Most people experience abdominal pain at one time in their life. For some, this pain develops as an almost cramp-like discomfort in and around the stomach. This type of pain is often the result of something you've eaten. Certain foods -- namely those high in carbohydrates -- can increase the amount of gas in your intestines, leading to abdominal pain and cramping.
Digestive Effects
Sucrose -- among other forms of sugar -- is a carbohydrate that naturally occurs in most fruits and vegetables. It's also used as an additive to other foods to enhance their flavor. Like other carbohydrates, such as starch and fiber, sugar can pass into the large intestine relatively intact, leaving bacteria to break down the undigested food substance. A byproduct of this breakdown is carbon dioxide and hydrogen. With the increase of intestinal gases, you may experience bloating and subsequent cramping.
Diet
If sucrose causes problems for you, eliminate if from your diet. Start off by cutting foods and beverages with added sugar, such as candies, cookies, dried fruits, cereals, sodas, fruit juices and sports drinks. Many condiments, sauces, marinades and salad dressings also contain added sugar. Make sure to refer to the food packaging before purchasing products from your local grocer. From there, cut back on fruits and vegetables and then gradually introduce them back into your diet. At the same time, drink plenty of water. The Nationwide Children's Hospital reports that most children find relief by drinking only water for a few days, while also abstaining from the sugars in juices, sports drinks, candy and gum. This may also prove beneficial for you.
Treatment
If dietary changes fail to improve your discomfort, talk to your doctor. Medical professionals can often recommend the best medications to reduce intestinal gas and subsequent cramping. Charcoal tablets, simethicone and even Beano have all proven effective in reducing the amount of gas in the digestive tract.
Malabsorption
Though rare, stomach cramps from eating foods with sucrose can be an indication of sucrose malabsorption, where the body is unable to digest table sugar. Unlike other issues with malabsorption, this condition doesn't develop over time. Instead, you're born without the enzyme needed to metabolize this type of sugar. Removing foods with sucrose can often help alleviate discomfort, so talk to a doctor or dietitian to determine the best diet.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Gas in the Digestive Tract; January 2008
- Nationwide Children's Hospital: Abdominal Pain
- MedlinePlus; Abdominal Pain; October 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Gas and Gas Pains; April 2011
- Australian Gastroenterology Institute: Sugar Malabsorption in Children
- Virtual Chembook Elmhurst College; Sucrose; Charles Ophardt; 2003
