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11 Foods You Should Never Eat Before Lying Out In The Sun

Life's a beach—but these foods? Not so much.

Headshot of Shana LynchBy Shana Lynch
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Life's a beach—but these foods? Not so much. If you’re planning on heading to the beach and lying out in the sun, there are two things you might be concerned with—bloating and dehydration.

A beach day can result in excessive sun exposure, which can lead to dehydration, a sunburn, and an overall feeling of discomfort,” said Lauren Manaker, a registered dietician. Some foods that may offer UV protection include carrots, pomegranates, and fortified orange juice.”

But what about the foods you should avoid? Keep reading to find out.

And if you’re looking to add some UV-protecting foods to the menu, check out these easy roasted carrots and fresh fennel salad, which is topped with pomegranate seeds.

1

Dairy

milk food group still life
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Dairy products are known to cause people (especially those who are lactose intolerant) to be bloated and gassy. So maybe skip the ice cream cone before heading to to the beach.

2

Alcohol

coconut drinks on beach in maldives, vacation in paradise, sunny day in topical island
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You might want to steer clear of the piña coladas or espresso martinis. "Dehydrating drinks, like alcoholic drinks or those with caffeine, should be avoided when lying out at the beach," said Manaker. "Prioritizing hydration should be the number one thing people should focus on when they are planning for some fun in the sun."

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3

Corn

grilled corn
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This summertime staple finds its way to almost every barbecue, but it can be difficult to digest. Registered dietician Lisa Moskovtiz explains, "Corn contains a type of carbohydrate that is difficult for the body to break down. This can lead to GI bacteria fermentation and trapped air and gas, which causes bloating."

4

Carbonated Beverages

sparkling water in drinking glass with ice on vintage wooden plate
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Drinking an ice cold soda or seltzer can be a great way to cool off in the summer heat, but the air bubbles can cause bloating. Maybe stick to water or lemonade poolside this summer.

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5

Spicy Foods

red pepper pimenta dedo de moça
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"The last thing anyone wants to deal with when they are at the beach is tummy trouble," said Manaker. "Irritating foods, like spicy foods, should be limited, especially if you know you have trouble tolerating them."

6

Gluten

directly above shot of bread on table
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For some people who experience gluten sensitivity or for people with celiac disease, consuming products that contain gluten can cause bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and other side effects, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Luckily, many gluten-free snacks are available almost everywhere you go.

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7

Yogurt

yogurt granola bowl with berries
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While yogurt is known for its digestive properties, certain types (the ones that contain high levels of lactose) can ferment in your stomach, creating gas bubbles and bloating. Greek yogurt is a safe solution to this problem because it contains low levels of sugar.

8

Garlic

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Used mostly for flavoring, garlic (and onions, as well) contains fructans, according to Cleveland Clinic, which cause bloating. An easy solution to this problem is to cook the garlic before consuming it; this may reduce the effects.

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9

Broccoli

broccoli
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Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, contain raffinose, a carbohydrate that can't be digested by our bodies. This leads to bloating and (particularly smelly) gas. For a day sitting by the pool? No, thanks.

10

Beans

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Although beans contain high amounts of protein and fiber, they are also home to oligosaccharides, which are difficult to digest and lead to fermentation and gas, according to Cleveland Clinic. Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome should definitely avoid beans before heading to the beach.

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11

Watermelon

fresh ripe watermelon slices on wooden table
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A summer without watermelon would be a sad summer, but because of the high sugar levels in this sweet fruit, it can lead to bloating and gas. Save the watermelon for rehydrating after your day in the sun.

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