Ultra-processed food and drinks (fish sticks, chicken nuggets, cookies, sweetened drinks, etc.) increase the risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD or chronic indigestion). A recent French study analyzed dietary data from over 33,000 participants and found that approximately 16% of food consumed (by weight) was made up of ultra-processed foods, which account for more than 50% of caloric intake in the US, Canada, and the UK. The more processed foods consumed, the higher the risk of IBS and FD. The American Journal of Gastroenterology

→Takeaway: If you suffer from IBS or chronic indigestion, eliminate processed foods from your diet by crowding them out with additional fruits and vegetables. If you have a craving for cookies, chicken nuggets, or any other processed food favorite, make a healthier version at home!