Tag Reference¶

This page explains each tag, what it covers, and why it might matter for digestive health.

Added Sugars¶

What it covers: Sweeteners added to foods and drinks beyond their natural sugar content.

Examples: Candy, soda, sweetened coffee drinks, cookies, cake, ice cream, flavored yogurt, breakfast cereals.

Why it matters: Added sugars can cause fermentation in the gut, leading to bloating, gas, and diarrhea—especially in large amounts.

Alcohol¶

What it covers: Beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails.

Examples: Beer, wine, whiskey, vodka, margaritas, hard seltzer, cocktails.

Why it matters: Alcohol irritates the gut lining and can cause dehydration and inflammation. It affects gut bacteria and can worsen existing sensitivities.

Note: Different types affect people differently. Beer contains gluten; wine contains sulfites; sugary cocktails combine multiple triggers.

Artificial Sweeteners¶

What it covers: Sugar substitutes and sugar alcohols.

Examples: Diet soda, sugar-free gum, "zero calorie" drinks, protein bars, sugar-free candy, some medications.

Why it matters: Sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, mannitol) can cause osmotic diarrhea by drawing water into the intestines. They're notorious for gas, bloating, and laxative effects.

Note: Check for ingredients ending in "-ol" (sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol). "Sugar-free" often means sugar alcohols.

Caffeine¶

What it covers: A stimulant found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some sodas.

Examples: Coffee, espresso, black tea, green tea, matcha, cola, energy drinks, dark chocolate.

Why it matters: Caffeine affects gut motility—it can speed up digestion, causing urgency or loose stools. It can also worsen acid reflux.

Note: Decaf still contains small amounts of caffeine. Herbal tea (chamomile, peppermint) is caffeine-free.

Carbonated Drinks¶

What it covers: Any beverage with added carbonation.

Examples: Soda, sparkling water, seltzer, beer, champagne, kombucha.

Why it matters: The carbon dioxide that creates bubbles can cause gas, bloating, and burping. For some, carbonation worsens reflux.

Note: Even plain sparkling water can cause issues for sensitive individuals.

Cruciferous Veggies¶

What it covers: Vegetables in the Brassica family, known for their sulfur compounds.

Examples: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula.

Why it matters: These vegetables contain raffinose and sulfur compounds that gut bacteria ferment, producing gas and bloating. Cooking may reduce but doesn't eliminate this effect.

Note: Despite causing gas, cruciferous vegetables are very nutritious. The issue is usually discomfort, not harm.

Dairy / Lactose¶

What it covers: Milk and anything made from it.

Examples: Milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, butter, ice cream, whey protein, cream sauces.

Why it matters: Lactose intolerance is common. Without enough lactase enzyme, dairy causes bloating, gas, cramps, or diarrhea—usually within a few hours.

Note: Aged cheeses (cheddar, parmesan) and butter have very little lactose. If you tolerate these but not milk, that's useful information.

Eggs¶

What it covers: Chicken eggs and foods containing them.

Examples: Scrambled eggs, omelets, mayonnaise, baked goods, pasta, some sauces.

Why it matters: Egg protein sensitivity can cause digestive symptoms like bloating, nausea, or cramping. It's different from a true egg allergy.

Note: Some people react to egg whites but not yolks, or vice versa.

FODMAPs¶

What it covers: Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols—short-chain carbohydrates that ferment in the gut.

Examples: Onions, garlic, apples, pears, watermelon, wheat, milk, honey, beans, lentils, mushrooms, sugar-free products.

Why it matters: FODMAPs feed gut bacteria rapidly, producing gas and drawing water into the intestines. People with IBS often find significant relief by reducing high-FODMAP foods.

Note: This is a broad category with many subcategories. Not all high-FODMAP foods affect everyone equally—tracking helps identify your specific triggers.

Gluten¶

What it covers: A protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives.

Examples: Bread, pasta, beer, crackers, flour tortillas, soy sauce, most baked goods, breaded foods.

Why it matters: People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity experience digestive symptoms, fatigue, or inflammation. Symptoms may appear hours or even a day later.

Note: "Wheat-free" doesn't always mean gluten-free. Oats are naturally gluten-free but often cross-contaminated.

High-Fat¶

What it covers: Foods with significant fat content, especially fried or greasy foods.

Examples: Fried chicken, bacon, french fries, burgers, creamy sauces, cheese, fatty cuts of meat, pastries.

Why it matters: Fat slows digestion and can cause bloating, nausea, or discomfort. It can trigger gallbladder issues and worsen acid reflux.

Note: The type of fat matters less than the amount for most digestive symptoms. Avocado and fried food can both cause issues in large quantities.

