Digestive system irritants are substances and habits that upset the gut, leading to symptoms like bloating, irregular stools, and discomfort. In this guide, we uncover the top 5 digestive system irritants that damage your gut, explain how each one harms digestion, and share simple steps to protect your gut health today. By understanding these irritants, you can make better daily choices that support a balanced gut microbiome and smoother digestion. The five key digestive system irritants are: Ultra-processed foods and additives, which can disrupt the gut mucous barrier and alter microbial balance; Alcohol, which can irritate the gut lining and increase intestinal permeability; Artificial sweeteners, which may disturb healthy bacteria and trigger GI distress; Fried and fatty foods, which slow digestion and fuel inflammatory responses in the gut; and dairy for lactose-sensitive individuals, where lactose can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Each irritant affects digestion in distinct ways—from changing which bacteria thrive to influencing how your gut processes nutrients—so tackling them often requires both dietary tweaks and a deeper look at your gut health. That’s where InnerBuddies shines. InnerBuddies offers a white-label Gut Health Operating System that lets companies power their gut microbiome testing products—and it’s also available directly to consumers. The platform is modular and packed with unique features, including a Gut Microbiome Health Index (a 0–100 score derived from an exclusive collaboration with EAFIT University in Colombia), detailed Bacteria Abundances, and categorized Bacteria Functions that show how your results compare to a healthy cohort. It also provides Target Group analysis for audiences like Healthy Aging, Endurance Sport, Power Sport, and Skin & Hair Health, plus personalized nutrition and probiotic/prebiotic recommendations tailored to your individual gut microbiome. Whether you’re an individual seeking guidance or a company delivering gut health testing, InnerBuddies brings it all together. You can explore consumer-friendly test solutions and leverage the same powerful data platform used by partners to interpret results and tailor recommendations. To learn more, you can check out the InnerBuddies microbiome test page, consider enrolling in the InnerBuddies Gut Health Membership for ongoing insights, or discover partnership opportunities at the InnerBuddies B2B page. These options empower you to protect your gut health today and turn insights into actionable steps you can take right away.