Side Effects Of Figs
Here are 9 top figs side effects that you should be aware of before you give in to the temptation of emptying the whole jar of anjeer.
1. Heavy On Stomach
Overeating of figs can be heavy on the stomach and can cause stomach ache. While for those suffering from constipation can benefit from it, it might end in bad stomach for others. Drinking cold water after eating figs helps with stomach-related issues.
2. Bloating
Apart from stomach ache, figs cause bloating. Figs are rich sources of fiber, and eating too many of them in a short period may lead to bloating (1). Drinking aniseed water helps to cure the problem.
3. Sun Sensitivity
While figs are useful in treating chronic skin diseases and also beneficial in the treatment of skin tumors, they may also harm the skin by increasing its sensitivity to sun rays (2). UV rays are harmful for the skin and can result in conditions like premature aging, melanoma and skin cancer (3). It can also result in skin rashes. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun if you consume figs regularly to avoid skin related problems.
4. Harms Liver And Intestines
Figs can be harmful for the liver. They can also cause obstruction in the intestines because of their seeds. While it may not seem so while eating, the seeds present in figs are hard enough to get digested easily. This is one of the most dangerous figs side effects that one should be aware of.
5. Calcium Absorption
Avoid taking figs with high oxalic or phytic acid containing foods like beans, seeds, nuts, and dark leafy vegetables like spinach and collard greens. Figs are a rich source of calcium. However, oxalic or phytic acids may interfere with the absorption of calcium in the body. Calcium deficiency may lead to weak bones and other diseases. However, research in this regard is limited. More information is warranted.
6. Bleeding
Figs are warm in nature, and anecdotal evidence suggests that it may cause bleeding. Overeating figs can result in retinal bleeding, rectal bleeding, and slight vaginal bleeding. It can also result in hemolytic anemia. In case of rectal and vaginal bleeding, stop eating figs and see if the bleeding stops. If not, then check with your doctor.
7. Lowers Blood Sugar Level
Figs help control the blood sugar level in the body (4). This helps those with diabetes but can be harmful for those with low blood sugar levels. If you are suffering from low blood sugar level, avoid eating figs.
8. Allergy
If you are allergic to figs, it can cause conjunctivitis, rhinitis and anaphylactic shock. It can also cause asthma. Check if you have any allergic problem to figs before consuming them (5).
9. Harmful Oxalates
Oxalates present in figs are harmful to those who are already suffering from kidney or gallbladder problems and diseases. In this case, the consumption of figs can worsen the condition. Figs also harm the spleen, which is responsible for producing white blood cells. However, research in this regard is very limited. Consult your doctor for more information. Figs contain a high level of vitamin K, which might interfere with blood thinners. Hence caution is advised with the consumption of figs if you are on any blood-thinning medications. So, these are the side-effects that can result from overeating of figs. You can avoid most of them if you eat only the required amount without heeding to the demands of your tongue. But if you are suffering from any allergic reaction and low blood sugar level, then you should avoid figs and consult your doctor to know more about figs benefits and side effects. Do figs cause diarrhea? Apart from the side effects, figs are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins which help to prevent heart disease, and cancer. So, taking 1-2 fresh/dried figs sometimes in between major meals can be beneficial. Due to their high fiber content, overconsumption of figs may cause diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Can figs cause diverticulitis? No, figs don’t cause diverticulitis. The high fiber content may actually prove beneficial for gut health. However, some people prefer to stay away from nuts and fruits containing seeds including figs, apprehending a trigger attack.
