There is a possibility that an individual might have an allergy or intolerance to bell peppers. Once a certain food triggers side effects after eating it, consulting a doctor is needed to discuss about the symptoms.
Always bear in mind that these conditions can trigger stomach cramps but they are due to a different cause. Once an individual develops stomach cramps after consuming bell peppers at a single occasion, he/she might be developing the common symptoms of food poisoning. It is vital to stop eating bell peppers and get a clinical diagnosis of the condition.
Allergic reaction
It is possible that an individual has a food allergy to bell peppers. A food allergy is an erratic response of the immune system to proteins present in bell peppers. For unknown reasons, the immune system overly reacts once the proteins from bell pepper enter the body.
The reaction triggers chemicals to fight off the proteins and cause inflammation and swelling all over the body. The typical symptoms of food allergy include the following:
- Asthma
- Nasal congestion
- Difficulty breathing
- Stomach cramps
- Hives
- Eczema
- Skin rashes
Intolerance to bell pepper
If an individual is intolerant to bell peppers, the digestive tract lacks an enzyme needed to break down the proteins in the pepper. Another possible cause of food intolerance is sensitivity to a substance present in pepper that triggers sensitivity in the body.
Food intolerance is not due to an immune system reaction but the result of inability of the digestive system to break down the food. The symptoms of intolerance mainly affect the digestive tract which causes bloating, cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Food poisoning
The stomach cramps are a common symptom of food poisoning. The stomach cramps might be one of the initial indications of food poisoning. The symptoms steadily increase and cause moderate to severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever and diarrhea.
Always bear in mind that food poisoning occurs if the bell pepper has been contaminated by toxin, bacteria or parasites. An effective way to prevent food poisoning is to cleanse hands thoroughly while handling food as well as cooking the bell pepper thoroughly and eating it before it becomes overripe.
Once the individual notices that other foods causes stomach cramps, he/she might have a serious health condition. The typical conditions that can cause stomach cramps after eating certain foods include Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome.