They may not always look so appealing, but fish is one of nature’s most nutritious foods. Some fish are better for you than others, but the oily kinds are the ones you should focus on for the most health benefits. Their heart-healthy fats are spread out through their flesh instead of being concentrated in the liver like they are in white fish. Oily fish like trout, salmon, sardines, and mackerel are full of fatty acids that are good for your heart, like Omega-3. They are also a great way to get vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are fat-soluble.
There are many places in the world that are healthier because people eat a lot of fish. Japan has one of the longest life expectancies in the world. This is because Japan is an island country that has always relied on the sea for food. The Eskimo people of Greenland eat a lot of fish every day, so they have fewer heart diseases, strokes, and high blood pressure than people around the world.
Even though it’s clear that a diet high in fish is good for you, some people may find it hard to get these benefits. It’s possible for some people to get sick after eating fish, which makes them avoid the food and its health benefits. A bad reaction to fish could be caused by fish allergy or fish intolerance. Both of these conditions can be very painful, but it’s easy to be confused or even doubtful about whether you have a fish intolerance or allergy, especially if you don’t know the symptoms. So you can tell the difference between the two, we’ve put together a list of the causes, symptoms, and treatments of fish intolerance and fish allergy.
Salmon is renowned as a delicious and nutritious fish, full of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids However, many people experience stomach discomfort after eating salmon, even when it’s fully cooked. If you’ve ever wondered “why does salmon upset my stomach?”, you’re not alone. Let’s explore some potential causes and solutions for salmon-induced indigestion
Common Causes of Salmon Stomach Upset
There are a few possible reasons you may feel nauseous or get digestive issues from salmon:
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You’re sensitive or allergic to salmon. Salmon allergies while uncommon do exist. Even minor sensitivities can trigger symptoms like cramps, nausea, and diarrhea.
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You have an intolerance to histamines. Salmon contains high levels of the compound histidine, which the body converts to histamine. For those sensitive, this can cause indigestion.
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There are bacteria, viruses or parasites present. Raw or undercooked salmon can harbor pathogens like salmonella, norovirus, and Anisakis parasites, leading to food poisoning.
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It’s badly prepared or spoiled. Improperly handled, stored or cooked salmon is more prone to bacterial growth and contamination issues.
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It’s too high in mercury or other contaminants. Larger, predatory fish accumulate more mercury. Too much mercury consumption can harm digestion.
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You’re eating too much fatty fish. Some people may have bad stomach problems if they eat too many omega-3s from foods like salmon.
Tips to Prevent Salmon Stomach Problems
If you want to keep enjoying salmon without the stomach troubles, here are some useful tips:
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Check for raw food handling issues. When preparing raw salmon, make sure the fridge is at the right temperature, your hands and tools are clean, and contamination is avoided.
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Cook salmon thoroughly to 145°F. Getting it to the right temperature kills any pathogens that might be inside that could cause stomach problems.
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Buy high-quality, sushi/sashimi-grade fish. Higher standards for raw consumption reduce risks of bacterial contamination.
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Avoid fish prone to parasites. Opt for wild-caught Pacific vs. Atlantic salmon, which is less prone to parasites like Anisakis.
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Limit salmon portions to 4-6 oz. Stick to FDA recommendations for fish intake to reduce exposure to contaminants.
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Take an antihistamine beforehand if histamine-sensitive. For some, preventing the histamine reaction helps them enjoy salmon without consequences.
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Try different cooking methods. Grilling, baking, or poaching may be better tolerated than heavily spiced or fried salmon preparations.
When to Seek Help for Salmon Issues
Mild indigestion or nausea after eating salmon usually resolves on its own. But if you experience severe, recurring symptoms, it’s best to get medical advice to determine the cause. Seek urgent care for symptoms like:
- Vomiting, diarrhea or bleeding that lasts over 48 hours
- Fever over 101°F
- Signs of anaphylaxis like swollen lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness or skin reactions like hives
Testing for allergies, histamine intolerance, or infections can identify if an underlying condition is making you sensitive to salmon. Diagnosing the root cause is key to finding a solution.
In most cases, however, being an informed shopper, handling salmon properly, and not overdoing your omega-3 intake should allow you to continue reaping the nutritional benefits of salmon without the stomach turmoil.
Frequency of Entities:
Salmon: 21
salmonella: 1
norovirus: 1
Anisakis: 1
bacteria: 1
viruses: 1
parasites: 2
mercury: 1
omega-3: 2
allergies: 1
histamine: 3
indigestion: 3
nausea: 3
vomiting: 1
diarrhea: 2
fever: 1
anaphylaxis: 1
What is a fish allergy?
Most people can eat fish without any health problems, but people who are allergic to fish physically reject the food. This happens because the body reacts to a protein in the fish. People with food allergies see this protein as an invader, which sets off an immediate immune response.
Depending on how bad the allergy is, eating fish might not be necessary for symptoms to show up. For some merely touching fish may cause an adverse reaction. For some people with allergies, the steam that comes from cooking fish can make their symptoms worse. Products that contain fish, like Worcestershire sauce, surimi, and even some beers, can also do this.
Keep in mind that a fish allergy and a shellfish allergy are two different things. You can be allergic to fish with fins but not to prawns, oysters, or crustaceans.
What is a fish intolerance?
An intolerance isn’t always necessarily something a person will have for life. It’s common for someone to eat fish without any problems for years and then find that it makes them sick all of a sudden.
However, unlike allergies, a fish intolerance only happens when the fish is eaten, not just handled, and an immune response happens. This means that a person may find that eating one type of fish doesn’t hurt their health, but eating another type of fish makes them sick; salmon may be fine, but tuna may not be.
Symptoms of a fish allergy usually show up soon after eating the food that causes the allergy, but symptoms of a fish intolerance can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. This can make it easy for people who are trying to self-diagnose to blame the wrong food.
What Eating Salmon Every Day Does To Your Body
FAQ
Why does my stomach hurt after eating salmon?
Why do I get sick every time I eat salmon?
Why is salmon hard to digest?
Can you be allergic to cooked salmon but not raw?
Is it bad to eat salmon if one suffers from Gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Although salmon is a healthy food and rich in omega-3s, it is also high in fats, which is not recommended for those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux as it worsens the symptoms. Consumption is permitted sporadically, and small amounts should be consumed to avoid discomfort.
Can undercooked salmon cause stomach problems?
Yes, undercooked salmon can contain bacteria or parasites that may cause food poisoning and result in stomach discomfort. It is important to ensure that salmon is cooked thoroughly to prevent this. 4. What is the best way to store salmon to avoid stomach issues?
Can you get sick if you eat salmon?
If you become sick after eating salmon and suffer from upset stomach, vomiting or nausea, it does not necessarily mean that you have a salmon allergy. Food poisoning can produce similar symptoms to a seafood allergy and can occur when a person consumes spoiled salmon. Find your way to better health.