Table of contents:
- The cause of stomach pain after eating bananas
- 1. Eat unripe bananas
- 2. Imbalance of potassium and magnesium
- 3. Allergy to bananas
Bananas are known as foods with a low level of acidity that are often recommended to consume to reduce symptoms of stomach pain associated with ulcers or GERD. Unfortunately, this effect is not felt by everyone. Some even complain of stomach pain after eating bananas. So, are there any factors that cause it? Anything?
The cause of stomach pain after eating bananas
Source: Healthline
Banana fruit has been labeled as food superfood which means it contains a high nutrient density so it is very good for consumption. This fruit is also often a daily diet menu, especially at breakfast by people who are on a diet.
However, not everyone can eat bananas safely. Some feel symptoms such as a sore stomach after consuming it. This symptom often occurs when eating bananas on an empty stomach. When this happens, here are the various possible causes.
1. Eat unripe bananas
The level of ripeness of bananas can be one of the factors that have an effect on the body. Unripe bananas have a higher starch content. The type of starch present in bananas is resistant starch. 100 grams of green bananas contain as much as 8.5 grams of resistant starch.
Unlike ordinary starch, resistant starch is a type of starch that is not easily digested in the body and cannot be destroyed in the intestine. Later, the starch will ferment and produce fatty acids which serve as an energy source.
Despite its many benefits, resistant starch also produces gas in the form of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane. This gas causes flatulence or pain like cramps. In some cases of irritable bowel or GERD, resistant starch can trigger or worsen symptoms.
To fix this, it is better to eat ripe bananas because they contain less resistant starch.
2. Imbalance of potassium and magnesium
Bananas are known to be high in potassium and magnesium. Both are substances that the body needs. Magnesium, for example, plays an important role in supporting muscle and nerve function and helps energy production in the body.
Unfortunately, consuming bananas on an empty stomach can cause an imbalance of potassium and magnesium in the blood. As a side effect, these two substances can cause several problems such as nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Fortunately, this is a rare case because usually these side effects only arise from excessive consumption of specific supplements. To avoid this, it's a good idea to fill your stomach first before eating bananas.
3. Allergy to bananas
If you have frequent stomach aches after eating bananas, you may have an allergy. Banana allergy is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to the proteins contained in bananas.
People who have a pollen allergy may experience the same thing after eating bananas. The reason is, the protein contained in several fruits including bananas is similar to the type of allergy-causing protein contained in pollen.
However, it should be noted that pollen allergy usually comes along with other symptoms such as itching of the mouth, throat, and skin.
Try to go to the doctor to find out what causes the stomach pain you feel after eating a banana. If you do have allergies, you should avoid eating bananas in any form.
