One of the biggest trends in dieting in the last couple of decades has, of course, been the low-carb diet. Low-carb diets are based on the idea that we consume way too many carbohydrates in the modern world, and that a diet that is higher in protein and other nutrients will help to maintain a healthy weight better than a diet that is high in carbohydrates.
For some people who go on a low-carb diet, however, this change can have negative side effects. One of the most common side effects of going on a low-carb diet can be an upset stomach. Consuming foods that are higher in protein, for example, might trigger food intolerance. In fact, most foods that cause food intolerance are foods that are high in protein. Some foods that might fall into this category could include eggs, nuts, fish, milk, chicken, cheese, and tomatoes.
Another possible reason that a low-carb diet can cause an upset stomach is that a low-carb diet can often be high in fat. High-fat foods often will cause an upset stomach. Foods on a low-carb diet that tend to be high in fat would include red meat products, pork, bacon, and milk if you are not using a low-fat or nonfat milk.
Artificial sweeteners can also cause an upset stomach. Many people, when going on a low-carb diet, also switch to sugar-free beverages or foods that use artificial sweeteners. Not all artificial sweeteners will have the same effect for everyone, however; you might be able to tolerate Splenda, for example, but not Nutrasweet.
Another possible cause for an upset stomach whole on a low-carb diet is dehydration. Dehydration can lead to an upset stomach; to avoid getting an upset stomach, you need to make sure you’re drinking enough liquids. Whenever possible, you should drink clear and cold liquids such as water or soda pops that are clear of colorings and caffeine.
However, being on a low-carb diet does not mean that you have to suffer from an upset stomach. Through a process of trial-and-error, you can eliminate and add foods, watching for the ones that upset your stomach.