Can you eat crab when you have an upset stomach?

Sep 20, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
The term "belly" usually refers to the abdomen. When experiencing abdominal discomfort, eating crab is generally not recommended, as it may increase the burden on the stomach and worsen symptoms. Abdominal discomfort can be caused by various factors, such as indigestion, functional gastroenteritis, chronic gastritis, or gastric ulcers. These conditions may all lead to reduced digestive and absorptive functions of the gastrointestinal tract and decreased tolerance to certain foods.

The term "stomach" usually refers to the abdomen. When experiencing abdominal discomfort, eating crab is generally not recommended, as it may increase the burden on the stomach and worsen symptoms. The reasons are as follows:

Abdominal discomfort can be caused by various factors, such as indigestion, functional gastroenteritis, chronic gastritis, or gastric ulcers. These conditions may impair the digestive and absorptive functions of the gastrointestinal tract and reduce tolerance to certain foods. Crab is considered a cold-natured food in traditional dietary concepts. For individuals with abdominal discomfort, consuming cold-natured foods may further irritate the gastrointestinal tract and exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, crab is rich in protein. While protein is an essential nutrient for the body, high-protein foods may be harder to digest during episodes of abdominal discomfort, thereby increasing the workload on the stomach. Hence, patients with abdominal discomfort should avoid eating crab.

When experiencing abdominal discomfort, it is advisable to avoid spicy, greasy, raw, or cold foods, as these may aggravate symptoms. Instead, opt for light and easily digestible foods such as porridge, noodles, and vegetables to reduce strain on the stomach. If abdominal symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical evaluation is recommended to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance.