9 Foods to avoid when your tummy hurts – #8 can kill you!

4. Chocolate and caffeine

One of the main reasons caffeine and chocolate (which may contain caffeine) are irritating to an already-upset tummy is that, like peppermint tea, they relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows acid reflux.

Caffeine can also loosen stools, which isn’t good if you already have diarrhea. And chocolate that contains milk products or nuts could be difficult to digest for those who are lactose-intolerant or allergic.