As people age, they realize that the food they enjoyed in their 20s and 30s can now cause bloating, heartburn, or general discomfort later on. We asked some women about the foods they just can’t stomach the same way anymore, and their responses were relatable. So, here’s a list of 12 foods women over 40 say they can’t stomach the same way anymore.
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Creamy sauces
Rich sauces, like Alfredo, hollandaise, or cheese sauce can often feel far too heavy as digestion slows down with age. That once-comforting bowl of creamy pasta can now lead to bloating or an upset stomach that just won’t go away all night.
Fatty cuts of meat
Steak, burgers, and other fatty meats are much harder to digest than leaner cuts. Women say they now feel overly full or even nauseous after a large, heavy meal. Leaner cuts help, but some women just skip red meat most of the time.
Beans
Beans are healthy and full of fiber, but they also tend to cause gas and bloating. For many women, it seems this effect only gets worse after 40. Eating smaller portions, or cooking them a particular way can help.
Processed meats
Hot dogs, deli slices, and sausages often have a lot of salt and preservatives, which can really throw off digestion in the later years of life. They make many people feel way too full or even slightly ill after a meal.
Dairy products
Even if dairy has never given problems before, lactose intolerance can develop later in life. Some women find foods like milkshakes, cheese, or ice cream suddenly cause bloating, cramping, and an upset stomach. They often have to cut back on dairy or at least go for lactose-free options in order to feel better.
Artificial sweeteners
Sugar substitutes like aspartame or sucralose can cause bloating and digestive issues for some people. Others just hate the strange aftertaste that lingers after drinking or eating them. Many women find that over time, they’d rather have a little real sugar than deal with the side effects.
Fried foods
Greasy fried chicken, onion rings, and French fries just don’t seem to go down as easily as they once did. It takes the body longer to digest the heavy fried foods and that can lead to sluggishness or sometimes even nausea.
Sugary desserts
Cake, pie, and other heavy desserts taste delicious, but the sugar high wears off quickly. Many women find that they become jittery at first, then they are completely wiped out an hour or two later. The crash is not worth the sugar-filled indulgence.
Alcohol
Even one glass of wine, or a single cocktail, can sometimes have a much bigger effect than it used to. Alcohol can cause headaches, poor sleep, and stomach irritation the following day. Many women find themselves drinking less or avoiding alcohol altogether because it just isn’t worth feeling awful later.
Spicy foods
As people age, spicy foods seem to really intensify. One tiny bite that used to feel fun and challenging can lead to a few hours of churning in the stomach or blazing heartburn. Some women still enjoy an occasional spicy dish, but they know that overindulging will lead to regret.
Soda
Soda drinks are full of gas, which can lead to bloating and even more gas. Add in the high sugar content and it’s a recipe for a huge sugar rush and then an even worse sugar crash. Some women say a single can of soda leaves them feeling so full and gassy that it’s just not worth it.
Coffee
Most people can’t start their day without a cup of coffee. But the side effects of coffee become more obvious with age. Too much caffeine can cause shaky hands, acid reflux or even a nervous, jumpy feeling. Some women have to cut back to one cup a day or just switch to tea instead.
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