Stomach pain is often triggered by overeating, but certain foods can cause the same effect. Foods that are difficult to digest including broccoli might be the culprit since they increase the amount of gas in the intestines.
In rare cases, the stomach pain is due to a food allergy but one might experience pain along with other allergy-related symptoms. In most cases, the stomach pain settles on its own, but a doctor must be seen if the pain persists for an extended span of time or an allergic reaction is suspected.
Why stomach pain occurs?
Generally, gas builds up in the intestines which is due to taking in excess air or from the breakdown of foods. The stomach pain or cramping sensation arises due to the pressure exerted by the gas on the intestinal walls which passing gas via the anus or burping often relieves.
The bloating in the abdominal area is a usual sign of gas. Even though many describe it as stomach pain, the pain is felt in the large intestine and not an actual muscle cramp.
Issues caused by broccoli
Broccoli is one of the foods that contain raffinose which is a complex type of sugar. Since the body could not break it down, it moves into the large intestine where it is degraded by bacteria. The process results to excess gas which leads to stomach pain.
Other possible causes
Eating raw broccoli that was not properly cleaned, stored or cooked might be contaminated by detrimental bacteria including salmonella. This can lead to food poisoning if ingested which triggers stomach pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting or fever.
Food allergy might also be responsible for cramping. Aside from the stomach cramps, it can be accompanied by other symptoms such as hives, tingling in the lips or mouth, sneezing, itchiness or nausea.
Management
The stomach pain due to difficulty in digesting broccoli can be prevented by avoidance of broccoli and other foods that include the complex sugar. An alpha-galactosidase supplement can be taken before eating broccoli.
If an allergy is suspected, a doctor should be consulted for testing. If the stomach pain is severe or persists for a few hours, it might be food poisoning or even a severe allergic reaction.