These seven foods are considered to be the most difficult to digest

You can avoid discomfort by consuming fewer foods that are known to be difficult to digest. The list includes onion, spicy products, legumes and fried.

Dyspepsia, which is a set of symptoms of epigastric (upper abdomen) pain or discomfort, often occurs after a meal. It can be avoided, however, by reducing the consumption of some hard-to-digest foods, CNews says.

For example, it is not recommended to eat too much onion, which contains a lot of fiber that the stomach cannot always digest completely. The undigested part then stagnates in the stomach and bacteria in the digestive tract take care of it. Like garlic, it is therefore a fermentable food and this process causes heartburn and gas.

Legumes, such as lentils, beans or chickpeas, although rich in protein, fiber and vitamins, therefore highly recommended, are not well supported by some stomachs. They contain a lot of fiber and carbohydrates, complex substances to break down. They are fermented in the large intestine where they feed bacteria creating gas and therefore bloating.

Additionally, legumes contain phytic acid present in the seed coat, which prevents proper nutrient absorption and can also cause digestive upset. This can be remedied by soaking them in cold water before cooking and changing them several times.

Fried foods to avoid

Fatty and high-calorie foods, especially fried foods, take longer to digest and often cause a feeling of heaviness. They can also cause bouts of constipation.

According to an American study cited by CNews, candy and chewing gum are often rich in titanium dioxide and sometimes make digestion difficult. Also, chewing it means swallowing air, which results in gas. Additionally, sugar-free candies may contain highly indigestible polyols.

The milk problem

The lactose contained in cow’s and sheep’s milk and a little less in goat’s milk is difficult to assimilate by many organisms. Poor digestion of this carbohydrate can be linked to a lack of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose into two types of sugar: glucose and galactose. Faced with this problem, it is preferable to opt for hard cheeses and fermented yogurts, which do not contain (or little) lactose.

Although rich in vitamins, fiber and antioxidants, raw vegetables, when consumed in large quantities, can cause digestive upset. The digestive system can in fact be irritated by the fibers they contain. In addition, they can cause the stomach to swell under the effect of fermentation. Moderation is therefore a priority.

Spices, particularly strong such as hot peppers, can irritate the throat, esophagus and stomach in sensitive organisms. However, pepper does not fall into this category from this point of view: it helps digestion by stimulating the secretion of gastric juices, concludes CNews.