Histamine-Rich¶

What it covers: Foods naturally high in histamine or that trigger histamine release.

Examples: Aged cheese, fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi), cured meats, smoked fish, vinegar, alcohol, tomatoes, spinach, avocado.

Why it matters: Some people have difficulty breaking down histamine, leading to symptoms like flushing, headaches, and digestive upset. This is sometimes called histamine intolerance or mast cell activation.

Note: Freshness matters—histamine builds up as food ages. Leftovers have more histamine than fresh-cooked meals.

Insoluble Fiber¶

What it covers: Fiber that doesn't dissolve in water and adds bulk to stool.

Examples: Wheat bran, whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetable skins, celery, corn.

Why it matters: While fiber is generally healthy, too much insoluble fiber—especially if you're not used to it—can cause diarrhea, cramping, or urgency.

Note: Increasing fiber gradually gives your gut time to adapt. Soluble fiber (oats, bananas) is usually gentler.

Legumes / Beans¶

What it covers: Beans, lentils, peas, and peanuts.

Examples: Black beans, kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, hummus, peanuts, peanut butter, edamame.

Why it matters: Legumes contain oligosaccharides that humans can't fully digest. Gut bacteria ferment them, producing gas and bloating.

Note: Soaking, rinsing, and cooking beans thoroughly can reduce gas. Canned beans may cause fewer issues than dried.

Nightshades¶

What it covers: Plants in the Solanaceae family, which contain alkaloids.

Examples: Tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, hot peppers, eggplant, paprika, cayenne.

Why it matters: Some people report that nightshades cause gut irritation, joint pain, or inflammation. The connection isn't fully understood, but tracking can reveal if you're sensitive.

Note: Nightshade sensitivity is relatively rare but worth exploring if you have unexplained symptoms.

Nuts / Seeds¶

What it covers: Tree nuts, peanuts (actually a legume), and seeds.

Examples: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed, nut butters, tahini.

Why it matters: Beyond allergies, nuts and seeds are high in fiber and fat, which can cause bloating or discomfort in large amounts. Some people have trouble digesting them fully.

Note: Nut butters and ground seeds may be easier to digest than whole nuts and seeds.

Red / Processed Meats¶

What it covers: Red meat and processed meat products.

Examples: Beef, pork, lamb, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, deli meats, jerky.

Why it matters: Red and processed meats are linked to gut inflammation and may be harder to digest than leaner proteins. Processed meats often contain additives that can irritate the gut.

Note: How meat is prepared matters—grilled, fried, and processed meats may cause more issues than simply cooked lean cuts.

Shellfish¶

What it covers: Crustaceans and mollusks.

Examples: Shrimp, crab, lobster, clams, mussels, oysters, scallops.

Why it matters: Shellfish can trigger histamine reactions and is a common allergen. Even without a true allergy, some people experience digestive upset.

Note: Reactions to shellfish can range from mild digestive symptoms to serious allergic reactions. If you suspect an allergy, consult a doctor.

Soy¶

What it covers: Soybeans and soy-derived products.

Examples: Tofu, soy milk, edamame, soy sauce, tempeh, miso, many meat substitutes and protein bars.

Why it matters: Soy is a common allergen and may cause digestive issues. It's also linked to eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in some people. Soy is in many processed foods, making it easy to consume unknowingly.

Note: Fermented soy (miso, tempeh, soy sauce) may be easier to digest than unfermented soy (tofu, soy milk).

Spicy¶

What it covers: Foods containing chili peppers or hot spices.

Examples: Hot sauce, jalapeños, curry, buffalo wings, kimchi, salsa, Thai food, sriracha.

Why it matters: Capsaicin (the compound that makes peppers hot) can irritate the digestive tract, causing heartburn, stomach cramps, or urgency. Effects are usually quick.

Note: "Spicy" is subjective. Tag foods that feel spicy to you, even if others wouldn't consider them hot.

Other¶

What it covers: A catch-all for items that don't fit other categories.

Examples: Unusual ingredients, supplements, medications, or foods you want to track that aren't covered elsewhere.

Why it matters: Sometimes you suspect something specific that doesn't have its own tag. "Other" lets you track it and see if patterns emerge.

Tips for Using Tags¶

• Confirm only what applies — Your oat milk latte has caffeine but no dairy
• When in doubt, confirm it — You can always edit later if you learn more
• Watch for hidden ingredients — Soy sauce has gluten; many sauces have dairy
• Track what matters to you — If you never react to caffeine, you can skip that tag
• Use "Other" freely — If you suspect something specific, track it

See Tags & Ingredients for how tags work in the app.