This is an automatically translated article. Specialist Doctor I Do Van Manh, who works as an emergency medicine doctor in the emergency resuscitation department at Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital, read the article and gave his professional opinion. Tuna is a popular food in Vietnam because it is low in fat, high in mineral salts, and high in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D, and phosphorus. On the other hand, eating tuna can sometimes make people sick and lead to mass poisonings.
Tuna is packed with protein and makes for an easy, nutritious meal. But if you’ve ever felt nausea or stomach cramps after eating tuna, you’re not alone. Tuna can cause stomach discomfort for a variety of reasons.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the potential causes of tuna-induced stomach pain, from mercury toxicity to histamine poisoning. We’ll also provide science-backed tips to enjoy tuna without the unwanted side effects.
Common Causes of Stomach Pain from Tuna
There are several possible culprits behind tuna’s reputation for causing stomach trouble
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High Mercury Levels – Larger tuna varieties accumulate more mercury, which can irritate the digestive tract.
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Histamine Toxicity – Improperly handled tuna can contain high histamine levels, causing “scombroid poisoning.”
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Allergies – Some people are allergic to the proteins found in tuna and experience symptoms like cramping.
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Fat Content – The fat in tuna can delay gastric emptying and lead to indigestion.
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Sodium Overload – Excess sodium from canned tuna can cause bloating and discomfort
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Contamination – Spoiled tuna can contain bacteria, viruses, or parasites that cause foodborne illness.
Now let’s dig into the details on how each of these factors provokes stomach upset from tuna.
Mercury Toxicity in Certain Tuna Types
When tuna consume smaller fish, they accumulate methylmercury in their tissues through bioaccumulation. Larger tuna varieties like yellowfin and bigeye tuna have higher mercury levels since they are higher on the food chain.
Mercury is toxic and can damage the gastrointestinal tract. Research indicates associations between mercury exposure and higher risk of digestive conditions like IBS.
Mercury may impact nutrient absorption, intestinal permeability, and gut bacteria populations. These effects likely contribute to symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, and nausea.
Pregnant women and children are advised to avoid tuna with elevated mercury content to reduce risk of stomach issues. Choosing smaller tuna like skipjack (“chunk light”) limits mercury exposure.
Histamine Poisoning from Tuna
Consuming tuna with high histamine content can cause “scombroid poisoning”, resulting in digestive upset.
Tuna naturally contains histidine. Bacteria produce histamine from histidine if tuna isn’t properly refrigerated after catch. Canned tuna can also have elevated histamine if improper handling allowed bacterial growth.
Ingesting tuna high in histamine can cause symptoms mimicking an allergic reaction, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps within minutes to hours of consumption.
Preventing scombroid poisoning requires consistently chilling tuna below 40°F soon after catching and during storage and transportation. Properly refrigerating opened canned tuna is also crucial.
Allergic Reactions to Tuna Proteins
Some individuals are allergic to specific proteins found in tuna. Consuming tuna can trigger an immune reaction that releases compounds like histamine that cause stomach cramping and nausea.
Fish allergies are more common in childhood but can develop at any age. Those with shellfish allergies are more prone to also react to finfish. The parvalbumin protein found in tuna muscle is a common allergen.
Symptoms like hives, vomiting, and diarrhea usually occur rapidly after exposure. Anaphylaxis is possible in severe cases, requiring prompt treatment with epinephrine. Strict tuna avoidance is necessary for those with confirmed allergies.
Fat Content Varies Among Tuna Types
Higher fat versions of tuna like white albacore packed in oil take longer to digest. Delayed gastric emptying and fat-stimulated release of hormones that cause gut cramping can induce stomach discomfort.
In contrast, low fat canned tuna like chunk light tuna packed in water leaves the stomach faster. Choosing lower fat preparations when possible makes tuna easier on sensitive stomachs.
Limiting portion size of higher fat tuna and avoiding pairing with other high fat ingredients also helps minimize indigestion issues.
Excess Sodium in Canned Tuna
The sodium content of canned tuna varies widely, ranging from about 150-350 milligrams per 2 oz. serving. Consuming tuna stacked with excess sodium can lead to stomach-distressing bloating and water retention.
Reading labels carefully and selecting low or no salt added canned tuna minimizes sodium issues. Thoroughly rinsing tuna before use helps slash sodium intake further.
When enjoying canned tuna, be mindful of overall sodium consumption from other foods as well to prevent going over daily recommendations.
