Ice cream is a very popular sweet beverage for every aged people. However, there are some side effects that can occur from the consumption of ice cream. The most common is weight gain.
Several people got gain weight after the consumption of ice cream. On the other hand, stomach disorders like gas, bloating, heartburn and constipation can also occur from ice cream intake.
But why does ice cream upset your stomach? Well, the lactose present in ice cream can cause stomach troubles like gas, bloating, and constipation. Moreover, there are several other factors behind these stomach disorders.
Let’s check-in details.
Can Ice Cream Cause Gas?
Intestinal wind or gas is one of the most health disorders faced by numerous people around the globe. So, why does gas occurs? Intake of high fiber foods boosts gas production in healthy adults (1).
However, this point is not applied to ice cream as it is low in fiber. Then why does ice cream cause gas? Well, there are two major reasons i.e high fat and lactose component of ice cream.
According to studies, high-fat foods can also promote gastrointestinal problems(GI) (2). This in turn can trigger wind or gas, as gas is a common gastrointestinal disease. On the other hand, ice creams are a high source of this gas-promoting factor i.e fat.
Moreover, ice creams are prepared from milk. Milk contains lactose. Several people are intolerant to lactose. In that case, lactose can upset their tummy by promoting gas.
Can Ice Cream Cause Bloating?
Foods with a high FODMAP value can cause and increase the risk of bloating, especially in patients with IBS. In fact, studies have shown that a low FODMAP value reduces the risk of bloating (3).
On the other hand, lactose intolerance is also associated with an increased risk of bloating. As ice cream is high in FODMAP and contains lactose, it causes bloating in healthy adults.
Does Ice Cream Cause Constipation?
Studies have shown that intake of fiber-rich foods can increase stool frequency, and soften the stool (4). The regular consumption of fiber-rich foods can improve the frequency of stool in patients with constipation also (5).
Because of these facts, fiber is considered an essential macronutrient for constipation cure. On the other hand, ice cream contains very little amount of fiber and because of this ice cream can cause constipation.
Furthermore, ice cream is high in fat, especially saturated fat which can trigger bowel disorders. According to studies, daily consumption of more than 30 grams of saturated fat can constipate healthy people also (6).
Moreover, the lactose component of ice cream can also promote constipation problems. Also, the absence of magnesium minerals is another contributor to ice cream constipation.
Magnesium is a well-known nutrient for constipation cure at home and smooth bowel movements. All of these factors are the major reason behind ice cream related bowel disorders.
Do Ice Cream Cause Acid Reflux or Heartburn?
Acid reflux or heartburn is a common side effect of acidic foods. On the other hand, ice cream contains acidic components like lactose. This lactose in ice cream can cause heartburn or acid reflux.
Moreover, the consumption of fat-rich foods like ice cream can also trigger heartburn. According to studies,high-fat foods can stimulate the release of the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK). This hormone is able to relax the lower esophageal sphincter and cause acid reflux (7).
