Heal your gut – Don’t suffer quietly with digestion … Be it acid reflux, indigestion, or irritable bowel syndrome, digestive issues are a facet of daily life for far too many people. Spinach is also high in oxalic acid or oxalates that can react with calcium present in our food to form calcium oxalate, which is another compound responsible for causing kidney stones. Foods containing rapidly fermentable carbohydrates called FODMAPs can feed bacteria in the gut and may be responsible for gut inflammation, gas, bloating, and other uncomfortable tummy troubles in some people. Thsi problem has started only in the past year. Spinach is a green leafy vegetable which is also known as a super food because of the various vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients present in it. As a leafy green, raw spinach is high in cellulose, a type of insoluble dietary fiber. This acid is also what gives spinach its bitter taste. Eating broccoli can sometimes cause gas — and occasionally with that comes stomach pain. People with IBS or bowel sensitivity should stick with lean proteins and avoid foods … Eating spinach is moderate quantity is good for our digestive system and in the same way, eating spinach in excess can cause havoc to our digestive system and give rise to various stomach disorders like constipation, stomach pain, abdominal cramping, bloating, intestinal gas etc. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-foods-for-digestion Cooked mustard along with broccoli, peas, and asparagus can also aggravate indigestion so it will be important to limit your consumption of them. A marathon runner and yoga enthusiast, she is also interested in alternative medicine. While rich in nutrients, these dark green leaves can be difficult to digest for some. This side effect of spinach can cause mineral deficiency which can give rise to serious health complications in our body. This toxicity of spinach is mainly because of the contamination of spinach by E. Coli, organic fertilizers, pesticides, unhygienic irrigation water, etc. If you have digestive problems, veggies high in insoluble fiber—like spinach—can make them worse. Alternatively, take digestive enzymes, like these highly recommended ones I use, with it, particular when eating corn on the cob at a BBQ or other large and difficult to digest meal. diagnosis or treatment. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM Potential for Digestive Problems Spinach contains oxalic acid, a chemical that can be very irritating to the digestive tract. Pursuing a healthy diet and thorough chewing or blending of raw spinach will reduce the irritation you experience from oxalic acid. 2021 Spinach contains oxalic acid, which can be irritating to your gut. and Gently steaming spinach may also lower the oxalic level. The information contained in the post is for general purposes only and shouldn’t be considered as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice. Privacy Policy This dish can be spicy, however, so it might not be a good option if you’ve found that spicy foods trigger digestive problems for you. Grains are full of vitamins and minerals that are great for you, but if you have inflammation in the digestive system,… Suggested Read:- 11 Major Side Effects of Eating Too Many Beetroots. Cook oxalate containing food – When you cook or soak oxalate containing foods such as beans and spinach, you reduce the oxalate levels. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the Eating spinach in excessive quantity is not good for our kidneys because of the risk of the development of kidney stones. Some people have problems digesting whey protein and experience symptoms such as … Eating too much spinach can be very bad for individuals that are prone to diseases like gouty arthritis. Terms of Use Lightly cooking vegetables softens dietary fiber, making it easier for your body to process. Stomach cramps that occur after consuming spinach may be a sign of a more serious condition, or they may be related to food poisoning. There are certain foods which have been proven to cause problems with indigestion, such as spinach because of the fact that it is high in folates. Later there is diarrhea with a gray coloring and very foul smell. Spinach is a leafy green flowering plant that can be consumed in both raw and cooked forms. The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. “Suddenly eating huge amounts of any high fiber food may cause digestive disturbances,” says Colleen Gerg, R.D., a dietitian based in Philadelphia. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Dietary fibers play a very important role in keeping our digestive system healthy as it helps in the excretion of waste out of the body and also helps us feel fuller faster and for a long time and thus helps in weight management. Fried or fast foods. If you have trouble digesting raw spinach, lightly steam it to preserve as many heat-sensitive and water-soluble vitamins as possible, while making it easier to digest. Kale is full of dietary fiber and some sugars that can be difficult for your digestive system. Eating too much spinach can make our teeth gritty because of the presence of oxalic acid in it. , Cellulose is found in the cell walls of plants, where it provides the rigidity needed for structure, and is especially high in leafy greens. The LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse This is because along with iron, it is also a good source of dietary fibers, and having excess dietary fibers in our system can decrease our body’s ability to absorb iron and other nutrients, and can thus cause anemia. If you ever come across a green potato, especially one that has started to sprout, toss it. As per some reports,  raw spinach leaves could cause toxic reactions like food poisoning