Apples and Tummy Trouble?

You’re well into your Paleo lifestyle; sleeping well, full of energy and feeling great, overall.   You’re eating your balanced Paleo meals throughout the day without a hitch and then one day, out of nowhere, it happens.

A horrible, painful stomach ache seemingly for no reason!

What was it?

You didn’t eat the glutenous bread that used to cause the same symptoms, nor did you have a glass of milk or a bowl of lentil soup, so what gives?

It could be a reaction to the malic acid in the apple you ate as part of your snack or meal.  If you are someone who happens to have an overgrowth of yeast, malic acid may be indicated in treating it, but may release sulphur in doing so, thus creating an uncomfortable bloating feeling.

Apples, followed by nectarines, are the fruits that contain the highest levels of malic acid, followed by watermelon, pineapple, apricots, gooseberries, raspberries, cherries, lemons, grapes, prickly pears, mangoes, kiwi fruits, strawberries, blackberries and tomatoes.

Does that mean no more apples?

Not at all.

You may want to check with your ND to see if you do have a yeast overgrowth issue, but also consider factors such as how much you’re eating and whether you’re chewing properly and also eating a variety of fruits, rather than just apples.

In any case, feeling bloated regularly is not normal and it is not typical when following Paleo properly.

If it’s  happening on a regular basis, dig deep and sort it out.  Something’s not right.