Salmon is a popular and nutritious fish, but some people experience nausea after eating it. There are several potential reasons why salmon may cause nausea for certain individuals.
Food Allergies and Intolerances
One of the most common culprits behind salmon-induced nausea is a food allergy or intolerance. Around 0.4% of Americans are allergic to fish, with salmon being one of the most frequent triggers. Salmon allergy symptoms range from mild itching and hives to severe reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, and anaphylaxis.
Salmon intolerances or sensitivities are even more widespread, triggering delayed nausea, headaches, and other digestive issues in those with an IgG antibody reaction to salmon proteins. If you experience recurring nausea after eating salmon, an underlying food allergy or intolerance may be to blame. Diagnostic testing can help identify if this is the case.
High Histamine Levels
Some individuals experience nausea from eating salmon and other fish because they are unable to properly break down histamine. Salmon contains high levels of the chemical histidine, which is converted into histamine during storage or cooking. People with histamine intolerance lack sufficient levels of diamine oxidase (DAO), the enzyme needed to metabolize ingested histamine. The excess histamine can provoke nausea, headaches, hives, and other unpleasant symptoms when these individuals eat foods high in histamine like salmon.
Foodborne Illnesses
Consuming raw, undercooked, or contaminated salmon may harbor foodborne pathogens, which can cause a slew of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, Vibrio, and norovirus are potentially present in raw seafood. Cooking salmon thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F kills any dangerous microbes present However, cross-contamination of other foods after handling or preparing raw salmon can still lead to food poisoning.
Mercury and Other Pollutants
Some types of fish and seafood contain concerning levels of environmental pollutants like mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and pesticides. The ingestion of salmon contaminated by industrial waste or other toxins can result in nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting in sensitive individuals. Choosing wild-caught salmon over farm-raised varieties can help minimize exposure to contaminants. Limiting salmon intake to 2-3 servings weekly is also advisable for some populations to reduce potential mercury exposure.
High Omega-3 Fatty Acid Content
Salmon is prized for its high content of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. However, for those unaccustomed to consuming many oily fish, the high fat content may be difficult to digest. Symptoms like nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and gastroesophageal reflux may occur. Introducing salmon gradually while limiting portion sizes can help minimize unwanted digestive symptoms. Opting for leaner cuts of salmon can also reduce fat intake. Canned salmon tends to be lower in fat than fresh salmon.
Other Compounds and Ingredients
Less commonly, nausea after eating salmon could stem from compounds like sodium metabisulfite, a preservative added to some raw seafood Allergic reactions to certain spices or flavorings paired with the salmon may also provoke nausea in sensitive people. If the nausea seems linked to a particular salmon dish or preparation method, take note of all the ingredients for potential allergic, sensitive, or intolerant triggers
When to See a Doctor
Recurring nausea or vomiting after eating salmon warrants evaluation by a medical provider. They can check for underlying conditions and refer you for proper diagnostic testing related to food allergies, intolerances, histamine intolerance, or other gastrointestinal issues manifesting with salmon consumption.
Immediate medical attention is required if nausea is accompanied by severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or swelling of the lips, face or throat, which may indicate anaphylaxis. Antihistamines and epinephrine may be needed to treat severe allergic reactions.
While salmon can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet for most people, those who experience nausea or other symptoms after eating it should take care to avoid salmon and follow up with their healthcare provider. Proper management of any food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities is key to prevent unwanted nausea episodes and related complications.
Other Types of Fish
People with a salmon allergy should consider avoiding other fish and seafood, including tuna, cod, mackerel, trout, herring, sardines, and anchovies. It’s sensible to be mindful of consuming these fish species, even if having an allergy to one fish doesn’t guarantee that you’ll have a reaction to all other kinds. Speak to a nutritional therapist or dietician if you want to try to find a safe way incorporate other fish into your diet.
