Why Does Juicing Vegetables Cause Indigestion?

If you are just starting to consume juiced vegetables, you may have started to do so because of health reasons. While vegetables can actually aid in digestive health, eating them in the concentrated form, such as when juicing, may be too much for your digestive system. You might also have an underlying digestive disorder that is being exacerbated by consuming juiced vegetables.

Symptoms

Indigestion is characterized by a full feeling after eating and pain and a burning sensation in the epigastrium – the area between the lower chest bone and navel. Less common symptoms include bloating and nausea, but that could be the sign of another digestive problem, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Gas and bloating are symptoms that can occur after juicing vegetables, but they are not technically considered indigestion.

Causes

Bacteria From Eating Raw Vegetables

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Feeling pain or bloating after vegetable juicing can be due to several factors 1. Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and asparagus have a sugar in them called raffinose that can cause gas and indigestion-like symptoms. If you are leaving a lot of the pulp from the vegetables in the juice, the fiber in the pulp could be causing the problem, as it is difficult to digest. An underlying gastrointestinal issue could be the culprit, and the shock of consuming concentrated, juiced vegetables could be exacerbating the problem.

Solutions

If you are experiencing indigestion symptoms consistently after consuming juiced vegetabes, try drinking a half-juice and half-water mix. If this relieves your symptoms, gradually decrease the amount of water you are adding. Another solution is to take out certain vegetables to see if they are causing the problem. Cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli and carrots are common culprits. Ensure that the juice doesn't have too much of the vegetable pulp it; straining the juice before drinking it may help. If you are drinking raw vegetable juice, make sure you consume it within two to three days and make sure to refrigerate it 1. Raw fruit juice can ferment and spoil, possible causing indigestion-like symptoms.

Considerations

Do Vegetables Cause Diarrhea?

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Indigestion is caused by an underlying gastrointestinal disorder, according to the NIDDK. You may be exacerbating the problem by drinking juiced vegetables, or you may be simply experiencing symptoms that resemble indigestion, such as gas and bloating. If adding water or changing the types of vegetables you are using does not help, stop consuming the juiced vegetables and consult a doctor 1. While you may simply have a sensitive digestive tract, it's best to rule out any possible underlying digestive disorder as the cause of your symptoms.