which can even result in death. While consuming spinach in its raw state can often make it difficult to digest, the nutrients and vitamins that are … When the oxalates combine with calcium, kidney stones can form. A variety of naturally occurring enzymes -- found, for example, in spinach, plants, fungi, bacteria and buttermilk -- have an apparent reactivity to degrade explosives. This is because spinach is high in purines which can get converted to uric acid ( when consumed in excess). Copyright © Lutein is absorbed by your gut and broken down by your body during the digestive process. advertisements are served by third party advertising companies. Although spinach is good for our health, skin, and hair but there are also some side effects of eating too much spinach, and this article we will know about these side effects in details. Digestion of Kale. Include fully mature leaves or the more tender leaves of baby spinach in sandwiches, lasagna, pizza and salads. High Alkalinity. Thoroughly wash and chop a handful of spinach stalk and place it in a pot. Oxalic acid can also interfere with the absorption of certain minerals, such as calcium, in your diet. This is just a temporary side effect and can be taken care of easily by regular brushing of teeth. Calcium oxalate is responsible for about 80% of kidney stones as a matter of fact. 12. Spinach makes a very healthy addition to a diet of people with gastro esophageal reflux disease which is also known as GERD. U.S. Department of Agriculture: Spinach, Raw, University of Maryland Medical Center: Fiber, Beyond Vegetarianism: Effects of Cooking on Vitamins, University of Kentucky: Vegetable Preparation For The Whole Family, Nutrition Research: Cellular Transport of Lutein is Greater From Uncooked Rather Than Cooked Spinach Irrespective of Whether it is Fresh, Frozen, or Canned, PARTNER & LICENSEE OF THE LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION. any of the products or services that are advertised on the web site. Spinach is a good source of iron and can increase the hemoglobin level in our blood and provide relief from iron deficiency which can otherwise cause anemia. [Source: The World’s Healthiest Foods] I also add some coconut water and probiotic powder for an extra boost! 30 Amazing Health & Beauty Benefits of Tomatoes, 16 Amazing Health Benefits Of Jackfruit (Kathal), 36 Amazing Health & Beauty Benefits of Asparagus, (8) Can Cause Allergic Reactions In Some Individuals, (9) Raw Spinach May Cause Toxic Reactions, 28 Amazing Health & Beauty Benefits of Spinach, 9 Major Side Effects of Eating Too Much Thyme, 11 Major Side Effects of Eating Too Many Beetroots, 8 Major Side Effects OF Eating Too Many Blueberries, 13 Major Side Effects Of Eating Too Many Pistachios (Pista), 8 Major Side Effects Of Eating Too Many Cashew Nuts (Kaju), 7 Major Side Effects of Eating Too Many Dragon Fruits, 8 Major Side Effects Of Eating Too Many Peanuts (Moongphali). iStock/Edalin Page Contents: [ hide] Vegetables, Insoluble Fiber, and Soluble Fiber But Won’t I Become Deficient in Nutrients If I Don’t Eat Tons of Veggies? Eating spinach in moderate quantity is good for our digestive system and in the same way, eating spinach in excess can cause havoc to our digestive system and give rise to various stomach disorders like constipation, stomach pain, abdominal cramping, bloating, intestinal gas, etc. A 2008 issue of "Nutrition Research" found that lutein availability was greatest in raw spinach. It’s soothing to the digestive track and thought to regulate the bowels and enhance friendly gut bacteria. However, it is important to note that this benefit of spinach is applicable only when spinach is consumed in moderation. Insoluble fiber can lead to gas and bloating if you are not used to consuming regular amounts of dietary fiber. // Lemon // Rich in vitamin C. Aids digestion and helps flush out toxins. Spinach contains histamine and Immunoglobulin E (IgE), and these compounds can cause minor allergic reactions in some individuals. Cutting back on foods that contain FODMAPs may help improve your digestion and eliminate GI problems. No, raw spinach cannot cause acid reflux but if you cook spinach then it becomes little acidic. Suggested Read-  28 Amazing Health & Beauty Benefits of Spinach. Aids Weight Loss. Copyright Policy Spinach, like most leafy greens, are alkaline in nature (thanks to their high mineral … Peaches and Kale Smoothie Bowl. Lettuce is usually thought to be an easy-to-digest food. Spinach contains lutein, a carotenoid that aids with vision health and acts as a natural antioxidant to protect your body from toxins and free radicals. Most of whey protein’s side effects are related to digestion. But not everyone finds it quite that easy, particularly if they’re coming from a low-vegetable diet, or if they’re trying to heal from pre-existing digestive problems like IBS. Healthy Eating When You Have Digestive Problems What you eat can contribute to digestive problems. Suggested Read:- 9 Major Side Effects of Eating Too Much Thyme. This means that it is not broken down by your digestive system and passes through your gut whole. This is because, spinach is high in purines which can increase the uric acid level in our body and can thus worsen the condition of gouts by giving rise to serious joint pain, inflammation, and swelling. In some cases, gastrointestinal distress can get worse giving rise to mild to moderate diarrhea, along with fever and abdominal pain. . Fresh spinach, lettuces etc. Jessica Lewis has published professionally since 2005 and is a registered dietitian and nutritionist. Because of the toxicity associated with raw spinach, it is advisable to thoroughly wash spinach ( same goes with other leafy vegetables) thoroughly under fresh running water ( it will