What happens if you eat too many apricots?
Jul 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, excessive consumption of apricots generally causes gastrointestinal discomfort, tooth soreness, elevated blood sugar levels, heatiness (a traditional Chinese medicine concept referring to an internal imbalance leading to symptoms like sore throat and constipation), and reduced appetite. Apricots contain considerable amounts of fruit acids and dietary fiber; excessive intake may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, accelerate intestinal motility, and lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloating, particularly in individuals with weaker gastrointestinal function, in whom symptoms may be more pronounced.
Generally speaking, excessive consumption of apricots may usually cause gastrointestinal discomfort, tooth sensitivity, elevated blood sugar levels, heatiness, and reduced appetite. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Apricots contain considerable amounts of fruit acid and dietary fiber. Overconsumption can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, accelerate intestinal motility, and lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloating. These effects are particularly noticeable in individuals with weaker gastrointestinal function.
2. Tooth sensitivity: The fruit acids in apricots can erode tooth enamel. Excessive consumption continuously stimulates the teeth, causing sensitivity and pain. Long-term overconsumption may damage dental health and affect normal chewing function.
3. Elevated blood sugar: Apricots contain a certain amount of sugar. Excessive intake may cause an accumulation of sugar in the body, leading to a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. This effect is more pronounced in individuals with poor blood sugar control.
4. Heatiness: Apricots are considered warm in nature in traditional Chinese medicine. Overeating may cause excessive internal heat accumulation, triggering symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, and other signs of heatiness. Individuals with a naturally hot constitution are more prone to these effects.
5. Reduced appetite: Apricots have a sweet and sour taste. Overconsumption can create a feeling of fullness and stimulate excessive gastric acid secretion, thereby reducing appetite for other foods and potentially leading to an imbalanced diet.
When consuming apricots, it is important to control the quantity. It is recommended not to eat more than five or six at one time. Consumption should especially be reduced on an empty stomach. If discomfort occurs, consumption should be stopped temporarily, and warm water should be consumed appropriately to alleviate bodily reactions.
