Why You Feel Sick After Eating Salmon and Tips to Prevent Nausea

Why Salmon Can Make You Feel Nauseous and What to Do About It

Salmon is considered one of the healthiest fish you can eat. It's full of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients. However, many people experience nausea after eating salmon. If you feel queasy after eating salmon, you're definitely not alone.

There are several possible reasons why salmon causes nausea for some people. Fortunately, there are also ways you can prevent feeling sick from salmon so you can enjoy the nutritional benefits it provides.

Potential Causes of Nausea from Eating Salmon

Here are some of the most common theories behind why salmon can lead to nausea:

High Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Salmon is very high in healthy omega-3 fats like EPA and DHA. However, consuming high amounts of omega-3s at once may irritate the stomach lining and induce nausea in sensitive individuals.

Salmon Food Poisoning

Eating undercooked or contaminated salmon can cause foodborne illnesses. Salmonella, vibrio bacteria, and other pathogens can all lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Histamine Intolerance

Some people lack sufficient enzymes to break down histamines from foods like salmon. This histamine buildup can provoke an allergic-like reaction with nausea and other symptoms.

Fish Allergies

It's possible to have an actual fish or seafood allergy. Salmon allergies are one of the most common types of fish allergy. An allergic reaction can cause stomach upset, nausea, hives, and swelling.

Sensory Issues

Some individuals have sensory processing issues that make the taste, smell, or texture of salmon intolerable, triggering nausea. This is more common in those with autism spectrum disorders.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make expecting mothers extra sensitive to certain foods. Salmon's strong aroma and high omega-3 content may contribute to pregnancy-related nausea.

Associations

If salmon caused a negative reaction like illness in the past, you may have developed an association between it and nausea. Just seeing or smelling salmon again can spur anticipatory nausea.

Other Digestive Issues

Problems like GERD, gallstones, stomach ulcers, or IBS can also make certain foods harder to digest properly. The high fat content of salmon may exacerbate these types of gastrointestinal conditions.

Tips to Prevent Nausea from Salmon

If you want to keep enjoying the nutritional benefits of salmon without the queasiness, here are some tips that can help:

Choose Wild-Caught Varieties

Wild salmon generally contains fewer contaminants than farmed salmon. Choosing wild may reduce the chance of food poisoning.

Cook Thoroughly

Ensure salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145F to kill any bacteria present. Avoid eating undercooked or raw salmon sushi.

Opt for Smaller Portions

Stick to a 3-5 ounce serving of salmon instead of large portions to minimize omega-3 overload on your stomach.

Eat Salmon with Other Foods

Pair salmon with low-fat sides like vegetables, rice, or salad rather than eating it alone. This helps balance out the fat content.

Try Different Cooking Methods

Baking, broiling, or poaching salmon may be gentler on your stomach than frying or grilling with added oils.

Flavor with Anti-Nausea Herbs

Season salmon with herbs like ginger, dill, mint, or fennel to aid digestion. Lemon also cuts fatty taste.

Take an Anti-Nausea Supplement

A supplement containing ginger, peppermint, or vitamin B6 before eating salmon can prevent nausea.

Lower Your Omega-3 Dose

If salmon gives you nausea due to high omega-3s, reduce your portion size or frequency. Rotate it with other lean proteins.

Avoid Eating Right Before Exercise

Don't eat salmon right before intense physical activity. Exercise can contribute to indigestion and nausea.

Dealing with Salmon Allergies and Intolerances

If you have a salmon allergy, histamine intolerance, or sensory issues with salmon, avoiding it altogether may be necessary to prevent adverse reactions like nausea and vomiting:

Read Labels for Hidden Salmon Ingredients

Watch out for salmon derivatives like fish oil and salmon gelatin hidden in packaged foods. Carefully read labels to identify potential allergens.

Inform Waiters of Your Allergy

Alert any waiters or chefs about your salmon allergy or intolerance. Request them to avoid cross-contamination during preparation and service.

Carry Emergency Medications

If you have a severe salmon allergy, always have epinephrine auto-injectors like EpiPens with you in case of anaphylaxis.

Try Hypoallergenic Fish Like Tilapia or Cod

You may tolerate white fish that are lower in omega-3s and less allergenic. Always try new fish in small amounts first.

Supplement with Algae-Based Omega-3s

Algae supplements provide EPA and DHA without salmon. However, speak with an allergist before taking any new supplements.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, nausea after eating salmon will resolve on its own. But contact your doctor if you experience:

• Repeated, severe vomiting after salmon
• Difficulty breathing, swelling, or other signs of anaphylaxis
• Nausea or diarrhea lasting longer than 3 days
• Dehydration symptoms from vomiting like dizziness, dry mouth, or dark urine
• Stomach pain that worsens or continues for more than a few hours

See an allergist if you suspect an actual salmon allergy. They can confirm with skin or blood testing and advise you on management.

When Salmon Nausea May Be Beneficial

There are a few scenarios where nausea from salmon may actually be helpful:

Identifying Food Poisoning

If undercooked salmon gives you nausea or diarrhea, it likely contains harmful bacteria. Heed this warning sign from your body to avoid foodborne illness.

Realizing You Have a Salmon Allergy

Nausea after salmon along with other allergy symptoms indicates your body recognizes it as harmful. Avoiding salmon is necessary for those with true allergies.

Supporting Pregnancy Health

Mild nausea from salmon's smell during pregnancy steers expecting mothers away from fish with high mercury levels that could harm fetal development.

The Bottom Line

Overall, nausea after eating salmon is fairly common but there are ways to prevent it. Adjust your portion sizes, choose wild-caught varieties, add anti-nausea herbs and sides, and proper cooking can allow you to continue reaping salmon's nutritional benefits. Those with severe repeated nausea or vomiting after salmon should be evaluated for potential allergies or intolerances. Pay attention to the signals from your body to determine if avoiding salmon altogether may be warranted for your health and comfort.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.