be better to do it twice ). (2) Can Cause Stomach Disorders Like Abdominal Pain, Stomach Cramping, Bloating Etc. Spinach is a good source of iron and can increase the hemoglobin level in our blood an… The recommended intake is 20 to 35 grams per day, although most Americans do not meet this amount. However, eating too much spinach can interfere with our body’s ability to absorb some vital nutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, etc. Because of this reason, it is always advisable to eat spinach in moderate quantity, like a regular human and not like Popeye, the sailor man. Spinach is good for our all health because of the number of nutrients present in it. This is why those on an all raw diet may have an increased chance of health issues caused by oxalates. While raw spinach contains a proportionally high amount of dietary fiber, it's not typically difficult to digest. Eating large or frequent portions of fried or fast foods may also increase the risk … She holds degrees from the University of Guelph and McMaster University. If this is the case, choose baby spinach in place of regular spinach, as the leaves contain less oxalic acid. Leafy greens, like kale and spinach, are key players in a healthy … When it’s problematic, it may be due to an intolerance, an allergy or an underlying medical condition. While a 2-cup serving of spinach has only 1.3 grams of fiber, a relatively small amount, the majority of it is insoluble. Spinach & Stomach Cramps | Livestrong.com With its delicate flavor, spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that you can add to a range of dishes. Digestion problems plague tens of millions of Americans. Generally, oxalate gets excreted out from our body in the form of stool and urine but the too high level of oxalates can bind with these nutrients like zinc, calcium, etc., and then it becomes difficult for our body to absorb these nutrients. Malabar Spinach is a very low calorie food in relation to its volume. P.S- Consider sharing this post, if you find it useful and/or interesting. do cause the problem. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K which plays a very important role in blood clotting. Sweet Potatoes. Feel free to add a handful of spinach or kale too. This side effect of spinach is because of the presence of oxalate in spinach. This uric acid can increase the calcium level in our kidneys and develop kidney stones. … Method – 3: (Spinach Stalk Drink) The stalk of spinach helps to treat diabetes by improving digestion and enhance regular bowel movement. Her work is regularly found in the "National Post" and "Oxygen Magazine." While canned spinach had the highest lutein content, the amount available was significantly decreased after it was heated. Include fully mature leaves or the more tender leaves of baby spinach in sandwiches, lasagna, pizza and salads. My sister experiencs gall stone like pains (she has had her gall blader removed 20 years ago) followed by severe gas reactions in the stomach and intestines. While consuming spinach in its raw state can often make it difficult to digest, the nutrients and vitamins that are preserved in this raw vegetable can actually help improve digestion in the long run. It contains a high amount of purines, which converts to uric acid if consumed in high … Although I’ve tried my best to keep the information contained in this post as accurate and updated as possible, I make no guarantee of the accurateness of the same. Because of the presence of these compounds, spinach is very beneficial for our health and there are also some beauty benefits associated with it. Kale is increasingly common, made into chips, tossed with salads or stewed to make a hearty vegetable dish. However, this benefit of spinach could be a side effect for individuals who are taking anticoagulants ( a substance that reduces the body’s ability to form blood clots) like warfarin because vitamin K might react with these anticoagulants and hamper their performance. Here’s what you need to know about your body’s broccoli intolerance. Potatoes. Some people can enjoy eating sweet potatoes without gas problems, while others experience a lot of bloating and gassiness whenever they eat them. For some people, the high oxalate levels in spinach can also create an increased risk of kidney stones and joint problems. With its delicate flavor, spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that you can add to a range of dishes. Oxalates can accumulate in the body, especially the kidneys. Many people eat too much processed food and sugar, and not enough fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Kidney stones. Drink this spinach soup for 2 – 3 times daily till you get relief from constipation and its symptoms. Sept. 22, 2006 -- Fresh spinach and products containing fresh spinach should remain off U.S. plates, following a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to at least one death and scores of illnesses. In some cases, gastrointestinal distress can get worse giving rise to mild to moderate diarrhea, along with fever and abdominal pain. used as a substitute for professional medical advice, However, certain foods are easier to digest than others, and a diet heavy in those can help ease digestive troubles. Lean Protein. Leaf Group Ltd. We can get around 6 grams of dietary fibers just by eating a cup of cooked spinach and this makes spinach an excellent source of dietary fibers. There are only … Spinach is a common vegetable used in casseroles and salads and as a side dish. However, too much dietary fibers can have a very adverse effect on our digestive health and give rise to various stomach disorders like bloating, stomach cramps, intestinal gas, and even constipation. 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