This food group primarily consists of shellfish, like crab, prawns, scampi, and lobster. Crustacean allergy is one of the most common food allergies and the allergic reaction tends to be severe. Based on the high level of cross-reactivity in these types of seafood, if you’re allergic to salmon, then you may be allergic to certain crustaceans.
Many omega-3 fatty acid supplements are derived from fish sources, such as salmon oil. Similarly, cod and other cross-reactive fish species may be the base ingredient. Always read labels carefully before purchasing or consuming any dietary supplement, especially omega-3 fatty acids.
The Importance of Salmon Allergy Testing
If you suspect that salmon doesn’t sit well with you, or worse, triggers obvious signs of an allergic reaction, don’t ignore it. These are the most common testing methods:
- Skin Prick Test: This test involves visiting an allergist who will prick the skin with a small amount of salmon extract and observing any reactions such as redness or swelling. A positive result indicates that the person may have a salmon allergy.
- Blood Test: A blood test measures the levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to specific allergens â in this case salmon. High IgE levels suggest an allergic reaction is likely occurring when exposed to these allergens. This method is very convenient as you can purchase a home to laboratory allergy test kit.
- Elimination Diet: Under medical supervision, individuals eliminate suspected food allergens from their diet for a certain period before reintroducing them one by one while monitoring symptoms closely.
The downside to this testing method is that an elimination diet alone canât differentiate between an allergy and an intolerance. If someone has an allergy to salmon, then re-introducing the fish into their diet could be dangerous.
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FAQ
Why do I feel nauseous after eating salmon?
Why do I feel weird when I eat salmon?
If your body mistakes salmon proteins for harmful substances, then it’s possible you might have a salmon allergy. This can cause a host of adverse signs and symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of salmon allergy include: Hives, itching, or redness on the skin.
Why do I get sick from salmon?
Eating spoiled salmon can expose you to serious infections from bacteria or toxins growing in the fish. Symptoms may be severe and could potentially be life threatening for certain people, including pregnant people, older adults, young children, and people with other health conditions.
Can you have a food intolerance to salmon?
For people with fish allergies, salmon, a popular and nutrient-rich fish, can trigger serious allergic reactions. An allergic reaction to salmon can be severe, potentially leading to anaphylaxis, which necessitates immediate medical intervention.
Why does salmon make me nauseous?
There are several possible reasons why salmon may make you feel nauseous. One possibility is that you may have an allergy or sensitivity to the fish. Some people may experience an allergic reaction after consuming salmon, which can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Why do people feel sick after eating salmon?
Food poisoning is one of the most likely reasons why people feel sick after eating salmon. There are two main types of food poisoning you can get from fish: When salmon is poisoned by scombroids, bacteria on the fish make histamine as the fish goes bad. Common symptoms include:
Can a salmon allergy cause nausea?
Up to 2% of adults have a fish allergy, which can cause nausea after eating salmon. This is caused by your immune system overreacting to parvalbumin, a protein abundant in fish. Allergic reactions usually appear quickly after consuming fish Symptoms may include If you have a salmon allergy, your best bet is to avoid it altogether.
Can you get sick if you eat salmon?
If you become sick after eating salmon and suffer from upset stomach, vomiting or nausea, it does not necessarily mean that you have a salmon allergy. Food poisoning can produce similar symptoms to a seafood allergy and can occur when a person consumes spoiled salmon. Find your way to better health.
Can salmon cause stomach problems?
Larger, predatory fish accumulate more mercury. Too much mercury consumption can harm digestion. You’re eating too much fatty fish. Some people may have bad stomach problems if they eat too many omega-3s from foods like salmon. If you want to keep enjoying salmon without the stomach troubles, here are some useful tips:
What happens if you eat too much salmon?
Too much mercury consumption can harm digestion. You’re eating too much fatty fish. Some people may have bad stomach problems if they eat too many omega-3s from foods like salmon. If you want to keep enjoying salmon without the stomach troubles, here are some useful tips: Check for raw food handling issues.