Why Pasta In Europe Doesn’t Make Your Stomach Hurt
Mackenzie Filson, a food writer and contributing digital food producer with Delish, said she is sensitive to gluten and usually feels ill after eating certain foods. However, Filson was amazed to find that when she traveled abroad, she enjoyed everything from Japanese fried chicken to fresh Italian pasta.
She shared her discovery with her gluten-intolerant friends, who reported having similar experiences. So, how was this possible? Why would gluten-filled food make your stomach feel uncomfortable at home but not outside of the States? Filson decided to ask dieticians what was going on.
1. It’s All About the Wheat
Melanie Murphy Richter, a dietitian, told Delish that the wheat grown in the United States is different from the varieties cultivated in Europe and other regions.
Hard red winter wheat is the most common type of wheat grown in the United States, while European countries predominantly use soft red winter wheat and durum wheat. Some people find it difficult to digest hard red winter wheat because it contains more gluten than soft red winter wheat.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other foods. Gluten is hard to digest because it contains proteins that are resistant to stomach acids and digestive enzymes. Gluten can even trigger Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine.
2. Generational Fermentation Practices
Nutritionists have praised the positive effects of fermented foods and their benefits for gut health. Countries in Europe and China have fermentation practices that have been part of their cultural traditions for generations.
Fermentation can make more ingredients tolerable and digestible. For example, Richter told Delish that in other countries, methods such as sourdough fermentation are more common, and it might offer greater help in breaking down gluten and improving digestibility.
When it comes to dairy foods, European countries place a greater emphasis on fermented dairy products, which positively impact the gut microbiome and naturally contain less lactose, Dietitian Amy Goldsmith told Delish. Additionally, many of the more popular cheeses in Europe, such as Spanish Manchego, Italian Pecorino, and numerous French chèvres, are actually lactose-free, as they are often made from goat and sheep milk.
3. Other Countries Have Stricter Food Regulations
Other countries generally have more gut-friendly foods because they have tighter food regulations than the United States. For instance, France and Italy protect their heirloom-variety foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, that have been passed down through generations and are free from genetic modification.
Also, Europe generally bans ingredients like artificial dyes, pesticides, certain preservatives, and additives that are still allowed in the United States. According to Richter, growth hormones in dairy or bromates in bread flour are prohibited in Europe. She also noted that bromates, particularly potassium bromate, are commonly found in American bread products and have been found to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestion issues, as well as chronic conditions like cancer.
4. Travelers Are Always on the Move
In Europe, pasta and bread are less likely to cause upset stomachs because travelers tend to be active, enjoying the sights and sounds of various countries.
“Movement is such a simple but underrated tool for digestion,” Richter said, adding that staying active increases blood circulation to the digestive organs, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and may contribute to reducing inflammation, all of which support our gut and might explain why certain foods are easier to digest in other countries.
“Plus, when we’re traveling, we tend to be more relaxed, enjoy meals at a slower pace, and walk more—this all supports better digestion,” Richter said. “It’s a good reminder that digestion isn’t just physical—our mindset plays a big role too.”
5. What To Do For An Upset Stomach
According to dietitians, even if you still have digestive problems after eating pasta, in Europe or elsewhere, there are things you can do to take care of your upset stomach:
- Drink ginger or peppermint tea
- Take peppermint supplements
- Take food enzymes
- Stay hydrated
If you are becoming more concerned about the types of food your body cannot tolerate, dietitians recommend maintaining a food journal to track your symptoms and reactions. In your food journal, dietitian Amanda Sauceda recommends noting how much of a particular food you eat and how frequently you eat it.
“When looking at your food journal, pay attention [as] you may discover that [eating] the same food for breakfast every day might actually be the suspect,” Sauceda told Delish. “Sometimes we may think a food we have all the time might not be the problem but it actually could be.”
Sauceda also mentioned that foods you have sensitivities to do not need to be completely avoided and eliminated from your diet. “In fact, elimination can backfire and your diet can get smaller, which is worse for the gut and your overall health,” she said.
If you believe that you have a food intolerance or sensitivity, talk to a doctor or dietician before beginning an elimination diet. Also, dietitians recommend that you avoid eating these foods, whether you’re on vacation or at home, if you have Celiac disease or any other severe food-related allergies and illnesses.
Source Links:
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/experts-explain-exactly-why-pasta-130000271.html
https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-gluten
