Bell peppers do not ordinarily cause diarrhea in healthy individuals. If you experience diarrhea after consuming bell peppers, it may be related to various conditions such as food allergies, intolerances, food poisoning or irritable bowel syndrome. The "New York Times" Health Guide defines diarrhea as frequent, watery stools. If bell peppers are causing this symptom, avoid them until your doctor can evaluate you.
Food Allergy or Intolerance
Food allergies and intolerances can cause diarrhea within a few minutes to a few hours of consuming the offending food. Bell peppers do not commonly trigger a food allergy or intolerance, although any food can cause an allergic reaction or intolerance, according to "Saturday Early Show " medical correspondent Dr. Mallika Marshall. The main difference between the two food conditions is that a food allergy is an exaggerated immune system reaction, while food intolerance is the inability to digest a certain portion of the pepper. A food allergy can cause symptoms to develop in other areas of the body, such as your respiratory system, skin and cardiovascular system.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning causes excessive diarrhea and vomiting from ingesting bell peppers infected with harmful organisms. If you ingest a contaminated bell pepper, you will develop symptoms such as abdominal cramping, stomach pain and diarrhea within 4 to 36 hours. A common complication from diarrhea caused by food poisoning is dehydration. Because food poisoning causes continual vomiting and diarrhea, you can quickly deplete your body of fluids. Drinking more liquids and getting rest are the most effective ways to treat food poisoning symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a bland diet to help settle the stomach.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive condition that mainly causes chronic diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, cramping and gas. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, about 20 percent of the American population experiences symptoms of IBS. Certain foods may trigger common IBS symptoms, such as vegetables, including bell peppers. Not everyone with IBS is affected by the same foods. If eating bell peppers causes diarrhea, avoiding eating the vegetable and contact your health care provider.
Considerations
If diarrhea lasts more than three days or if you notice blood in your stools, call your doctor. This may be a sign of a more serious condition. Because diarrhea is a general symptom and not a condition, your doctor may run tests to diagnose the reason for diarrhea when you eat bell peppers.
