If You're Always Having Stomach Problems, These Are The Diet Changes To Make

Let's face it: There's nothing worse than having an upset stomach.

As we speak, I'm suffering from an intestinal infection, and it is the absolute worst. I have spent the past few days doubled over in pain at the doctor's office, and all I can think is, “I just want to be better.”

I would do anything to make the pain go away so I can get back to feeling like my normal self.

But, this isn't the first time I've had stomach issues.

In second grade, I had a stomach ulcer. Because of it, I was nauseated by food and had to follow a super strict diet just to be able to eat.

So, I've seen every type of doctor and specialist you can think of. And lucky for you, I've learned some nifty tricks along the way.

Whatever your stomach issue may be, here are three foods to swap in and out of your diet to figure out what's going on:

Swap In: A Probiotic

Your stomach is naturally full of bacteria — both good and bad. Typically, the good outweighs the bad, but sometimes, things get out of whack and the opposite happens.

The result can be extremely uncomfortable. You may experience cramping, bloating, a lack of appetite or even dry skin. A simple probiotic can help get you back on the right track by restoring the bacterial balance in your digestive system.

And the good news is, you don't necessarily need to take them in pill form since a lot of foods already contain probiotics.

Swap Out: Processed Grains

If you're experiencing ongoing stomach discomfort or irritation, especially after eating, you may be dealing with a larger health issue. It's time to start considering things like food allergies and possibly even a gluten intolerance (or celiac disease).

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. There are more than 200 symptoms associated with it, which makes diagnosing it difficult.

That being said, it's important to know if you have it, since serious health implications can arise if left untreated.

If you're experiencing ongoing stomach problems, try going on a gluten-free diet. It may not be the most convenient, but it could solve your health issue and save you from constantly feeling ill.

Swap In: More Fiber

People often forget about the importance of eating a diet that contains plenty of dietary fiber (the combination of both insoluble and soluble fibers).

Not only does it play a major role in digestive health and keep the digestive tract flowing properly, but it also has many other wonderful benefits, like helping to prevent heart disease, diabetes and weight gain.

It helps control blood sugar levels and tends to make you feel fuller faster, leading you to eating less frequently. It can also help lower cholesterol.

Consult with your doctor and see if adding more high-fiber foods into your diet might be a good idea for you.

Small, calculated changes in your diet can have tremendous effects on your health.

It's important to remember that just like we're all unique, so are our stomachs. It's about finding what works best for you and your particular situation.

If you can do that, you' ll be healthier, and your body will thank you for it.

As Jim Rohn once said,

Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.

We're nothing without our health, so here's to yours!