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Diarrhea beans. White Beans and Diarrhea: Understanding the Connection and Digestive Health

Can white beans cause diarrhea. How do beans affect digestive health. What are the best practices for consuming beans to avoid digestive issues. Why do some people experience gastrointestinal discomfort after eating beans.

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The Link Between White Beans and Digestive Issues

White beans, a popular ingredient in many dishes, have been associated with digestive problems in some individuals. The connection between white beans and diarrhea is primarily due to their composition and how our bodies process them. Let’s explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and understand how to enjoy beans without compromising digestive comfort.

Raffinose: The Sugar That Causes Trouble

One of the main culprits behind bean-related digestive issues is raffinose, a complex sugar found in white beans and other legumes. Our bodies lack the enzyme necessary to break down raffinose effectively, which can lead to fermentation in the large intestine. This fermentation process produces gas and may result in bloating, discomfort, and in some cases, diarrhea.

Starch Content and Its Effects

White beans also contain a significant amount of starch. While starch is generally beneficial for our health, some individuals may have difficulty digesting it properly. In such cases, the undigested starch can draw water into the intestines, potentially leading to loose stools or diarrhea.

Fiber Content: A Double-Edged Sword

Beans are renowned for their high fiber content, which is generally considered beneficial for digestive health. However, excessive fiber consumption can sometimes lead to loose stools or diarrhea, especially if one’s diet suddenly shifts to include a much higher fiber intake than usual.

The Balancing Act of Fiber Intake

How much fiber is too much? The recommended daily intake of fiber for adults is between 25 to 38 grams, depending on age and gender. Consuming significantly more than this amount, particularly if your body isn’t accustomed to it, can lead to digestive discomfort. It’s essential to increase fiber intake gradually to allow your digestive system to adapt.

Legume Allergies and Sensitivities

In some cases, diarrhea after consuming beans may be a sign of a legume allergy or sensitivity. When the immune system perceives beans as a threat, it can trigger various symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress.

Identifying Legume Allergies

How can you tell if you have a legume allergy? Common symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Skin rashes
  • Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

If you suspect a legume allergy, it’s crucial to consult with an allergist for proper diagnosis and management.

Preparation Methods: Key to Digestive Comfort

The way beans are prepared can significantly impact their digestibility. Proper preparation techniques can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing digestive issues after consuming beans.

Soaking: A Simple Yet Effective Technique

Soaking beans before cooking is a time-honored method to improve their digestibility. This process helps break down some of the complex carbohydrates that can cause gas and bloating. How long should you soak beans? Generally, 8-12 hours or overnight is sufficient. Be sure to discard the soaking water and rinse the beans thoroughly before cooking.

Cooking Thoroughly: Ensuring Safety and Digestibility

Properly cooking beans is crucial not only for taste but also for digestibility and safety. Undercooked beans can be difficult to digest and may even contain harmful substances. Ensure that beans are cooked until they are tender and easily mashed with a fork.

Alternative Bean Options for Sensitive Stomachs

If white beans consistently cause digestive issues, there are alternative bean varieties that may be easier on your stomach.

Exploring Bean Varieties

Which beans are less likely to cause digestive issues? Some options to consider include:

  • Black beans
  • Lentils
  • Adzuki beans
  • Mung beans

These varieties are often easier to digest and may be less likely to cause gastrointestinal discomfort. However, individual responses can vary, so it’s important to listen to your body and identify which beans work best for you.

The Role of Gut Health in Bean Digestion

The state of your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in how well you digest beans and other legumes. A healthy, diverse gut microbiome is better equipped to handle the complex carbohydrates found in beans.

Promoting a Healthy Gut Microbiome

How can you improve your gut health to better digest beans? Consider the following strategies:

  1. Consume a variety of fiber-rich foods
  2. Include fermented foods in your diet
  3. Stay hydrated
  4. Manage stress levels
  5. Get regular exercise

By nurturing a healthy gut microbiome, you may find that your tolerance for beans and other potentially gas-producing foods improves over time.

