Raw Carrots and Stomach Pain

It may surprise you after eating raw carrots that you develop stomach pain, but carrots may cause pain in certain circumstances. Carrots, along with other vegetables, may be more difficult to digest for some people, leading to stomach cramps and increased gas. Stomach pain from consuming raw carrots may also be the sign of a chronic condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome or food intolerance. Talk with your doctor if you notice that every time you eat carrots you develop abdominal pain. Do not attempt to self-treat with over-the-counter medications without first talking with your doctor.

A chef peels a raw carrot. (Image: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images)

Gas Pains

The pain that develops in your stomach may be the result of gas. Passing gas is a common part of digestion, but if your digestive system produces extra gas that becomes trapped in the digestive tact, you can develop sharp and jabbing pains that come and go. It's common for some people to have difficulty digesting vegetables, such as carrots, which will cause excessive gas. Gas develops when certain carbohydrates remain undigested and interact with bacteria in your digestive system. Digestive enzyme supplements can reduce the amount of gas that will form from eating carrots, but talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.

Fiber Intake

If you don't eat a high-fiber diet normally and you consume a large amount of raw carrots, you may develop stomach pain from suddenly increasing the amount of fiber in your diet. According to Harvard University Health Services, a ½ cup of sliced carrots contains about 2 grams of fiber. Fiber, also called roughage, is an essential part of a healthy diet that will maintain digestive regularity. MedlinePlus states that when you increase the amount of fiber in your diet, you can develop upset stomach, bloating, cramping and gas.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

You may have a chronic digestive condition called irritable bowel syndrome that affects about 20 percent of the American population, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. IBS causes irregular movements in your colon that result in chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation and abdominal pain. Eating raw vegetables may trigger IBS symptoms. Not everyone with IBS will experience symptoms with the same foods. If you have IBS and eating raw carrots triggers your symptoms, stop eating carrots to prevent further complications.

Intolerance

According to The Early Show, you can have an intolerance to any food. Food intolerance occurs when your digestive system fails to produce the required enzymes to break down the proteins, sugars or carbohydrates in a particular food. There is no cure for food intolerance towards carrots, aside from eliminating them from your diet.