition. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in the body. The enzymes needed to digest raw vegetables are found in saliva and the pancreas.
Saliva begins the digestion process by breaking down starch into smaller molecules, while the pancreas produces enzymes that break down fats and proteins. When we eat raw vegetables, these enzymes are not present in sufficient quantity to properly digest the food. Cooked vegetables are easier to digest because the cooking process destroys some of the plant cell walls, allowing enzymes to do their job more easily. Also, cooking kills bacteria that may be present on the surface of vegetables. These bacteria can cause food poisoning if not killed before eating. For these reasons, it is generally easier for our body to digest cooked vegetables than raw vegetables.
crucifers:
Although they may not look like it, cruciferous vegetables are actually quite tough and fibrous. They contain a type of insoluble fibre, cellulose. Cellulose is difficult for the human body to break down, which is why crucifers can be difficult to digest. Also, cruciferous vegetables contain a compound called raffinose.
Raffinose is a complex sugar that the body cannot completely break down. Therefore, it can ferment in the gut, causing gas and bloating. For some people, this can be quite uncomfortable. There are, however, ways to make cruciferous vegetables more digestible. One way is to cook them, which breaks down the cellulose and makes them easier to chew. Another option is to eat smaller portions, as the body has a limited ability to break down insoluble fiber. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of cruciferous vegetables without suffering from digestive discomfort.
Tomatoes :
Anyone who has ever suffered from indigestion after eating a large slice of tomato pizza can attest to the fact that tomatoes can be difficult to digest. There are several reasons for this. First of all, tomatoes contain a substance called lycopene, which is difficult for the body to break down.
Additionally, the skin and seeds of tomatoes are high in fiber, which can also lead to digestive issues. Finally, tomatoes are acidic, and when they pass through the digestive system, they can cause heartburn and indigestion. If you tend to have stomach problems, then it is best to eat tomatoes in moderation. By deseeding and peeling them, you can still enjoy the nutritional benefits of tomatoes without suffering from digestive upset.
Spicy foods:
When you eat spicy foods, your body reacts similarly to heat stress. Blood vessels dilate in an effort to cool the body, and sweating may occur. Saliva production also increases to help cool the mouth and throat. However, all that extra fluid can make it harder for the digestive system to work.
Additionally, spicy foods can irritate the lining of the intestine, leading to inflammation and discomfort. For some people, this can result in heartburn, indigestion or even diarrhea. If you feel a little bad after indulging in a spicy dish, there’s a good reason for it.
Fruit juices :
Many people think fruit juice is healthy and full of nutrients. However, they don’t always realize that fruit juices can be difficult to digest. The reason is that fruits contain high levels of fructose, a type of sugar that is broken down by the liver. When the liver is overloaded with fructose, it cannot process it effectively. Some of the fructose can then be turned into fat, which can then be deposited in the body. Additionally, excessive consumption of fructose can also lead to intestinal issues such as bloating and diarrhea.
The alcohol :
Alcohol is a carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. When you drink alcohol, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body. The liver breaks down alcohol and turns it into sugar, which the body can then use as a source of energy. However, the liver can only process a small amount of alcohol at a time. If you drink too much alcohol, excess sugar can build up in your blood and cause serious health problems. In addition, alcohol thus irritates the lining of the stomach, which can make it difficult to digest food. Therefore, alcohol is hard on your liver and digestive system.
Animal proteins:
Animal protein tends to be high in fat, which can make it difficult to digest. Fat is a type of molecule that is not easily broken down by the digestive system. Thus, they can stay in the stomach for a long time and cause indigestion. In addition, fats are also more difficult for the body to absorb. This means that when you eat animal protein that is high in fat, your body gets less of the nutrients it needs. The difficulty of digesting fat also explains why animal protein tends to be higher in calories than other types of food. When you eat high-fat animal protein, your body has to work harder to digest it, and as a result, you take in more calories than with a leaner protein source.