Beans and Specific Digestive Conditions

For individuals with certain digestive conditions, the consumption of beans may require special consideration. Let’s examine how beans might affect those with common digestive disorders.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Beans

People with IBS may find that beans trigger symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. This is often due to the high FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) content in beans. FODMAPs are types of carbohydrates that can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine, leading to fermentation in the large intestine and subsequent symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Bean Consumption

For those with IBD, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, the fiber content in beans can be both beneficial and problematic. While fiber is generally good for gut health, during flare-ups, high-fiber foods like beans may exacerbate symptoms. It’s essential for individuals with IBD to work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the best dietary approach, which may involve adjusting bean consumption based on disease activity.

Nutritional Benefits of Beans: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Despite the potential digestive issues associated with beans, it’s important to recognize their significant nutritional value. Beans are packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health and wellbeing.

Key Nutritional Components of Beans

What makes beans a nutritional powerhouse? Here are some of their key nutrients:

  • Protein: Essential for muscle building and repair
  • Fiber: Promotes digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels
  • Vitamins: Including folate, thiamine, and vitamin B6
  • Minerals: Such as iron, magnesium, and potassium
  • Antioxidants: Help protect cells from damage

Given these nutritional benefits, it’s worthwhile to explore ways to incorporate beans into your diet while minimizing digestive discomfort.

Strategies for Incorporating Beans into Your Diet

If you’re eager to enjoy the nutritional benefits of beans but concerned about potential digestive issues, there are several strategies you can employ to make beans more digestible.

Gradual Introduction and Portion Control

How can you start incorporating beans into your diet safely? Begin with small portions and gradually increase the amount over time. This allows your digestive system to adapt to the increased fiber and complex carbohydrates. Start with a tablespoon or two of beans and slowly work your way up to larger servings.

Combining Beans with Digestive Aids

Certain herbs and spices can help improve the digestibility of beans. Consider adding the following to your bean dishes:

  • Cumin
  • Fennel
  • Ginger
  • Asafoetida (a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine)

These ingredients can help reduce gas formation and aid in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates in beans.

Experimenting with Different Cooking Methods

The way you cook beans can impact their digestibility. Some methods to try include:

  1. Pressure cooking: This method can break down complex carbohydrates more effectively than traditional stovetop cooking.
  2. Sprouting: Sprouted beans are often easier to digest and may have enhanced nutritional value.
  3. Fermenting: Fermented bean products like tempeh may be better tolerated by some individuals.

Experiment with these different preparation methods to find what works best for your digestive system.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While some digestive discomfort after eating beans can be normal, persistent or severe symptoms may warrant medical attention. It’s important to recognize when your symptoms might indicate a more serious issue.

Red Flags to Watch For

When should you consult a healthcare provider about bean-related digestive issues? Look out for these warning signs:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days
  • Blood in the stool
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fever accompanying digestive symptoms

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical advice promptly. Your healthcare provider can help determine if your symptoms are related to bean consumption or if they indicate an underlying digestive disorder that requires treatment.

Diagnostic Approaches

How do doctors diagnose bean-related digestive issues? Your healthcare provider may use several approaches:

  1. Detailed medical history: Including your dietary habits and symptom patterns
  2. Physical examination
  3. Food diary analysis
  4. Allergy testing: If a legume allergy is suspected
  5. Stool tests: To rule out infections or other gastrointestinal conditions
  6. Breath tests: To assess for carbohydrate malabsorption

Based on these assessments, your healthcare provider can offer personalized advice on managing your symptoms and adjusting your diet as needed.

The Future of Bean Digestion: Emerging Research and Innovations

As our understanding of nutrition and digestive health continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new ways to make beans more digestible and reduce their potential to cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Enzyme Supplements and Probiotics

One area of research focuses on the development of enzyme supplements specifically designed to aid in the digestion of complex carbohydrates found in beans. These supplements aim to provide the enzymes our bodies lack to break down substances like raffinose effectively.

Additionally, probiotic research is investigating specific strains of beneficial bacteria that may help the gut microbiome better handle bean consumption. Future probiotic formulations may be tailored to enhance bean digestion and reduce associated gas and bloating.

Genetic Modification and Breeding Techniques

Plant scientists are working on developing bean varieties with lower levels of gas-producing compounds. Through selective breeding and genetic modification techniques, it may be possible to create beans that retain their nutritional benefits while being easier on the digestive system.

Advanced Processing Technologies

Innovative processing methods are being explored to pre-digest beans before they reach consumers. These technologies aim to break down complex carbohydrates and reduce anti-nutrient compounds, potentially making beans more digestible right off the shelf.

As these areas of research progress, we may see new products and bean varieties that allow more people to enjoy the nutritional benefits of beans without digestive discomfort.

Chili Lovers Beware: White Beans May Cause Diarrhea

Chili is a popular dish in the United States, and many people enjoy it on a regular basis. However, some people may experience diarrhea after eating chili that contains white beans. This is because the beans contain a type of sugar called raffinose, which can cause digestive issues in some people. Additionally, the beans may also contain a type of starch that can also cause diarrhea. If you are prone to diarrhea after eating chili, you may want to try a different type of bean, such as black beans, or avoid beans altogether.

Excessive fiber consumption can cause loose stools in addition to causing diarrhea, but this is usually unrelated to excessive beans consumption. If you develop diarrhea when you eat beans or other legumes, you may be suffering from a legumes allergy. When the immune system is exposed to a food allergy, it is activated as if it is under attack. A common food allergy causes watery diarrhea that should go away after the bean proteins are removed from the body. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and an excessive loss of water and salt in the body, which keeps it functioning normally. Soy, peanuts, and other beans can all be found in ready-to-eat foods.

Eating and drinking greasy foods and fried foods when you have diarrhea should be avoided in addition to avoiding them. Fruits and vegetables high in gas, such as broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn, should not be consumed.

Are White Beans Good For Diarrhea?

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There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best food for diarrhea may vary depending on the individual’s symptoms and underlying cause of the diarrhea. However, white beans are generally a safe food to eat when suffering from diarrhea, as they are low in fiber and unlikely to aggravate symptoms. Additionally, white beans are a good source of nutrients and protein, which can be helpful in restoring energy and strength during a bout of diarrhea.

If you have digestive issues or bloating after eating beans, soak them first and cook them before eating them. When soaked, beans become more digestible because the oligosaccharides, which act as complex carbohydrates in beans, are broken down. Furthermore, cooking breaks down the cellulose in the beans, increasing their digestible properties and lowering their gas content. If you are unsure if beans are to blame for your digestive problems, start by soaking and cooking them. If that fails, speak with your healthcare provider about whether beans are a good option for your diet.

High Sugar Fruits And Fatty Foods Cause Gas

Gas can be released if a fruit, such as bananas and pineapple, has a high sugar content.
They contribute to the production of gas through their fat content, such as greasy foods and fried foods.

Why Do Beans Give Me The Runs?

Credit: teamquadzilla.com

Diarrhea should not develop if you consume a single serving of beans. Even if you consume a lot of beans, your stool will most likely not feel bloated because you consume too much fiber. Diarrhea is a symptom of a different medical problem.

Can Beans Cause Diarrhea, Gas, And Upset Stomach?

How do beans affect your diarrhea? It has been discovered that bean casseroles and slow cookers that did not reach a temperature high enough to cause the Lectin to be destroyed caused a number of outbreaks. You may vomit and experience diarrhea after eating raw or undercooked beans within a few hours of ingestion. Is it safe to eat beans? Can it cause diarrhea? Some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) do not tolerate beans in general because they cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or constipation, often accompanied by bloating and excess gas. How can beans cause nausea? Our bodies may experience unpleasant side effects such as bloating and cramps as a result of consuming beans. We struggle to digest dried beans and peas because they contain a lot of complex sugars (fibers and oligosaccharides). Should you avoid beans if you have diarrhea? If you have diarrhea, make sure you are not eating fried or greasy foods. Broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn are all foods that can cause gas if consumed in large quantities.

Can Cooked Beans Cause Diarrhea?

Slow cookers and casseroles that did not reach a high enough internal temperature to cause harm were also linked to a number of outbreaks. It is common for people to vomit and become ill after eating raw or undercooked beans within a few hours.

