Eight kinds of people should eat less tomatoes

For some people, eating too much tomatoes too often can also have significant side effects on the body.

1. People with tomato allergies. Although many people don't know it, tomatoes are indeed one of the known allergens. In susceptible people it can cause problems such as sneezing, eczema, rashes, and different symptoms such as red eyebrows and eyelids, itchy throat and swelling of the mouth and face. In some cases, even mere contact with tomatoes can cause allergic reactions (e.g. dermatitis) in some people. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), eating excessive amounts of tomatoes can cause the accumulation of certain metallic elements in the body, which can have adverse effects on certain sensitive people. For example, nickel, one of the heavy metals commonly found in contaminated tomatoes, can cause allergic reactions with short-term exposure and developmental and reproductive effects in animals in experiments with long-term exposure.

2. People with kidney dysfunction. The U.S. Department of Health and Public **** Services states that people with kidney problems should reduce their potassium intake, and tomatoes contain high levels of potassium. There is also concern that oxalic acid, which is found in tomatoes and their products, especially tomato sauce, is also a potentially risky compound that, when combined with calcium in the body when ingested in large amounts, may adversely affect the formation and recurrence of kidney stones. However, this effect has yet to be further confirmed by epidemiologic studies.

3. People with GERD/heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is mainly associated with dietary habits, and the consumption of tomatoes and their processed products is one of the main causes of triggering and exacerbating GERD. In this disease state, a large amount of stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which causes a reflux of acidic taste and burning sensation in the chest and throat. The presence of citric and malic acids in tomatoes is likely to be a major trigger for the disease in susceptible individuals and high-frequency tomato consumers.

4. People with irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with symptoms including abnormal bowel movements, bloating, abdominal pain, and frequent episodes of constipation or diarrhea, and poor dietary habits are the most important triggers of this disorder. The allergenic nature of tomatoes may trigger intestinal problems in some people. At the same time, the skin and seeds of tomatoes may cause irritation to the intestines of some people, leading to bloating and diarrhea.

5. People prone to stomach and abdominal pain. Unripe green tomatoes contain the alkaloid lycopene, which is toxic to help the plant ward off insects, fungi and bacteria. As tomatoes ripen, the alkaloid content decreases. However, eating large quantities of tomatoes may still cause gastrointestinal discomfort and pain for some sensitive individuals.

6. People with urinary incontinence and cystitis. Acid-flavored foods, such as fruits, vegetables and beverages, are often considered potential bladder irritants and may increase the risk of urinary incontinence for some sensitive individuals, and tomatoes with an acidic flavor are no exception.

Overconsumption of certain foods, including tomatoes, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, and certain artificial sweeteners, can cause cystitis and exacerbate symptoms of bladder disease. Studies have also shown that tomatoes and their processed products have an adverse effect on painful bladder syndrome.

7. Migraineurs. Diet is considered to be one of the predisposing factors affecting the onset and exacerbation of migraine. In a case-control study of 170 migraineurs, it was found that consumption of several vegetables, including tomatoes, was significantly higher in the case group. Tomato consumption has also been experimentally shown to have a significant effect on the onset of migraine.

8. People worried about skin discoloration. Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant. However, consumption of large quantities of tomatoes can lead to excessive amounts of lycopene in an individual's blood and plasma, resulting in a skin discoloration and redness called lycopenemia.