It is the best season to eat persimmons, but medical experts have given tips and warnings on the proper way to eat sweet fruit; especially, not to eat too many or with an empty stomach.
Shanghai Yida Hospital said they received a female patient suffering from poor appetite, nausea and pain in her upper abdomen. She told doctors that she had consumed large numbers of persimmons and hawthorns recently.
Doctors conducted a gastroscopy and confirmed it was a gastric persimmon stone. They smashed the stone and removed all the pieces through the gastroscope.
"Gastric stones are stones in the stomach. Excess in persimmons, hawthorns, tea, alcohol or food increasing gastric acidity can cause such stones," said Dr Lu Ying, director of Shanghai Yida Hospital's digestive disease department.
"Eating persimmons with an empty stomach or eating an excessive amount of raw persimmons is likely to result in a stone. Because persimmons contain tannic acid and pectin, which can work with gastric acid to form into a lump of unequal size and become a gastric stone if not discharged."
"Gastric stones can cause various problems like ulcers, bleeding, perforation and even obstruction if not treated. They also can increase the risk of gastric cancer," she said.
Traditionally, doctors use traditional Chinese medicine to dissolve the stones or perform surgeries to remove them. However, the TCM method usually takes a long time while surgeries can impose trauma to patients with risks of complication.
"With the development of endoscopy, gastroscopy is the top choice for gastric stone removal," she said.
Doctors said people should be aware while eating persimmons. Refrain from too many, eating with an empty stomach or after drinking alcohol. Also avoid eating the fruit in combination with food high in protein to prevent gastric stones.
People who have had stomach or esophageal surgeries, the elderly, children and those with poor gastric functionality should avoid eating persimmons.
Ti Gong
Dr Lu Ying from Shanghai Yida Hospital talks to a patient.
FAQs
"Eating persimmons with an empty stomach or eating an excessive amount of raw persimmons is likely to result in a stone. Because persimmons contain tannic acid and pectin, which can work with gastric acid to form into a lump of unequal size and become a gastric stone if not discharged."
Can persimmons cause stones? ›
Additionally, the fruit contains tannins, which may cause an astringent taste, particularly in unripe persimmons. Individuals prone to kidney stones should consume persimmons in moderation, as the fruit contains oxalates, which can contribute to the formation of stones.
What happens if you eat too much persimmon? ›
If you eat a lot of persimmons, it will increase the sediment, which is easy to become large particles that are difficult to get out, which can form large blocks and clog digestion. In particular, persimmons should not be eaten when hungry because then the acid will be more, the more easily it will be blocked.
Can persimmons cause intestinal blockage? ›
A persimmon phytobezoar (considered to be harder than other types of phytobezoars) is formed after frequent consumption of persimmons. The complication of gastrointestinal tract obstruction from bezoars was found to exist in the intestines but was rarely reported in the gastric tract because of its flexible volume.
Is persimmon bad for your stomach? ›
Persimmons contain large amounts of soluble tannin, which may interact with gastric acid to form a conglomerate that is harder than other phytobezoars.
What are the side effects of persimmons? ›
Are there risks to eating persimmons?
- Ingesting massive amounts of persimmons can cause bezoars to form. A bezoar is a hard mass that can lead to gastric obstruction. ...
- Diospyrobezoar are specific to persimmons. ...
- Allergic reactions to persimmon are rare but can occur.
While phytobezoars may be discovered incidentally on barium x-ray or endoscopic testing of the stomach, individuals with phytobezoars may develop symptoms: nausea, vomiting, gastric outlet obstruction, perforation, abdominal pain, and bleeding have been reported.
Is it bad to eat persimmon everyday? ›
Also, eating a lot of persimmons can cause diarrhoea, bloating, gas, or constipation. However, this is because the body can't digest that many persimmons simultaneously. Therefore, the recommended daily intake of persimmons is one fruit.
Who should not eat persimmons? ›
The fruit might cause allergic reactions in some people, but this is uncommon. Eating the fruit in very large amounts might cause blockage of the intestines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of Japanese persimmon during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
How many persimmons can you eat a day? ›
Eating one medium-sized persimmon (about 100 grams) a day is enough to help fight atherosclerosis, says Gorinstein. She is quick to add that other fruits also help guard against heart disease and urges people to include them in their diet as well.
"Eating persimmons with an empty stomach or eating an excessive amount of raw persimmons is likely to result in a stone. Because persimmons contain tannic acid and pectin, which can work with gastric acid to form into a lump of unequal size and become a gastric stone if not discharged."
Why do I feel weird after eating persimmons? ›
Why do persimmons make my mouth feel weird? Persimmons contain tannins, a type of plant compound that can make your mouth feel dry, chalky, or puckered. Unripe persimmons have a high tannin content, leading to this sensation.
Are persimmons laxative? ›
The fruit is easily chewable and has a delicious flavour, but it is not recommended for diabetics, obese and sufferers of gastroduodenal ulcer. Persimmons have a creamy and sweet pulp and have laxative, diuretic and hepatoprotective.
Are persimmons high in oxalates? ›
Low or High? Oxalate content of Persimmon is 7mg per 100 grams. Persimmon is considered to be low in oxalates.
Are persimmons kidney friendly? ›
Talk with your dietitian about what is best for you. However, since American persimmons are much smaller, they are much lower in potassium. Eating one American persimmon can easily be incorporated into a kidney-friendly diet.
What are the stones from persimmons? ›
Phytobezoars are composed of indigestible plant material (e.g., cellulose), and are frequently reported in patients with impaired digestion and decreased gastric motility. Diospyrobezoar is a type of phytobezoar formed from unripe persimmons. Coca-Cola has been used to treat them.
What are the 10 foods that cause kidney stones? ›
It is important to be mindful of the following foods that can lead to the formation of kidney stones in certain people: foods high in sodium, cola beverages, fast foods, processed meats, certain supplements, black tea, chocolate, spinach, soy milk, almonds, cashews, soy beans.