It has been my goal to save $1,500 per month in order to minimize my student loan debt. I will only go to the grocery store once a month for $200. After a disastrous Saturday night spent puking, I continued to experience a stabbing pain in my stomach, as well as a headache the next day. Aside from avoiding seeing a doctor, I ate beans every day. My partner mentioned that the symptoms I was experiencing began shortly after I began eating beans one night. It took a few days for the pain to subside. The devil, which appears to be a type of legume, was nowhere to be found.

Following the news about the dangers of eating undercooked beans, I came up with a food allergy hypothesis based on these facts. The long, seemingly fruitless journey of self-harming and discovering my health has brought me back to the budgeting board. If I can avoid getting sick by taking out extra student loans, I don’t mind taking out extra student loans at the end of the day.

When oligosaccharides are added to sugar, they can produce gas. The body produces gas when it cannot break down oligosaccharide in beans because they contain a lot of it. If you’re having this problem, you can reduce the amount of gas you produce with a supplement.

The Effects Of Beans On Digestion

If you have constipation or diarrhea after eating beans, you may want to limit your diet for a few days to see if that helps. If you have a legumes allergy, you should consult a doctor to determine what is causing your symptoms.

Can Chilli Cause Loose Stools?

Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which can cause digestive problems. Burning diarrhea and other unpleasant symptoms can occur as a result.

Do Beans Worsen Diarrhea

Eating high-fiber foods, such as beans, increases the chances of diarrhea. If you want to avoid diarrhea more quickly, choose low-fiber vegetables like green beans, lettuce, tomatoes, or zucchini instead of high-fiber options like pinto, lima, or black beans.

Why Do Refried Beans Give Me Diarrhea

There are a few reasons why refried beans might give you diarrhea. One possibility is that you have a sensitivity to legumes. Another possibility is that the beans were not cooked properly, which can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal distress. Finally, it’s also possible that the beans were contaminated with bacteria, which can also cause diarrhea. If you find that refried beans regularly give you diarrhea, it’s best to avoid them or to only eat them in small amounts.

It is found in meats, meat pies, stews, gravy, and sauces that are too cold or too hot to heat, as well as beans that have not been cooked to the proper temperature. When beans are not cooked properly or eaten spoiled, they can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and mild fever. Mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and diarrhea or upset stomach can occur as a result of listeriosis. It is possible that symptoms will appear between two and two months after consuming Listeria-tainted food. You may experience nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps as the result of this illness.

Trigger Diarrhea

There is no medical definition of trigger diarrhea, but it is commonly used to describe a sudden, unexpected bout of diarrhea that is brought on by a specific trigger. Common triggers include eating certain foods, drinking alcohol, or taking certain medications. Trigger diarrhea can also be brought on by stress or anxiety.

Causes Of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is typically caused by bacteria in the food chain. Bacteria found in unpasteurized milk, unpasteurized juices, raw meat, and seafood can all be found in unpasteurized milk. This infection can also be transmitted through contaminated surfaces, utensils, and hands. Diarrhea is also possible as a result of food allergies. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the eater’s own tissues, causing this condition. Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are just a few of the symptoms.

Bean Allergy

There is no such thing as a bean allergy. However, some people may be allergic to the proteins in beans, which are similar to the proteins in peanuts. Symptoms of a bean allergy may include itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

A common bean is a member of the genus/species Phaseolus vulgaris, which also includes pinto bean, kidney bean, black bean, and green bean. Woody climbing vine wisteria is also well known as a well-known legumes crop, but it is not the only well-known crop. Severe bean allergy or anaphylaxis, which is rare or extremely rare in the United States, is not common. It is also the most common allergic reaction in children, and it is followed by rhinitis and asthma. Cooked beans can be more allergenic than raw beans, and even bean protein inhaled from cooking fumes can cause an allergic reaction.

The Allergy-prone Consumer’s Guide To Soy

Because there is no single answer to this question, the allergenicity of a soybean varies depending on the individual. If you have a soy allergy, you should always carry an Epidermal Nebolizer injection device on hand.

Seven foods that cause diarrhea

Spicy foods, those with high fat content, and some artificial sweeteners can all cause diarrhea. Dairy and gluten may also cause diarrhea in those with intolerances.

Diarrhea is often the result of infection. However, the food a person eats can sometimes cause diarrhea and related symptoms.

This article explores the foods that cause diarrhea, how to tell if diarrhea is due to something that has been eaten, treatment options, and when to see a doctor.

Some foods are difficult to digest, increase water levels in the bowel, and irritate the digestive system lining. These factors can all cause or worsen diarrhea.

A person may experience diarrhea after eating food due to specific intolerances, such as lactose or gluten intolerance.

Some foodstuffs, and food types, that can cause diarrhea include:

1. Sugar and artificial sweeteners

Some sugars and artificial sweeteners can have a laxative effect.

Fructose is a component of table sugar and occurs naturally in fruits. The body can only digest a certain amount of fructose at one time. Consuming more fructose than the body may cause diarrhea.

One source estimates that approximately 30–40% of people have trouble absorbing significant amounts of fructose.

Some fruits contain more fructose than others. Some examples of foods high in fructose include:

  • apples
  • grapes
  • agave
  • honey

Sugar alcohols, including sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, and erythritol, are common sweeteners. The body does not absorb these sugar alcohols well, and they can cause diarrhea in some people, especially if consumed in large amounts.

2. Caffeine

Drinks and foods that contain caffeine can cause diarrhea and loose stools in some people. Caffeine is a stimulant and accelerates the rate that food moves through the intestines.

Common dietary sources of caffeine include:

  • chocolate
  • coffee
  • soda
  • tea

3. High fat foods

Foods that contain a lot of fat can cause digestive difficulties. The body has difficulty breaking down and processing high fat foodstuffs.

Dietary fat also promotes bile production and increases water levels in the small bowel. The combination of these factors can lead to digestive dysfunction and diarrhea.

4. Spicy foods

Spicy foods containing hot peppers are another cause of diarrhea.

Capsaicin is the compound that makes chili peppers taste spicy. It is a potent chemical that can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines.

Avoiding foods high in capsaicin may help reduce symptoms and frequency of diarrhea.

5. Lactose

People who are lactose intolerant may experience diarrhea after they consume dairy products. Lactose intolerance and malabsorption are common globally. However, it is most prevalent in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan African communities.

Some people with lactose intolerance may tolerate small amounts of dairy products that are aged or lower in lactose. These products include yogurt, kefir, and hard cheeses.

6. FODMAPs

Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) are a category of carbohydrates. High-FODMAP foods are difficult for some people to digest and may cause diarrhea.

A 2021 study of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients with diarrhea found that following a low FODMAP diet improved diarrhea symptoms and increased quality of life.

Some categories in this article, such as fructose, lactose, and sugar alcohols, are FODMAPs. The list of high-FODMAP foods is extensive. However, a few other examples include:

  • artichokes
  • beans
  • garlic
  • onions

A low FODMAP diet can be challenging due to its various food restrictions. If someone thinks that FODMAPs may cause diarrhea, a registered dietitian can provide education and guidance.

Learn all about low FODMAP diets here.

7. Gluten

Gluten is the protein in wheat, rye, and barley. Many people may be gluten intolerant to varying degrees. People with celiac disease have a severe reaction to gluten where their immune system reacts trigger damage to the small intestine. This can cause diarrhea.

People that do not have celiac disease may still have issues tolerating gluten. If someone suspects that gluten may be responsible for their diarrhea, they should contact a doctor for proper testing before starting a gluten-free diet.

Learn more about gluten intolerance here.

The American College of Gastroenterology recommends seeing a doctor if diarrhea continues for longer than 48 hours. People should also see a doctor if diarrhea contains blood, is accompanied by severe stomach pain, or if they do not feel well.

Infants and older adults are more prone to dehydration, which means that diarrhea can be particularly dangerous for people in these groups. It is important to look out for signs of dehydration in these groups, such as:

  • a reduced amount of urine
  • increased heart rate
  • dizziness or confusion

DIarrhea can be difficult to diagnose in the absence of an underlying cause.

