Does eating fish cause gas and acidity? Nutritionist busts the myth

Fish holds an eternal place in the Bengali diet. People of almost all ages regularly include fish curry in their meals, with many preferring to have fish with rice more than once a day. However, alongside this love for fish, a common fear persists — that eating fish can increase gas or acidity problems.

To understand how true this notion is, we spoke to Kolkata-based nutritionist Swagata Mukherjee. According to her, fish is primarily a light and easily digestible food. Therefore, for most people, the risk of gas or acidity from eating fish is relatively low. Rather, fish plays an important role in supplying essential nutrients to the body.

Nutritional value of fish: A powerhouse of protein
Fish is considered one of the best sources of protein. It contains important minerals like zinc, iron and calcium, as well as heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Regular and moderate fish consumption can effectively help meet the body's nutritional deficiencies. Especially for growing children, pregnant women and the elderly, fish is considered an accessible and balanced source of protein.

How to eat fish if you have gas or acidity
For those who already suffer from gas or acidity, experts recommend avoiding fish cooked with excessive oil and spices. Instead, fish cooked with light spices and a thin broth is relatively safe. The cooking method plays a key role here — boiled or lightly curried fish is easier on the stomach than fried or heavily spiced fish. Eating fish in moderation and cooked properly generally poses less risk of causing problems.

Caution needed in case of allergies
However, not everyone's body reacts the same way to fish. Some people may experience allergic reactions to certain species of fish, particularly marine fish. This can cause abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea or skin rashes. In such cases, experts advise identifying the specific fish that causes the problem and avoiding it — there is no need to eliminate all fish from the diet.

Extra caution with fatty fish
Some fish like hilsa, boal and tangra contain relatively higher amounts of fat. This extra fat can put additional strain on digestion for some people, especially those with weak digestive systems or pre-existing stomach issues. For them, it is important to be mindful of the quantity when eating these fatty fish.

Is eating fish every day harmful?
There is a common belief that eating fish every day is harmful to health. However, nutritionists say this notion is incorrect. Eating fish in moderation every day can be beneficial rather than harmful. However, there is an important condition — every individual's physical condition, digestive capacity and tolerance levels are different. Therefore, when selecting fish species and deciding on cooking methods, it is essential to consider one's own body's needs and limitations.

In conclusion, the widespread fear that fish causes gas or acidity is largely unfounded. Rather, fish cooked properly and eaten in moderation can be included in the daily diet without worry. However, if there are allergies or chronic stomach issues, consulting a doctor or nutritionist is the safest course of action.