Why Does Rice Hurt My Stomach?

Rice is commonly served in a variety of dishes, such as soups, casseroles, and even some desserts. It’s a staple food that’s typically easy on your gut, and it’s commonly recommended for people with digestive issues, according to University of Michigan Health.

Stomach pain after eating rice is not a common symptom for most people. If it happens only once and is mild, it may not be a cause for concern. But you should see your doctor if it happens consistently, or along with other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.

Here are three possible causes of stomach pain after eating rice.

1. Food Poisoning From ‘Fried Rice Syndrome’

You may have food poisoning if you develop stomach pain along with symptoms like fever, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting after eating rice, according to Cleveland Clinic. Food poisoning can cause stomach pain within a few hours after eating contaminated rice.

One common cause of food poisoning related to rice is known colloquially as fried rice syndrome. It’s caused by a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which is commonly found in starchy foods like rice or pasta. You can develop fried rice syndrome from eating cooked rice that’s been left out on the counter for more than two hours instead of being stored properly in the refrigerator.

Symptoms typically last for a couple of days. See a doctor if you have severe symptoms or experience the following:

• Diarrhea that doesn’t improve within two to three days
• Fever of at least 100.4 degrees F
• Symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth and tongue, not urinating, dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness

2. Food Allergy

Although it’s rare, a food allergy to rice could be another possible cause of your stomach pain.

Or, since rice is rarely eaten alone, it’s possible you’re allergic to another food served with the rice. For example, many rice dishes are made with butter, soy, and wheat products. If you’re allergic to any of these ingredients, your stomach pain may be related to a reaction to these products, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Along with stomach pain, other common symptoms of a food allergy include:

• Itchy mouth and throat
• Swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or face
• Difficulty swallowing or hoarse voice
• Coughing or wheezing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that causes difficulty breathing

A doctor can run tests to confirm whether you have a food allergy to rice or to another food that it was served with. If you’re having trouble breathing, get emergency care right away. Food allergies are typically treated by avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms.

3. Food Intolerance

A food intolerance can cause similar digestive symptoms as a food allergy, but it’s a different condition.

If you’re intolerant to rice, the condition is triggered by an issue in your digestive system, whereas a food allergy is triggered by your immune system, according to Cleveland Clinic.

A food intolerance may happen for several reasons, according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Your intestines may not be able to properly digest the proteins found in a food because of an insufficient amount of certain enzymes. Or you may have a sensitivity to certain chemicals in the food. Or you may have an underlying condition like irritable bowel syndrome.

Along with stomach pain, common symptoms of a food intolerance include:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Headache or migraine
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Stomach upset

See your doctor if you think you might have a food intolerance. Your doctor can assess your symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, and rule out other health conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

The Takeaway

• If you’re having stomach pain after eating rice, particularly along with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, you might have a type of food poisoning known as “fried rice syndrome.”
• It’s also possible to have a food allergy to rice, although that’s rare. Along with stomach pain, it may cause symptoms like itchy mouth or difficulty breathing. If you’re having trouble breathing, seek emergency care immediately.
• If you have stomach pain that’s due to a digestive issue called a food intolerance (rather than a food allergy), see your doctor to discuss possible diet changes to help manage your symptoms.
• Since rice is typically well-tolerated by most people, consistent digestive issues after eating rice may warrant a doctor’s visit to explore other potential underlying causes or conditions.