To assess what foods are causing diarrhea, people may find it helpful to keep a food and symptom diary. This may help to identify links between certain foods and diarrhea symptoms.

Before attributing diarrhea to food, it is also important to check recent medication changes. Diarrhea is a common side effect of many drugs, such as antibiotics and medications that contain magnesium.

If someone has diarrhea, they should assess their diet for any potential diarrhea triggers and eliminate them if necessary. This can help to avoid a recurrence of diarrhea.

However, a person can also take steps to treat the immediate symptoms.

Hydration

Diarrhea can cause dehydration. Staying hydrated is crucial when experiencing diarrhea. Besides drinking plenty of water, people can drink the following to maintain hydration.

  • broth
  • caffeine-free tea
  • diluted juice
  • drinks that contain electrolytes, such as sports drinks

Medications

Over-the-counter medications are also available to help treat diarrhea. People should check with their doctor to determine if a store-bought medication is appropriate.

These include:

  • loperamide (Imodium)
  • simethicone
  • bismuth subsalicylate

Probiotics

Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in the gut. They may be helpful in reducing IBS symptoms and preventing diarrhea when taking antibiotics.

Learn all about probiotics here.

Soluble fiber

While foods high in insoluble fiber can worsen diarrhea, foods containing soluble fiber can help promote more formed stools, reducing diarrhea.

Soluble fibers attract water during digestion and form gels. This reduces excess water content in stools. Lentils, barley, and oat bran are high in soluble fiber.

Psyllium is a soluble fiber that is common in many fiber supplements.

Learn more about psyllium and fiber supplements here.

Oily, high fat foods, spicy chili peppers, and artificial sweeteners can all disrupt the digestive system and cause diarrhea. In people with intolerances, gluten and lactose may also cause diarrhea.

Keeping a food and symptom diary can help people to assess what foods are causing their diarrhea. They can then reduce the intake of these foods or eliminate them from their diet entirely.

There are many home remedies and over-the-counter medications that can reduce symptoms. If a person has diarrhea for 2 days or more, has blood in their stool, or feels severe stomach pain, they should contact a doctor immediately.

On beans: beneficial properties of beans

Beans are a bit strange culture. Somehow she is always on the sidelines – well, they put her in soups, add them to scrambled eggs at an English breakfast, serve pods as a side dish … It seems that she still deserves something more!

The ancient farmers of Mexico domesticated this plant from the wild in the 4th millennium BC. After the discoveries of Columbus, Europeans also quickly appreciated the hearty and easily obtained product. As a result, in Italy, for example, beans have long been considered one of their traditional ingredients – white beans, for example, are used to make thick ribolitta soup. In Ukraine, red beans are put in borscht. In Japan, sweet cakes are made from it, and in Georgia – spicy lobio.

Beans are also loved by those who care about beauty and youth. According to legend, Cleopatra used white for the face from powdered dry beans. The tool well evened out the texture and color of the skin. Anti-aging and whitening bean face masks are still popular with women around the world! And, of course, nutritionists actively urge to eat beans.

Dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and low blood pressure. These symptoms are often described by people who have tried eating raw beans. They also write that in 2006 in Japan there was a mass poisoning with white beans after they were advised on television to grind them and eat them with rice in order to lose weight. Why did it happen?

The fact is that legumes contain so-called antivitamins – lectins, which can impede the work of the digestive tract and even provoke its inflammatory diseases. There is also phytic acid. It has the ability to bind zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron, preventing the absorption of minerals. That is why you should not abuse beans for those who already have problems with the stomach and intestines. And no one, even healthy people, is recommended to eat raw or undercooked beans (except for green beans – there are harmful substances in negligible doses).

Beans lose lectins during heat treatment and prolonged soaking (in the latter case, phytic acid also disappears). Which, however, is capable of harming only with a very monotonous diet, when legumes form the basis of the diet.

Some people avoid beans because of the fear of increased gas formation. As doctors say, most often this phenomenon occurs with weakness or diseases of the digestive system. Sometimes they also give advice to gradually, in small doses, accustom the body to legumes – then the unpleasant phenomena fade away over time.

