In this article, we will answer the question “Can spinach cause diarrhea?”, and what are the health risks and benefits of eating spinach?
Can spinach cause diarrhea?
Despite having a low FODMAP profile, spinach can cause diarrhea. The fiber-rich profile of the spinach makes it difficult to digest. It can often lead to bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain. This mostly happens If you consume too much spinach. Excessive eating of spinach will lead to the malabsorption of its useful nutrients like iron.
Tips for reducing diarrhea
If you are allergic to spinach, remove it from your diet. However, If the high fiber of the spinach is the problem, It can be avoided. To avoid indigestion due to eating spinach, reduce your serving size. Consume only a small amount at a time.
Once your body adjusts, you can level up with the consumption but slowly. Another thing you can do to avoid indigestion is to eat the spinach after cooking so that the fiber is partly digested. Cooking also increases the bioavailability of nutrients like vitamin A, calcium, and iron, so that they are easily absorbed through the intestine.
Health benefits of eating spinach
Rich in vitamins
Spinach is rich in vitamins like Vitamin B, A, E, K, and C. all of which play an important role in skin health. They protect the skin against sun damage and support the healing process. They prevent skin cancer and slow down aging.
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in promoting immunity by fighting infections. Vitamin A does so by nourishing the mucous membranes of respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts. It also helps fight against diseases by synergizing the role of the white blood cells in the body’s defense.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Health conditions like arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, and migraine headaches can be prevented by consuming spinach due to its excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
Protects the nervous system
The rich levels of Vitamin C, K, and folate present in spinach promote cognitive functions. They are also involved in the synthesis of sphingolipids, which is an important part of the myelin sheath of nerve cells.
Protects against gastrointestinal disorders
The beta carotene and Vitamin C present in spinach protect the colorectal cells against cancer and free radicals due to their excellent anti-oxidant properties. The folates present in spinach prevent DNA mutations of the colon cells.
Muscle growth
Minerals like magnesium and zinc promote sound sleep and reduce stress which leads to better muscle recovery, leading to muscle growth.
Prevents hypertension
Due to its stress-relieving properties, spinach plays important role in preventing hypertension or high blood pressure. It also reduces anxiety.
Anti-cancerous
The anti-cancerous property of the spinach is owed to the rich anti-oxidant and flavonoid profile of spinach.
Bone health
The calcium in the spinach promotes bone health by preventing osteoporosis. It effectively fulfills the calcium requirement of lactose-intolerant individuals. Spinach is also involved in the production of collagen.
Prevents anemia
The rich iron and essential nutrients present in spinach can help recover anemia and hemorrhage patients.
Other FAQs about Spinach which you may be interested in.
How long can cooked spinach stay in the fridge?
Health risks of eating spinach
Malabsorption of minerals
Regular use of spinach can lead to malabsorption of nutrients due to the binding of the oxalic acid and purines present in the spinach with minerals like calcium, zinc, and magnesium. Over time, this leads to a mineral deficiency.
Gout results in response to consuming too many purines. This type of arthritis is marked by joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. Excessive intake of oxalates leads to the buildup of calcium oxalates stones in the kidney.
Vitamin K
Do not consume spinach If you are currently on anti-coagulating drugs like warfarin. Spinach is a rich source of Vitamin K that performs an important role as a blood thinner. Therefore, spinach will interfere with the working of the drug.
Diarrhea
Spinach latkes time to metabolize owing to its high fiber content. If you consume too much at once, your stomach will be troubled and It is reflected in gas, bloating stomach cramps, and even diarrhea.
Histamine
The histamine and Immunoglobulin E (IgE) present in spinach trigger allergic responses in some individuals. However, the allergic reaction is mild.
Toxic reactions
Spinach leaves are easily contaminated with E. coli through pesticides, organic fertilizers, or irrigation water. To get rid of this bacteria, It is recommended to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves with clean and fresh water before use.
Food poisoning due to eating contaminated spinach can lead to low blood pressure, convulsions, vomiting, and a weak pulse.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “Can spinach cause diarrhea?”, and what are the health risks and benefits of eating spinach?
References
https://www.businessinsider.com/foods-most-likely-make-you-sick-food-poisoning-2017-8
https://www.medicinenet.com/is_eating_spinach_every_day_good_for_you/article.htm
https://www.livestrong.com/article/556464-spinach-and-diarrhea/
