Why does eating an avocado cause diarrhoea? This is a very curious question. Think about it, we have an avocado, a perfectly healthy
fruit causing diarrhoea. Not only that, but avocados are some of the healthiest fruits in the world. Research shows that they are nutrient-dense and carry many healthful compounds. All this makes an avocado a super healthy addition to your diet! But no, this super healthy food is making you feel sick, bloated, constipated or have a running stomach! How can we explain such phenomena? Well, let’s explain why avocados cause diarrhoea when you eat them!
Why do avocados cause diarrhoea?
To be frank this is a special case. Most people who eat avocados love them and they do not complain of any side effects at all. However, not all of us can stomach this awesome fruit. Certain people will have problems after eating avocados. This includes people with problems like bloating, constipation, stomach distension and diarrhoea.
It also includes people who have special gut conditions. For example people with functional gastrointestinal disorders. These people usually face problems after eating avocados. We can also include people with more than one gut disorder. These problems negatively affect and react to avocados
when you eat them.
So, if you get diarrhoea after eating avocados, you may probably have had one or more of the following conditions:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
- Avocado intolerance
- Malabsorption disorders
- Digestive problems
- An unhealthy balance between healthful and unhealthful microorganisms in your gastrointestinal tract.
How does this make avocados give you diarrhoea?
So, here is how avocados cause diarrhoea. Most people with the above-mentioned disorders have problems with eating several foods. The main problem with these foods is that they contain compounds belonging to the FODMAPs. FODMAPS stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, alcohols and polyols.
These compounds are present in certain foods. And our bodies cannot digest and absorb them. As a result, they pass
through the intestines into the colon. In their transit, these compounds become food or energy sources for your gut bacteria. The gut bacteria get energy from these fodmaps through a process called fermentation.
The fermentation process has 2 types of by-products.
One of the by-products is in the form of gasses that accumulate in the colon and intestines. This results in you feeling bloated.
The other by-product is that of osmotically active compounds. These compounds accumulate in the intestines and colon. But, the problem with these compounds is that they attract water to themselves. So, water will move from the tissues surrounding the intestines. When that happens a lot of water accumulates in the intestines. As a result, you will pass out watery stools. So, these by-products cause diarrhoea.
So, how do avocados make you have diarrhoea?
Well, avocados contain FODMAP compounds in the form of compounds called polyols and a 7-carbon sugar called D mannoheptulose.
Now, these compounds are used for energy by gut bacteria through fermentation. As a result, gas and osmotically active compounds accumulate in your intestines. The osmotically active compounds then attract water to themselves. This causes water to accumulate in your intestines, especially the colon. When this happens, you will pass out watery stools. You may also feel bloated or constipated. This is how avocados cause diarrhoea.
Conclusion on why do avocados cause diarrhoea
I hope I answered the question, “why do avocados cause diarrhoea?” The main reason why you may get diarrhoea from avocados is
that you may have a functional gastrointestinal disorder or problem. This then affects the way your body reacts to compounds in foods like avocados. Leave your views in the comment section.