{"id":1133,"date":"2021-03-30T15:21:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-30T15:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/can-vegetables-cause-digestive-issues\/"},"modified":"2025-10-11T08:06:50","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T08:06:50","slug":"can-vegetables-cause-digestive-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/blog\/can-vegetables-cause-digestive-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"Can vegetables cause digestive issues?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We all know how important it is to eat our five-a-day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Not only do vegetables give us vast amounts of vitamins and nutrients, but they are a key component for a balanced diet, and are low in fats and calories. However, did you know that eating vegetables in abundance may cause digestive issues? For those with sensitive bowels or with intolerances*, eating more than your recommended daily amount may lead to bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and even bowel irritation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We need to be mindful of what happens inside our bodies, how we are affected by certain foods, and what we can do to make sure our guts are healthy and happy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Vegetable Bloating<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If vegetables are low in fat and high in vitamins, it may seem strange that they can cause digestive issues like bloating or constipation. For some, this may be due to an underlying intolerance, but most issues are caused by the high levels of fiber that vegetables contain, which is a nightmare for those with sensitivities. Eating too much fiber can lead to the following symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excess gas<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cramps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acid reflux<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soluble fiber is absorbed by bacteria, helping to maintain a balanced microbiome. Insoluble fiber cannot be absorbed by the body and can often cause constipation by adding bulk to the stool. Vegetables that are high in insoluble fiber include courgettes, broccoli, celery, leafy greens, and root vegetables &#8211; these should be consumed in moderation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain vegetables are also known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/blog\/what-is-a-low-fodmap-diet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FODMAP<\/a> foods. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols; foods high in FODMAP may be harder for your body to digest and absorb.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which vegetables lead to bloating? Well, broccoli, onions, garlic, sprouts, and cauliflower are all high FODMAP foods and should therefore be avoided by those who suffer frequently from poor gut health.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Vegetables That May Not Cause Gas<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low-FODMAP vegetables (and so may not cause gas) include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bamboo Shoots<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bean Sprouts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carrots<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corn (Baby, Canned)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cucumber<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ginger Root<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iceberg Lettuce<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kale<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parsnips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potatoes (White)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Radish<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rocket<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spaghetti Squash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spinach<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Why Does My Stomach Hurt After Eating Vegetables?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sufferer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? It may be advisable to stay away from high-FODMAP foods and instead try a low-FODMAP diet to gain some relief from symptoms. Instead of eating meals that are high in vegetables, limit portions and swap particularly fibrous vegetables for those that are less irritating to your stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Can Vegetables Give You Diarrhea?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In short, yes, some vegetables may give you diarrhea. As discussed, certain vegetables can cause diarrhea due to their high fiber content or specific compounds they contain. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage can be harder to digest and may lead to loose stools, especially if consumed in large amounts. Raw vegetables can also trigger diarrhea, as they are more difficult to break down compared to cooked ones. Gradually increasing fiber intake and cooking vegetables can help to reduce these digestive issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How To Avoid Digestive Issues Caused By Vegetables<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 800;\">Don&#8217;t eat foods you are intolerant to<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you have a chickpea intolerance, an onion intolerance, a celery intolerance, intolerance to peppers, intolerance to garlic, or any other kind of vegetable intolerance? If you don&#8217;t know but suspect you might, we encourage you to take a food intolerance test to find out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/advice\/are-you-allergic-or-intolerant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food Allergy and Intolerance Testing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are two totally different things. A true food allergy causes an immune system reaction that affects numerous organs in the body. A food allergy test can identify a range of food allergy symptoms and, in some cases, an allergic food reaction can be severe or life-threatening. In contrast, food intolerance symptoms are generally less serious and are often limited to digestive problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/intolerance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">YorkTest food intolerance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">* test provides expert analysis of your unique IgG reactions to over 200 food and drink ingredients. Working alongside trained Nutritional Therapists, YorkTest has developed comprehensive programs with individually tailored nutritional advice and support to help people balance their diets, optimizing their health and wellbeing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 800;\">Pair soluble fiber with insoluble fiber<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never eat insoluble fiber foods on an empty stomach. Always eat them with other foods that contain soluble fiber to limit irritation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 800;\">Get rid of roughage<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove any stems or peels, skins, or leaves from vegetables that are high in insoluble fiber.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 800;\">Cook well<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can&#8217;t imagine having to give up broccoli, onion, or garlic, ensuring they&#8217;re well-cooked might provide your answer. Dicing, stewing, or any other form of cooking helps the tough nature of the fiber to be softened a little, making it more gentle on your gastrointestinal system (as it&#8217;s already partly broken down for you). Roast, mash, steam, boil, or saut\u00e9 away!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 800;\">Eat seasonally<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back in the days of cavemen, we ate what was available seasonally. Studies show that eating in this way can be better for our stomachs and be more nutritious.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 800;\">Eat fermented<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fermented vegetables are easier to absorb, and contain probiotics that are great for your gut.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We all know how important it is to eat our five-a-day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Not only do vegetables give us vast amounts of vitamins and nutrients, but they are a key component for a balanced diet, and are low in fats and calories. However, did you know that eating vegetables in abundance may [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":85918,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[166,180],"topic_type":[182],"symptoms":[],"class_list":["post-1133","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diet","category-us","topic_type-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1133","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1133"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1133\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":86247,"href":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1133\/revisions\/86247"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85918"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1133"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1133"},{"taxonomy":"topic_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic_type?post=1133"},{"taxonomy":"symptoms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yorktest.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptoms?post=1133"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}