Perhaps the least healthy bean option is canned, in cans. In it, along with vitamins and minerals, there is usually too much sugar and starch, especially when it comes to beans in tomato sauce. By the way, we sent five samples of canned beans for analysis to the laboratory of Rospotrebnadzor. These are red in Green Ray tomato sauce, red in Frau Martha’s own juice, white natural Heinz, red natural VkusVill and white in Prosto tomato sauce. Most sugar – 4.9% – turned out to be in Green Ray beans in tomato sauce. Sugar was also found in the sample from VkusVill, although it was not indicated on the label. This is not dangerous, but diabetics and people who simply monitor their health and figure should always be aware of the amount of sugar they consume.

Finally, a few culinary secrets that will make it tastier to cook very healthy, as we now know, beans. Dry beans, cooks advise, are best soaked in cold water overnight, and when cooking, to speed up, you can add a pinch of soda to boiling water. And most importantly, to make the beans tasty, do not be afraid to season them with spices. Thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, curry, parsley, suneli hops and fennel go well with beans. Recipes with beans can be found on our website in the “Recipes” section.


We thank our friends and partners for their help in creating the story:

Nadezhda Raeva, Head of the Food Hygiene Supervision Department of the Rospotrebnadzor for the Moscow Region

Restaurant Le carré and personally chef Eric Le Provost. Le carré is a French restaurant and pastry shop, where Eric Le Provost, who is fluent in French techniques and recipes, creates incredibly delicious food based on familiar Russian products.

Nutritionist and teacher of the Government program Moscow Longevity Arina Chulkova

Our regular guest, blogger and culinary expert Lena Yartseva

The Medsi medical clinic network and personally gastroenterologist Anaid Buchin

Daniil, Irina and Nikita Karelsky, who trusted us and were not afraid to try something new and unusual

Diarrhea, description of the disease on the portal Medihost.ru

Diarrhea is a disease (symptom) characterized by an increase in fecal masses, an increase in the number of bowel movements and an increase in the water content in the feces. The normal number of bowel movements per day for an adult is once a day, or once every two days.

Causes of diarrhea

This type of osmotic diarrhea occurs when there are residues in the intestine of certain substances that do not enter the bloodstream. They provoke the accumulation of large amounts of water in the stool, which causes diarrhea. Foods that cause this type of diarrhea include beans, fruits, sugar substitutes, and lactase deficiency. In lactase deficiency in humans, consumed dairy products are not digested. And when they accumulate in the intestines, osmotic diarrhea begins, which stops after the abolition of the use of dairy products.

Secretory diarrhea is the result of excess salt and water production in the large and small intestines, caused by cholera toxin or other toxins produced by other infectious diseases. This type of diarrhea can also be caused by the use of certain laxatives.

Insufficient absorption (malabsorption) is also a cause of diarrhea. In the generalized form of this phenomenon, fats that remain in the colon cause secretory diarrhea, and carbohydrates cause osmotic diarrhea. The cause of insufficient absorption may be liver disease, a lack of certain enzymes in the intestine, the consequences of the surgical removal of part of the intestine, or its insufficient blood supply.

Exudative diarrhea is manifested by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large intestine, when its ulceration, swelling occurs, which causes the release of blood, proteins and other fluids, increasing the fluid in the feces and its total mass.

Many diseases can provoke this type of diarrhea, such as colon cancer, lymphoma, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis.

When the intestinal mucosa is affected, a person has frequent urge to defecate, since the inflamed rectum is sensitive to stretching with feces.

Rapid passage of food through the intestines can also cause diarrhea. In some diseases and when taking medications, there is a significant reduction in the time that feces must be in the colon. First of all, these are diseases associated with thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism), as well as the consequences of partial surgical removal of the small intestine or stomach.

An overgrowth of bacteria that should not be present in the large intestine results in a condition of diarrhea. Diarrhea is also provoked by the death of normal intestinal bacteria, which are necessary for normal digestion.

Symptoms of diarrhea

The main symptom of the disease is excessive stool and frequent urge to defecate.