What Vegetables Are Bad For Gut Health?

No, no, no it’s not what you think. Vegetables aren’t bad for you or your gut BUT there are certain vegetables that can negatively affect those dealing with digestive health issues. Believe it or not, eating too many vegetables can indeed lead to digestive issues. This doesn’t mean don’t eat your vegetables, it means you just have to learn more about the vegetables you’re eating and understanding exactly what is going on inside of your body leading to the negative effects. 

OK, so there are two types of fiber we get from certain vegetables, insoluble and soluble. Both types are important for health, digestion, and disease prevention. Soluble fiber attracts water, turns to gel during the digestion process, disease prevention, and it can be absorbed by the gut bacteria. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps food pass through the stomach intestines more quickly. Both fibers are in various foods. 

So, What’s The Problem?

Some people have sensitivities to different soluble fibers that can cause intestinal distress. Vegetables that contain short-chain-carbohydrates (SCC) seem to be the problem foods for people with the sensitivity. Short-chain-carbohydrates are collectively known as fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Broccoli, onions, cauliflower, garlic, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are all examples of  SCC’s. These specific foods are more difficult for the body to absorb and as they move along the intestinal walls it causes inflammation and bloating. 

Insoluble fiber cannot be absorbed by the intestine so it is left to pass through the gut pulling in water and bulking up the stool which is good for those suffering from constipation but they can also be hard on the intestine especially if there is already a digestive or GI issue. Some examples of vegetables high in insoluble fiber are root vegetables, zucchini, leafy greens, and broccoli. 

You can choose vegetables that are low in SCC’s or either eliminate or limit the consumption of  vegetables containing high amounts of SCC’s. This will help you entirely. If you take care of your gut your gut will take care of you. Vegetables aren’t bad it’s just that too many of certain kinds can cause issues for those suffering with digestive health symptoms and issues. Heal your gut and you can heal your body. Listen to what your body tells you when it sends signals, signs, and symptoms it’s the only way it has to let you know you’re hurting yourself somehow.