4 Ways To Avoid Upset Stomach When Taking Maca

Over many years of taking and selling Maca we've noticed that a small percentage of people (about 5%) can have temporary upset stomach, slightly cramping or indigestion after eating Maca powder.  In this article we'll explain why that is, how best to avoid it and what to do if that applies to you.

What causes stomach discomfort when consuming maca?

The main culprit in causing temporary stomach upset when taking maca is maca's relatively high starch content.  For people who have sensitive digestion or who have difficulty digestion starch  raw maca is not the best choice.   Those people should use gelatinized (pre-cooked) maca instead.

How does gelatinized maca differ from raw maca in terms of digestion?

Gelatinization is a process in which maca roots are subjected to high heat and pressure and the majority of their starch content is removed or rendered inert.   This type of maca will not cause stomach upset.  

Are certain individuals more prone to experiencing digestive issues with maca?

Yes, certain people with generally sensitive digestion are more prone to this issue.  Also anyone with digestive disease such as diverticulitis, ulcers, IBS, etc. are more likely to react to raw maca and should use gelatinized maca instead. 

Can maca be combined with probiotics or other supplements to aid digestion?

Yes.  Maca can be combined with probiotics or other types of digestive supplements to help digestion.  But, we've seen that this is only effective for people who don't have issues with starch digestion.

What do you do if you notice stomach upset when taking maca?

Try these four things first:

1. Reduce the amount of Maca you are eating.  Maca belongs to the Brassicaceae family of plants, which also includes mustards and even horseradish.  Like these, Maca is a strong food and should be eaten in relatively small amounts.   Whatever the amount you were taking at first, try reducing that to just 1/4-1/2 of a teaspoon.   Reducing the serving size helps many people.    We have full serving guidelines listed here.
2.  Avoid eating Maca with fruit or fruit juice.  Fruit and fruit juice digest more quickly than other types of food.  Try eating Maca without any fruit content.   A good way to do this is to mix Maca powder into a almond or rice milk or to simply enjoy it with water.  Note that this applies to Maca capsules as well.   
3. Try Gelatinized Maca instead of Raw Maca.   Gelatinized Maca is pre-cooked and has had the starch content effectively removed.  This makes it easier to digest than Raw Maca.   The majority of people who do have any digestive issues with Raw Maca find that they are fine to take Gelatinized Maca.
4. Use one of our Maca Extracts intsead of Maca powder.   These extracts are based in glycerine and are 100% alcohol free.  To make these extracts our Maca powders go through a special low temperature process that isolates Maca's active ingredients.  We've seen great results with these products and have never heard of anyone having a digestive issue with them.  Click through to see all of our Maca Extracts here....

More Frequently Asked Questions on maca and digestion

Can maca cause digestive issues?

Yes, this happens in some people.  The issues are temporary and will resolve as soon as you stop taking maca.

Why does maca upset my stomach?

Raw maca's starch content is the main culprit.  Also taking too much maca at a time, especially when first starting out, can cause upset stomach.

How can I take maca without getting an upset stomach?

Take gelatinized (pre-cooked) maca or a liquid maca extract instead of raw maca products.
    
Is maca hard to digest?

For people with average to good digestion maca works through the system easily like any other root vegetable.  However for people with weakened digestion, raw maca can be more difficult to digest.
    
Is gelatinized maca easier to digest than raw maca?

Yes.  This is because gelatinized maca has had its starch content removed.

Which type of maca is best for people with sensitive stomachs?

Any color of gelatinized maca or any liquid maca extract is good.  
    
Does red, black, or yellow maca affect digestion differently?

Maca root color does not matter in terms of digestion.   The most important factor is whether the maca in question is raw or gelatinized (pre-cooked).

If you've tried all of this and you still experience any stomach upset when taking maca root, it may be that maca just isn't right for you and your body right now.   Remember it is a food and different bodies react differently to the same foods.

Finally, if you have any concerns specific to your health situation, we recommend that you consult with your doctor as you add maca root products to your diet.

If there is anything we can do to help you at all please let us know.

Thanks and enjoy your day!