Everyone experiencesstomach discomfortfrom time to time.

However, if you frequently feel unwell after eating, you may have a sensitive stomach.

A sensitive stomach can cause unpleasant symptoms such asbloating, abdominal pain, ordiarrheaafter eating.

Woman with upset stomach

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This article discusses the causes of a sensitive stomach and how to resolve your digestive issues.

These symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction,food poisoning, or another serious health condition.

Lack of fiber in the diet anddehydrationcan also cause abnormal bowel movements and an upset stomach.

There are a few potential causes of a sensitive stomach.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerances occur when a person has difficulty digesting certain foods.

Unlike afood allergy, food intolerance is not life-threatening.

There is no cure for food intolerances.

Pain may be triggered by consuming certain foods, stress, constipation, or diarrhea.

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) symptoms are similar to IBS, but they are more severe.

IBD is characterized by chronic inflammation in the digestive tract that can result in permanent intestinal damage.

Unlike IBS, IBD can be seen on diagnostic imaging.

It often requires prescription medications or surgery to treat.

Other Causes

There are several other conditions that could cause a sensitive stomach.

These include:

IBS is the most common diagnosis among gastroenterologists.

It is more common among women than men.

Anelimination dietmay also be beneficial to help you pinpoint foods that you’re sensitive to.

Common trigger foods that may irritate a sensitive stomach include:

Elimination diets can be very restrictive.

Work with a registered dietitian to ensure your vitamin and mineral needs are met before starting an elimination diet.

This will ensure you get a wide range of nutrients to support your overall health.

This can result inhard stoolsthat are difficult to pass.

This can lead to diarrhea and worsen conditions such as IBS and IBD.

Best Foods for a Sensitive Stomach

Bland foods are often helpful to soothe a sensitive stomach.

It may be brought on by medical conditions such as IBS or IBD in some situations.

However, a sensitive stomach may be triggered by another health condition.

Johns Hopkins.Irritable bowel syndrome.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of IBS.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is IBD?

Chron’s and Colitis Foundation.IBS vs IBD.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of constipation.

Michigan Health.Energy drinks, caffeine, and your digestion.