Can eating raw peanuts and drinking hot water cause diarrhea?

Eating raw peanuts with hot water commonly causes diarrhea.

Peanuts generally contain a relatively high amount of oil and are thus considered a high-fat food. When consumed in moderation, they can enhance intestinal lubrication and promote bowel movements. Normally, peanut digestion relies on bile, which breaks down dietary fats before they are absorbed in the small intestine. However, consuming peanuts with hot water may dilute both bile and gastric juices, thereby weakening digestive function and leading to indigestion and subsequent diarrhea. Additionally, because peanuts increase intestinal lubrication, hot water does not aid their digestion; instead, it accelerates intestinal motility, causing the body to expel undigested and unabsorbed peanuts before complete digestion and absorption—resulting in stool consistency and frequency resembling diarrhea.

After experiencing diarrhea following peanut consumption with hot water, initial relief may be achieved through abdominal massage and warm compresses. However, if diarrhea is severe, medical advice should be sought, and antidiarrheal medications—such as trimebutine or compound diphenoxylate—may be prescribed. Concurrently, adequate fluid intake is essential to prevent dehydration.