Pasta has been a favorite dish in parties or a simple meal at home. Anyone can easily prepare pasta and has been a favored dish throughout the years. It is sad to note though that some individuals end up with abdominal pain after eating this dish. Pasta might contain some ingredients that can instigate certain health conditions, resulting to stomach pain.
If an individual has a known food allergy, he/she might end up with an allergic reaction after eating pasta. Remember that some types of pasta are made from wheat, soy and eggs which can trigger abdominal pain due to the augmented inflammation in the intestines. The abdominal pain that occurs after eating pasta can also be due to gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Most types of pasta contain gluten which is a protein present in wheat. Those who have gluten intolerance can end up with various digestive issues after consuming pasta.
Food allergy
If an individual has a food allergy, consuming pasta can initiate an allergic reaction. The typical allergenic ingredients in pasta dishes include soy, wheat, dairy and eggs. An individual who has been clinically diagnosed with a specific food allergy should carefully read the ingredients on the box before eating it.
Pasta manufacturers are required by law to clearly disclose the use of any ingredients that are considered as common allergens. In case the reaction is related to a food allergy, other symptoms aside from abdominal pain can occur such as hives, asthma or nasal congestion.
Intolerance to gluten
It is important to note that pasta contains gluten unless specifically labelled as “gluten-free”. Consuming a small amount of pasta can still trigger severe abdominal pain along with other digestive symptoms if the individual has celiac disease.
This digestive issue occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the small intestines when products that contain gluten are eaten. Avoidance of gluten is vital for long-term digestive health if an individual is intolerant to gluten.
Pasta sauce
Take note that pasta is commonly served with sauces. The two ingredients in pasta sauces that are capable of causing abdominal pain include tomatoes and dairy. The red sauces are made from tomatoes that can trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals. The sauces that are made out of cream or milk can cause abdominal pain due to an allergic response or lactose intolerance. Remember that lactose intolerance is a digestive issue that causes abdominal cramping, gas, bloating and diarrhea after consuming dairy products.
Once the individual experiences abdominal pain only after eating pasta, the condition is most likely linked to previous conditions. If the individual develops stomach pain every time pasta is eaten, it might indicate a serious underlying condition such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome. With this in mind, a doctor should be consulted for proper assessment of the condition and diagnosis.