Bacterial Contamination in Spoiled Tuna
Consuming tuna contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause foodborne illness with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Spoiled raw or undercooked tuna is a common source of harmful pathogens. But even canned tuna can harbor toxins if improperly processed and stored.
Symptoms typically start within 1-3 days of eating bad tuna. Seeking prompt treatment for dehydration is important, especially for those in high-risk groups like pregnant women, elderly, and very young.
Tips to Prevent Tuna Tummy Troubles
Here are some tips to help you enjoy tuna without stomach upset:
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Choose low mercury tuna like skipjack or chunk light varieties
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Inspect canned tuna for bulging or rust and don’t use past expiration date
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Refrigerate tuna quickly after opening and use within 2 days
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Buy tuna from reputable sellers and ensure proper refrigeration
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Opt for tuna packed in water over oil
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Avoid tuna if you have a known allergy or sensitivity
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Limit tuna to about 2 servings per week
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Pair with low-fiber foods or take a digestive enzyme supplement
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Stay hydrated and reduce portion size if stomach pain persists
When to See a Doctor
Recurring stomach troubles after eating tuna warrant medical evaluation. Tell your doctor about symptoms and duration to help diagnose potential causes.
Blood testing can check for tuna allergies. Stool analysis or endoscopy can detect infection. Discuss following an elimination diet to pinpoint if tuna or other foods prompt symptoms.
Identifying underlying issues allows proper treatment to manage symptoms. For example, antihistamines for allergies or antibiotics for bacteria-related gastritis.
In most cases, being mindful of tuna consumption habits reduces the risk of stomach discomfort. But chronic post-tuna tummy troubles should be evaluated to guide appropriate medical care.
The Bottom Line
Several factors can contribute to stomach pain and indigestion from eating tuna, especially in sensitive individuals. Choosing tuna wisely and moderating intake helps safeguard your digestive wellbeing. But recurring upset stomach symptoms after tuna warrant a visit with your doctor to uncover and properly treat the root causes.
Why eat poisoned tuna? In fact, tuna is not a poisonous fish, but tuna contains high levels of free Histidine. When the fish is alive, some bacteria will produce Decarboxylase enzyme, which converts histamine in fish meat (in gills, fish intestines) and is not harmful to fish. However, if consumers buy rotten tuna, leave it for a long time and begin to spoil, then the protective barrier of the fish cannot inhibit microorganisms and organisms from growing and spreading to the meat of the produce fish. Produces histamine-producing metabolites in fish. This is the main cause of people getting food poisoning. Histamine is a substance capable of causing severe allergies to users such as edema, headache, vomiting, itchy red skin or diarrhea, dizziness, heart palpitations, even death if not treated promptly. time. In addition, the formation of histamine in tuna also takes place very quickly, stable histamine is not destroyed through freezing, cooking, smoking, pasteurization or canning, so it can be toxic to users. .
If You Eat Tuna Every Day For A Week This Will Happen To Your Body
FAQ
Why does my stomach hurt after eating tuna?
Why does canned tuna make me feel sick?
Is canned tuna hard on the stomach?
Can you be intolerant to tuna?
Why does canned tuna make you bloated?
So salt is still a crucial part of a healthy diet. But why does canned tuna make you feel bloated? The reason, states Medical News Today, is because it causes water retention in the body, which makes you feel puffy and uncomfortable. So, next time you crack open a can of tuna, keep good old salt in mind.
Is tuna fish good for health?
1) Tuna is loaded with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which help in reducing cholesterol. 2) Tuna is rich in potassium which is known to reduce blood pressure. Omega 3 fatty acids in combination with potassium bring an anti inflammatory effect and promotes heart health. 3) Tuna is rich in various vitamins and minerals like manganese, zinc, vit C and selenium which help in strengthening immune system. They help in reducing free radicals and protect the body from cancers. 4) Vit B that is present in tuna helps in strengthening bones. 5) It improves skin health as it is rich in vitamin B complex.
Why does tuna make you feel Puffy?
The reason, states Medical News Today, is because it causes water retention in the body, which makes you feel puffy and uncomfortable. So, next time you crack open a can of tuna, keep good old salt in mind. A healthy diet is all about balance, pairing your tuna salad with whole wheat bread, carrots, or low-salt crackers is a good way to make it.
What eats tuna?
They are easily the largest species in the mackerel family, becoming prey to only the largest ocean predators such as toothed whales, sharks and, of course, humans. Many species of tuna are the target of small and large-scale fisheries around the world. In fact, they are one of the most commercially valuable species on the planet.