Why Tomatoes Can Cause Bloating
Salad, ketchup, pasta sauce — so many of the things you might eat contain tomatoes. So, why exactly does this popular ingredient cause bloating? Here are the most common reasons.
1. Tomatoes Contain Fructose
2. Tomatoes Are Rich in Fiber
It’s important to eat enough fruits and vegetables, in part due to their high fiber content. Fiber is an essential nutrient that we all need. However, too much of a good thing can have negative effects. Moving from a low-fiber diet to a high-fiber one too quickly can upset your stomach.
It’s important to note that bloating caused by water doesn’t usually last too long. But if you’re feeling bloated because you rapidly increased your fiber intake, your body may be producing too much intestinal gas, which can contribute to bloating. Your best bet is to slowly increase your fiber intake and drink plenty of water to reduce unwanted bloating.
3. Tomatoes Are Acidic
Despite their high water content, tomatoes are relatively acidic. And it’s important to note that acidic foods in general can cause acid reflux, which may lead to pain and bloating. If you have a sensitive stomach, eating tomatoes could irritate the lining of your stomach and raise the risk of bloating.
“Tomatoes are considered an acidic food, targeting a pH level of under 4.6,” Brown says. “This causes a rush of stomach acids to help digest the tomato, which results in bloating.”
Experiencing significant bloating after eating tomatoes, though, might be a sign of an intolerance — a chemical response that may only occur after eating a certain amount of the trigger food. Like dairy products, chocolate, and citrus fruits, tomatoes are a common cause of food intolerances. Food intolerances, in turn, can cause bloating and distention (or a swollen stomach).
4. Tomato Skin and Seeds Contain Lectins
Lectins refer to a family of proteins that bind to carbohydrates, and these proteins often get a bad reputation for causing gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and bloating. Most plants contain lectin, and these proteins are often found in a variety of foods, like legumes, grains, fruits, and vegetables.