Why does sticky rice upset my stomach? (2023)

Why does sticky rice make my stomach hurt?

Rice masses remove mucus from the stomach and duodenum as the sticky starch binds the sticky mucus, weakening the defense against acid and pepsin which may in turn cause heartburn and ulcer. Such unwanted effect can be avoided by taking enough water with rice meal as water converts rice masses into slurry.

Glutinous rice was a traditional Chinese crop, made from glutinous rice dumplings, rice cakes and so on by the national favorite. However, glutinous rice itself contains up to 98% amylopectin, so it is difficult to be digested and absorbed in the human stomach.

Sticky rice contains a large amount of dextrin, and it has strong stickiness and lower expansibility, so it is difficult to digest. If the people who suffer from dyspepsia eat sticky rice for a long term, it will aggravate the disease.

Sticky rice health benefits include increased bone density, decreased inflammation, improved heart health, etc.

People should avoid eating too many zongzi (粽子, glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves), as consuming several in one meal could cause indigestion, bloating, gastric acid reflux, heartburn and other stomach ailments, a doctor said on Saturday.

Chinese food and soups contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) as the main addictive ingredient. A sensitive individual may suffer from headache, giddiness, sweating, abdominal pain, and urticaria within a few hours of consumption of MSG.

“Simple carbohydrates, such as plain rice, pasta or simple sugars, average between 30 and 60 minutes in the stomach,” she adds. “But if you put a thick layer of peanut butter on toast, or layer avocado and eggs, it can take upwards of between two to four hours to leave your stomach.

White rice is well-known for being an easy to digest food. It is low in fat and fiber, making it easy on the stomach. Many athletes prefer white rice instead of brown rice because it is not associated with any gastrointestinal issues.

Because of its starch composition, the grains of rice clump together, truly making it a “sticky” rice. Sticky rice is less nutritious overall than regular rice, but it's rich in protein, fiber and zinc.

Can rice cause digestive issues?

Rice is a good source of energy and protein, but not all grains are easy to digest. High fiber rice, such as brown rice, can contribute to digestive issues, including diarrhea, bloating, and gas.

Common Symptoms

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps. Hives (allergic urticaria), itching, eczema. Wheezing, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, repetitive cough.

Glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice or sweet rice, is gluten-free despite its name. In fact, all varieties of rice are gluten-free.

Sticky rice is also known as glutinous rice and is widely popular among many Asian cuisines.

Black rice is particularly rich in anthocyanins, a group of flavonoid plant pigments that have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Anthocyanins have been shown to have potent anticancer properties as well.

Rice masses remove mucus from the stomach and duodenum as the sticky starch binds the sticky mucus, weakening the defense against acid and pepsin which may in turn cause heartburn and ulcer.

Plain white rice is great on flare-up days

It doesn't cause any bloating. It helps regulate any diarrhea I might have (especially when overcooked). And most of all, I know that it will not trigger any additional IBS symptoms. Most people only eat plain white rice while they're recovering from the stomach flu.

MSG symptom complex is a set of symptoms associated with eating food with the additive monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG is the sodium salt a common amino acid, glutamic acid.

"A group of symptoms (such as numbness of the neck, arms, and back with headache, dizziness, and palpitations) that is held to affect susceptible persons eating food and especially Chinese food heavily seasoned with monosodium glutamate."

Can Chinese food cause gastritis?

An excessive consumption of MSG can cause a "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" and gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Leaky gut syndrome is a theory that intestinal permeability is not only a symptom of gastrointestinal disease but an underlying cause that develops independently. If your intestinal barrier is impaired, it may be letting toxins into your bloodstream.

Most people with dumping syndrome develop signs and symptoms, such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea, 10 to 30 minutes after eating. Other people have symptoms 1 to 3 hours after eating. And still others have both early and late symptoms.