Seafood and shellfish have become increasingly popular additions to many American diets in recent years. Shrimp scampi, summer clambakes, oysters on the half shell – shellfish can be a tasty way to get beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, not everyone’s body handles shellfish well. If you have a sensitivity or intolerance to shellfish eating them may actually cause gastrointestinal issues. Could your gas and bloating after eating shrimp be a sign you have a shellfish intolerance? Let’s explore the causes symptoms, and solutions.
What Causes Shellfish Intolerance?
A shellfish intolerance occurs when your digestive system lacks the appropriate enzymes to fully break down the proteins found in shellfish. This leads to an inflammatory response in the gut and difficulty properly digesting the shellfish.
This is different from a shellfish allergy, which triggers more severe immune system reactions that can potentially be life-threatening, especially if breathing difficulties occur. With a true shellfish allergy, even handling or cooking shellfish can cause a reaction.
Occasional digestive upset after eating shellfish could also result from food poisoning if the shellfish was not handled properly or was not fresh. Keeping a food diary is helpful to identify patterns with problem foods.
Signs of Shellfish Intolerance
The symptoms of shellfish intolerance can appear up to 72 hours after eating shellfish. Reactions can range from mild to severe:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
To determine if your symptoms stem from an intolerance to a specific type of shellfish, it is important to pinpoint which ones are causing problems for you
Common Shellfish That Can Cause Gas and Bloating
There are many varieties of shellfish that may lead to gas, bloating, and other digestive issues if you have an intolerance. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Mollusks
- Clams
- Mussels
- Oysters
- Scallops
- Squid
- Octopus
Crustaceans
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Lobster
- Crayfish
Testing for Shellfish Sensitivity
To confirm whether your symptoms are tied to a shellfish intolerance, a food sensitivity test can be very useful. This type of test checks for IgG antibodies to different foods to identify problem ingredients and their severity.
At YorkTest, a simple finger prick blood sample is used to check for reactivity to over 200 foods. Results are provided in an easy-to-understand traffic light system. Working with their team, you can better understand your sensitivities and get guidance on optimizing your diet and wellness.
Avoiding Hidden Shellfish
When following a shellfish-free diet, it is crucial to read labels carefully to avoid accidental exposure. Be on the lookout for these types of shellfish:
- White fish: cod, haddock, pollock, etc.
- Oily fish: salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc.
- Mollusks: clams, oysters, mussels, etc.
- Crustaceans: shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.
Food Swaps for a Shellfish-Free Diet
Shellfish provide beneficial omega-3s EPA and DHA. To obtain these nutrients without shellfish, include these food swaps:
- Leafy greens like spinach
- Walnuts and hazelnuts
- Avocados
- Olive oil and flaxseed oil
- Eggs
- Tofu
Seeking Solutions for Shellfish Intolerance
If you suspect an underlying sensitivity, consider a food sensitivity test. Understanding your unique intolerances allows you to tailor your diet to optimize digestion. Working with a dietitian can also help you navigate food choices while still getting proper nutrition.
With the right information and support, you can find ways to prevent gas and bloating from shellfish while still enjoying a balanced, nutritious diet. Careful labeling reading and strategic food swaps goes a long way. Being aware of your specific intolerances provides the knowledge to take control of your health and enjoy food again.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/difference-between-shrimp-and-prawns-2217280_V2-b52057233ce0441b858d1b8e7ae6a140.gif)
What causes shellfish intolerance?
You have a shellfish intolerance if your digestive system doesn’t have the right enzymes to break down the protein in shellfish. This causes inflammation and makes it hard to digest. This is different from a shellfish food allergy which induces adverse reactions by the body’s immune system. It’s more likely that these reactions will be very bad and even deadly if they lead to an anaphylactic reaction that affects the lungs.
If you are shellfish intolerant, you need to eat shellfish to have symptoms. If you are shellfish allergic, depending on how severe the allergy is, you can have symptoms just by touching or cooking shellfish.
It’s also important to remember that a single stomach problem caused by shellfish could be food poisoning instead of a food intolerance, depending on how the shellfish was cooked and how fresh it was. Because of this, it’s helpful to keep a food diary to keep track of foods that hurt you.
Shellfish Sensitivity and Intolerance
More and more Americans are eating fish and shellfish. This trend has been going on for ten years since 2005. It doesn’t matter if you like shrimp scampi or a summer clam bake—shellfish is a great way to get Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. But not everyone’s body reacts well to seafood. If you have an intolerance or sensitivity (as defined by YorkTest as an IgG reaction specific to food), these shellfish may be a bad food for you to eat. Could your stomach cramps actually be a sign of shellfish sensitivity?.