The exact cause of indigestion might involve the consumption of peanut butter, but it can also be triggered by other factors that contribute to the condition as well. Fatty foods and overeating can eventually lead to indigestion. Unless the individual is highly sensitive to peanuts and other legumes, he/she has to eat a lot of peanut butter to trigger the manifestation of the digestive issues. Remember that peanut butter contains fats, but mostly unsaturated fat that is often referred to as healthy fat.
What are the possible causes?
Once the individual feels full or experiences abdominal distress, he/she is probably suffering from indigestion. Belching, bloating, heartburn and even nausea can occur. Eating quickly or eating too much can also cause indigestion. Greasy, fatty, spicy and gas-forming foods can also cause discomfort.
Underlying health issues can contribute or worsen the symptoms experienced by the individual. Nervousness, stress, smoking and even drinking large amounts of alcohol or caffeine can cause indigestion. There are also health conditions that can increase the risk for indigestion such as gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, duodenal ulcers and inflammation of the pancreas.
Content of peanut butter
Peanut butter contains a large amount of healthy components including fiber to promote proper digestion and even prevent digestive issues as long as consumed in moderation. It is important to note that peanut butter might have health benefits to minimize the risk of heart disease due to the presence of unsaturated fats that help improve the levels of cholesterol.
Improved eating habits
Certain foods can trigger indigestion in some individuals. Some find that high-fiber foods can worsen the symptoms. In such instances, peanut butter that was placed on whole-grain bread can cause digestive issues.
It can also vary on how the individual eats. Eating a delectable peanut butter sandwich can urge the individual to eat too fast which triggers indigestion. It is recommended to take time to chew foods so that eating is slowed down to avoid overeating.
Try to eat in a calm environment without any arguments or excitement while chewing the food carefully. Avoid eating in a rush since it will surely increase the risk for indigestion. In addition, allow enough time in between meals so that food is digested properly to reduce or prevent indigestion.
Vital points to consider
When eaten in moderation, peanut butter is digested properly. On the other hand, if the individual suffers from intolerance to legumes or develops indigestion or gas after eating beans, peanut butter might cause the same effects since peanuts are legumes.
Overeating and consuming other fatty foods with peanut butter can contribute to digestive issues. If an individual is diagnosed with peanut allergy, he/she can experience diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain, but not necessarily heartburn and indigestion symptoms. In case the individual experiences these symptoms along with swelling, difficulty breathing or hives, seek immediate medical attention.