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What happens to your body when you eat too much pumpkin seeds?

Pumpkin seeds can be a healthy snack, But consuming too much at the same time can cause side effects, especially if you eat them with the shells always lit. Certain medical conditions, including low blood pressure or a pumpkin seed allergy may increase your risk of side effects.

1. Stomach aches

Eating too much specific food can cause gastrointestinal side effects, and pumpkin seeds are no exception.

Certain characteristics of pumpkin seeds can contribute to digestive side effects:

  • Stomach aches and bloating: Pumpkin seeds are hard and have a difficult coating, which can make them difficult in the stomach and the intestine to decompose and absorb.
  • Loose or frequent stools: Pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber, which can help prevent constipation. But too many fibers can potentially lead to diarrhea, often accompanied by abdominal discomfort.

2. Weight gain

Even if they are little, pumpkin seeds are full of nutrients, And they have a lot of calories. A cup of whole roasted pumpkin seeds contains 285 calories.

Saping some of these seeds on your salad or eating a handle can help you meet your daily calories needs. But – like any other food of fewer calories, eating too much, especially without carrying out the rich calorie content, can cause unwanted weight gain.

3. Allergic reaction

Some people are allergic to pumpkin seeds. You can be allergic to pumpkin seeds, even if you are not allergic to the pumpkin. The effects of a pumpkin seed allergy reaction can go from light to severe. If you have an allergy, even a small amount of pumpkin seeds can trigger a reaction.

Symptoms may include:

  • Stomach
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Pain mouth
  • Sore throat
  • Flowing nose, congestion, cough
  • Rash
  • Swollen lips

In rare cases, an allergic reaction to pumpkin seeds can cause anaphylaxisA deadly allergic reaction of the body and deadly.

Anaphylaxis symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fast pulse
  • Whistling breathing
  • Feel weak
  • Loss of consciousness

If you feel symptoms of anaphylaxis, immediately call 911.

If you have received a severe allergy diagnosis to pumpkin seeds, a primary care provider or an allergist may develop an action plan in case you accidentally consume pumpkin seeds or start to have symptoms.

4. Low arterial

Pumpkin seeds have a chemical property similar to drug hypertension (activity of inhibitor of the angiotensin conversion enzyme) which can lower blood pressure. In moderate quantities, this should not have an impact on your blood pressure.

Rat research has shown that consumption of pumpkin seeds can cause hypotension (excessively low blood pressure). Although this problem has not been documented in humans, it is important to know that if you already have low blood pressure, you may have a risk of hypotension if you consume an excessive amount of pumpkin seeds.

5. Intestinal obstruction

In rare cases, pumpkin seeds have contributed to the formation of a bezoarwhich is a piece of material in the digestive system which cannot be broken down by the body.

A Bezoar can cause discomfort and block the natural flow of food and stool in the digestive system, potentially leading to intestinal obstruction. Intestinal obstruction is more serious than regular constipation and hard stools. Intestinal obstruction causes intense pain, fever and a risk of intestinal perforation (a hole in the intestines).

A Bezoar or intestinal obstruction can be treated with medication if diagnosed early, and sometimes this problem requires surgery.

Eat whole pumpkin seeds, as well as the shell, increases the risk of Bezoar formation. To avoid intestinal obstruction, drink liquids when you eat hard food and consume seeds in moderation.

6. Reactions to additives in preparation

Pumpkin seeds can be prepared in many ways, such as:

  • In a dessert
  • Grid
  • Dirty
  • Caramelized
  • Cooked
  • Molded in seed butter
  • In foods wrapped with preservatives

The other ingredients and additives of these preparations can cause discomfort or a range of symptoms. If you have experienced unpleasant side effects by eating pumpkin seeds prepared in a certain way, consider avoiding this type of preparation in the future.

Very well health uses only high -quality sources, including studies evaluated by peers, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to find out more about how we check the facts and keep our content precise, reliable and trustworthy.
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By Heidi Moawad, MD

Dr. Moawad is a neurologist and brain health expert. She regularly writes and publishes health content for medical books and publications.

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