When it comes to grains, quinoa is considered a healthy superfood. This is because it is not only an ancient grain rich in fiber but also a great source of providing antioxidants and protein. It is usually used as a protein source for vegans and vegetarians. Moreover, quinoa is also an excellent foot to meet the fiber need.
Undoubtedly, quinoa is a multi-nutritious food containing nine essential amino acids, but so many people feel uncomfortable after eating it? Why does it happen? Does it cause diarrhea?
Quinoa is a gluten-free diet that can cause diarrhea. If it is not soaked to remove saponins – a chemical found in quinoa’s coating that shields the quinoa plant from fungus and pests, it can cause diarrhea or intestinal distress. Its high sugar level also causes diarrhea in some people. However, some people also experience nausea, hives, stomach pain, and itchiness.
Experiencing intolerance after eating quinoa is very common in people; however, if you have eaten it before and have not experienced any major issue, but you’re beginning to feel one of the symptoms above, you may have got an allergy to saponin.
Does quinoa cause a digestive problem?
It is very common to have an intolerance of any food. Stomach pain is one of the common side effects of intolerance as your body finds it difficult to digest the grains. Quinoa is one of the most well-known foods that cause digestive problems. It contains too much fiber, and if you consume fiber in excessive quantity, your digestive system may find it hard to digest it.
However, quinoa naturally contains a protective covering called saponin, which helps to protect the grain from insects and other animals eating it, and if it is consumed, it can cause digestive problems. So it is important to wash it off before eating.
If you are interested, you can consider to take a look at 8 Surprising foods that cause diarrhea
Does quinoa cause gas?
Quinoa is high in fiber and complete protein, which can be a major reason for stomach pain or bloating after digesting. When you eat quinoa, your digestive system cannot digest the proteins, sugars, and even the carbohydrates present in the seed, in turn leading to inflammation of your abdomen, which may also cause symptoms such as bloating, cramping, gas, and even nausea.
It can be a painful condition; however, you really do not need to visit the doctor as you can treat the disease by eliminating quinoa from your diet. Anyhow, always remember that every body is not the same, and it reacts differently after eating the same food. So, to check whether your body can tolerate quinoa or not, you can start the intake of this grain with a smaller portion and gradually increase its intake if you find it normal. Once you begin eating quinoa, you should also increase your water intake and non-caffeinated beverages.
Does quinoa flour cause diarrhea?
Quinoa can be used in many different ways, including quinoa flour. Just like quinoa, its flour is also not a good choice as it can cause some health problems. It can make you sick, especially if you are sensitive to saponin and prone to food allergies. It can upset your stomach can cause nausea and itchy skin.
A recent study [1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6175902/ on the symptoms of quinoa has revealed that saponins – coating the seed can cause diarrhea and vomiting when digested by humans. So eating this substance in large quantities can cause some issues in your body. But if your intestines are healthy, then they may get rid of their waste.
However, if you have compromised intestinal lining due to any disease, then consuming saponins can negatively affect your body. So anyone with a compromised digestive system should avoid eating quinoas because its saponin can trigger the inflammatory response and worsen the symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
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What should you eat and drink if you have diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a very common problem that can cause watery, loose, and more frequent bowel movements. Fortunately, it lasts for only a few days, but if it lasts for more than a week, then it is really an indication that there is another problem.
However, if you suffer from diarrhea after eating quinoa, you should add low fiber food you’re your diet that can help you to make your stool firmer. Here is a simple diet recommendation that can help you to ease this condition.
- People with diarrhea should consume binding food such as plain rice and bananas. Banana is high in potassium that provides you an appropriate intake of a nutrient that is lost due to diarrhea.
- Drink plenty of water to replace the fluid which is lost due to diarrhea. Also, add clear fruit juices, oral rehydration solution, and coconut water. Consuming these drinks can help to replenish fluid in the body.
- Also, add buttermilk, yogurt, and kefir to your diet.
- Applesauce is also effective in aiding this condition and getting your stomach back in working order. It is easy to digest and provides you with many essential nutrients such as pectin and potassium.
- Adding whole grain is also a good option as it soothes the stomach ailment and also prevents future intestinal issues.
- Also, take some ginger tea, or you may add grated ginger into some hot water with lemon and sip it. Ginger is considered antispasmodic and helps to soothe an unsettled stomach.
The above are some easy and effective food recommendations for people suffering from diarrhea. Moreover, doctors recommend dividing and taking your meal into small portions instead of taking three big meals a day.
References
| ↑1 | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6175902/ |
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