The benefits of avocado are seemingly endless. They have oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that can reduce your risk of heart disease, and contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which help improve eye health. They may even help support a healthy blood pressure, thanks to their potassium and magnesium content.
But for some people, avocados might be the reason behind stomach irritation, says Daniel Motola, MD, a gastroenterologist at CareMount Medical in Mount Kisco, New York. If you have an intolerance to some of its key nutrients or are allergic to the fruit, avocado consumption can result in digestive distress. Here are some specific reasons why.
1. You Could Be FODMAP-Intolerant
Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) are sugars that are potentially poorly absorbed in the intestine. These sugars ferment during digestion, leading to the buildup of gas, bloating, and discomfort for some. People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), for example, may have to limit or avoid FODMAPs in their diet to reduce symptoms.
In the past, avocado was thought to contain sorbitol — a polyol also found in things like peaches, honey, and sugarless chewing gum. But recently, researchers tested avocados and found that they are actually low in sorbitol and high in another sugar alcohol called perseitol, which can also upset your stomach.
Other foods high in FODMAPs include:
Onions
Garlic
Apples
Pears
Cherries
Artichokes
Red kidney beans
Soft cheeses, milk, and yogurt
If you think FODMAPs might be an issue for you, reach out to your doctor to discuss your symptoms and possible treatment options. Your provider may suggest cutting back on FODMAP-rich foods, and avocado specifically, to see if it helps ease your stomach issues.
2. You Could Have a Hypersensitivity
If you have a latex allergy, it’s possible that you also have a hypersensitivity to avocado. This is a condition called latex fruit syndrome. Turns out, approximately 30 to 50 percent of people who are allergic to natural rubber latex also have a hypersensitivity to certain foods, such as bananas, kiwis, chestnuts, and avocado.
This hypersensitivity is different from a FODMAP intolerance because it does not involve the fermentation process in the gut. But it can still cause gut issues like nausea, abdominal cramping, and vomiting. Hypersensitivities may also involve an immune system response (an allergic-like reaction).
If you’re having trouble telling the difference between an intolerance, latex fruit syndrome, or a full-blown allergy to avocado, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to discuss your symptoms and get more information.
3. You Could Be Allergic
Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell the difference between an avocado intolerance versus an allergy, but Dr. Motola says there are key factors that can help you tell them apart. For one, “allergies invoke the immune system; digestive intolerances have nothing to do with that,” he says.
A food intolerance will cause digestive issues — like constipation, diarrhea, or gas — that might not manifest for several hours, while an allergic reaction triggers more immediate symptoms like flushing, hives, or swelling of the lips and throat.
If you believe you might be allergic to avocado and are having a severe reaction, go to the emergency room for immediate medical attention. Then, follow up with your primary care doctor, who will likely refer you to an allergist for further testing.
