Cashews Constipation

A bowl of cashews on a table.

Image Credit: etiennevoss/iStock/Getty Images Making smart food choices is a must for those who want to look good and feel great. Unfortunately, certain foods – such as those low in fiber, like cashews – can lead to the development of constipation and other painful gastrointestinal conditions. If you develop constipation after eating cashews, you may want to talk to your doctor to ensure you’re not allergic.

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Constipation Basics

Constipation – which affects around 80 percent of the U.S. population – is often described as infrequent, small or painful bowel movements. While a number of factors may lead to the development of constipation, following a diet low in fiber and fluid is often to blame. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends 25 to 30 grams of fiber and 60 to 80 ounces of water each day to avoid constipation.

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Fiber in Cashews

Each 1-ounce serving of raw cashews provides only around 1 gram of dietary fiber – about 4 percent of the daily recommended intake for this nutrient. In comparison, the same amount of peanuts has over 2 grams of fiber and an ounce of almonds has over 3 grams.

Cashews as a Food Allergen

Nuts – including cashews – can cause an allergic reaction. If you’re allergic, one possible gastrointestinal sign of a reaction is constipation. Nut allergies can be serious and cause life-threatening symptoms. If you’re experiencing constipation after eating nuts and you suspect an allergy, see a doctor.

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Incorporating Cashews in Your Diet

Even though they’re not packed with fiber, cashews can still make up part of a healthy diet, as long as you’re not allergic. In fact, the healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats found in nuts – like cashews – appear to be effective when it comes to improving heart health. For a fiber boost, consider pairing them with higher-fiber foods, like fruits and vegetables, for a nutritious snack.

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  references
  
      American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons: Constipation
    
      USDA National Nutrient Database: Nuts, Cashew Nuts, Raw
    
      Patient.co.uk: Food Allergy and Intolerance
    
      Harvard Health Publications: Eating Nuts Promotes Cardiovascular Health
    
      USDA National Nutrient Database: Nuts, Almonds
    
      USDA National Nutrient Database: Peanuts, All Types, Raw
     Is this an emergency?
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the
National Library of Medicine’s list
of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.





  references
  
      American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons: Constipation
    
      USDA National Nutrient Database: Nuts, Cashew Nuts, Raw
    
      Patient.co.uk: Food Allergy and Intolerance
    
      Harvard Health Publications: Eating Nuts Promotes Cardiovascular Health
    
      USDA National Nutrient Database: Nuts, Almonds
    
      USDA National Nutrient Database: Peanuts, All Types, Raw

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

A bowl of cashews on a table.

Image Credit: etiennevoss/iStock/Getty Images

      American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons: Constipation
    
      USDA National Nutrient Database: Nuts, Cashew Nuts, Raw
    
      Patient.co.uk: Food Allergy and Intolerance
    
      Harvard Health Publications: Eating Nuts Promotes Cardiovascular Health
    
      USDA National Nutrient Database: Nuts, Almonds
    
      USDA National Nutrient Database: Peanuts, All Types, Raw