Can Lettuce or Bread Cause Severe Stomach Pain?

Can Lettuce or Bread Cause Severe Stomach Pain?
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Eating is intended to be a pleasurable expereince, but if severe stomach pain is the result of eating a meal, you may become anxious when you think about eating. Lettuce and bread may cause severe stomach pain in certain circumstances, which will need to be evaluated by your doctor. Severe stomach pain is a symptom related to various conditions that will require a clinical diagnosis.

Lettuce and Bread

Both and lettuce and bread are high-fiber foods that may cause gas pains. Fiber is carbohydrates in plant-based foods that the human body cannot digest. When you eat foods that are rich in fiber, you may develop increased gas, bloating and stomach pain. Most gas is expelled from the body through passing gas or belching, but gas that becomes trapped in the digestive system can cause sharp, severe pains that come and go in your abdomen, according the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Lettuce Stomach Pain

The carbohydrates found in lettuce are difficult to digest for some people. MayoClinic.com states that eating lettuce may cause increased gas and bloating, which can cause abdominal pain. If you notice that eating lettuce causes adverse reactions, you may want to talk with your doctor about taking an enzyme supplement, such as Beano before taking your first bite of lettuce. An enzyme supplement may prevent stomach pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms by providing lacking enzymes during digestion.

Bread and Celiac Disease

If you develop severe stomach pain from eating bread, you may have a digestive disease called Celiac disease. Most bread is made from grains that contain a protein called gluten. Gluten can cause an auto immune responds from your body. If you have celiac disease, your body attacks the lining of the intestines, causing permanent harm that causes severe abdominal pain, weight loss and diarrhea. There is no cure for this condition and exact cause is unknown. If you’re diagnosed with this condition, you'll need to implement a gluten-free diet by talking with your doctor and registered dietician.

Lettuce and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive condition that affects about 10 to 20 percent of the American population and may cause severe stomach pain after eating lettuce, according to the University or Maryland Medical Center. IBS occurs when the muscles that line the large intestine do not function properly by moving too much or too little, resulting in diarrhea or constipation. Other common symptoms of IBS include stomach pain, cramping and bloating. Certain foods trigger IBS symptoms in different people. The most common food triggers include vegetables, fruits, chocolate and diary.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Sep 2, 2011

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