Lower Stomach Pain and Walnuts

Knowing what is causing your lower stomach pain after eating walnuts will help you treat and prevent adverse symptoms.Walnuts are a tree nut that are high in fiber and may trigger lower stomach pain if you have an allergy, irritable bowel syndrome or if you’re sensitive to gas pains. Lower stomach pain may be the result of various conditions, some more serious than others. Have your doctor assess any continuing lower stomach pain.

Gas Pains

It’s possible that the lower stomach pain you develop from consuming walnuts is the result of gas pains. Excessive gas may form from walnuts because they contain 2 g of fiber per ounce, according to the California Walnut Commission. If you suddenly eat a larger amount of fiber than usual, the extra fiber can interact with bacteria, causing increased vapors. These vapors can become trapped in your digestive system, causing sharp pains in your lower abdomen, according to MayoClinic.com. Most gas pains are alleviated once you have a bowel movement or when you pass gas. Do not take any over-the-counter medications without first talking with your doctor.

Tree Nut Allergy

If you have a known tree nut allergy, you should not eat walnuts, according to the Food Allergy Initiative. Walnuts are one of the most common food allergens and can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that could lead to death. If you develop lower stomach pain, along with other symptoms such as facial swelling, skin rashes and shortness of breath, call 911 immediately. Severe abdominal pain is a common symptom of anaphylaxis. Other signs of a severe allergic reaction may include chest pain, pale skin and lightheadedness.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome affects 1 in 5 Americans, making it a common digestive condition, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. IBS causes erratic movements in your colon, which commonly results in mild to severe pain and cramping. The most common symptoms of IBS are chronic diarrhea, constipation or both. Not everyone with IBS has the same food triggers. If you have a clinical diagnosis of IBS, avoid consuming walnuts if you notice that they trigger your symptoms.

Intolerance Consideration

Lower abdominal pain from eating walnuts may be a sign of a food intolerance. Food intolerances occur when your digestive system cannot fully digest certain foods. Your digestive system fails to create the proper enzymes to break down the proteins in walnuts, resulting in inflammation and swelling in the digestive system.