Can Dried Fruit Make My Stomach Hurt?

Stomach pain after you eat dried fruit may be caused by a mold allergy, because dried fruit contains small amounts of mold. Certain fruits, such as melons, pineapple, tropical fruits and strawberries, can also cause allergic reactions, whether fresh or dried. If you develop severe stomach pain, consult your doctor for a clinical diagnosis.

Reactions

Stomach pain after eating dried fruit is caused by an allergic reaction, which will cause histamine levels in your digestive system to increase, leading to inflammation and swelling. Histamine is a chemical that’s triggered by your immune system to protect your body from infection. The inflammation caused by the histamine causes your stomach to cramp, which leads to pain. Stomach pain may also be accompanied by gas, bloating, nausea and diarrhea.

Mold Allergy

Mold allergies are typically related to hay fever, a chronic allergic condition that causes cold-like symptoms, such as:

• watery eyes
  
• irritation in the throat
  
• sneezing
  
• runny nose
  
• nasal congestion

Mold allergies often occur during the fall, when leaves from trees and other plants are rotting. Mold is also found in certain foods, such as blue cheese, mushrooms and dried fruit. If you have a mold allergy, avoid dried fruit and other foods that contain mold to prevent stomach pain.

Food Allergy

Stomach pain after eating dried fruit may be the result of a food allergy. An allergy test can determine whether you’re allergic to specific fruits. A food allergy is the result of a malfunction in the immune system 2. Your immune system accidentally reacts to the proteins in the dried fruit as if they are dangerous, and this is what begins an allergic food reaction.

Consideration

If you consistently notice that you only develop stomach pain after eating dried fruit, stop eating it until you can see your doctor. If you develop facial swelling, hives or shortness of breath, call 911 immediately, because you may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction.