Almonds are considered a common allergen that could cause stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal symptoms. If you notice that you only develop stomach cramping after eating almonds, talk with your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms. Stomach cramping may also be a sign of food poisoning after eating raw almonds. Most food poisoning symptoms are obvious because they cause aggressive vomiting and diarrhea.
Almond Allergy
If you are allergic to almonds you will develop stomach cramps after eating raw almonds. Tree nuts are a common allergen, such as almonds, pistachios and cashews. When you are allergic to almonds, the immune system identifies the proteins in the almonds as invaders that could harm the body. The immune system will attack the proteins in the almonds with different chemicals in the body. Some of these chemicals cause inflammation in soft tissue, such as in the lining of the intestines. The inflammation triggers stomach cramping, pain and diarrhea. If the cramping is from a food allergy, you will develop other symptoms, such as asthma, sinus congestion and skin rashes.
Almond Intolerance
Another condition that can cause stomach cramping is an almond intolerance. This is a different condition than an almond allergy. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that food intolerances occur when your digestive system cannot digest proteins, sugars or other ingredients in certain foods. This is different from an almond allergy because the symptoms are not the result of the immune system but the inability to digest the proteins.
Food Poisoning
The New York Times reported in 2004 that 13 million pounds of almonds were infected with semolina, which causes food poisoning. Food poisoning from raw almonds occurs when the nut is contaminated with an infectious organism. After you eat the infected almonds, the bacteria, virus or parasite affects your digestive system and causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Food poisoning symptoms typically last for one to three days, but can last for up to 10 days. See your doctor if you suspect that you have food poisoning.
Soaking Consideration
If you have difficulty digesting almonds, soaking them may help ease the digestion process. According to Three Branches Healthy Living, soaking nuts starts the sprouting process, which helps to neutralize the enzyme inhibitors. This will primarily help if you have an intolerance with almonds. Do not eat almonds in any form if you have been diagnosed with an almond allergy.
