Can Peanut Cause Stomach Pain?
- Nuts and seeds naturally contain a compound called phytic acid, says Lily Nichols, RDN, a dietitian/nutritionist and author of Real Food for Pregnancy.
- They specifically have this compound in order to protect them from sprouting before they’re ready to grow. It’s evolutionary — the idea is that the seeds or nuts pass through an animal’s GI system intact so it can plant in the ground and survive.
- Problem is, for some people, phytic acid irritates the digestive system.
- In order to break down phytic acid, you need the enzyme phytase, but your body doesn’t produce that enzyme on its own, says Nichols.
- Adding to the complexity, there are also tannins present in walnuts and pecans that give some people tummy trouble.
- Some people may be more sensitive to certain compounds than others. Some nuts may aggravate you while others do not, and keeping track of your symptoms in a food journal can help you pinpoint the offender.
- Know that stomach pain associated with eating nuts is likely not a true food allergy, which is a process that involves your immune system and comes with the possibility of an anaphylactic (or full-body) reaction..
- If you have an intolerance to nuts, you may experience symptoms one to four hours after eating them and, along with stomach pain, you may also have headaches and nausea.
What helps get relief from stomach ache after eating peanuts?:
- Eat plain, non-irritating foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
- Eat probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or kefir.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Sip ginger or lemon tea.
- Do gentle yoga to aid digestion and ease bloating.
- Sniff peppermint.
- Avoid dairy products, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and smoking.
