Persimmon Skins and Other Foods that Can Cause Obstruction in the GI tract

If you enjoy eating persimmons, please know that it's best to avoid eating their skins.

Persimmon skins are one of several foods that can contribute to the buildup of an indigestible mass in the gastrointestinal tract - called a bezoar - that can lead to serious complications and a need for surgery if the mass gets large enough to obstruct the GI tract.

Other common foods that can contribute to the formation of a bezoar if eaten in large quantities in a short period of time are celery, prunes, leeks, raisins, pumpkin skin, and beet skin.

Common symptoms of a developing bezoar are bloating, a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food, nausea, lack of appetite, and otherwise unexplained weight loss.

Small bezoars can eventually pass on their own.  In East Asian countries, the first line of treatment often includes steady intake of coca cola or ginger ale, as the acidity of these beverages is thought to help break down a bezoar. A much healthier albeit slightly less acidic choice would be sparkling water. Coke and ginger ale typically have a pH in the high 2s, while sparkling (carbonated) water has a pH between 3 and 4.  The lower the pH, the more acidic a solution is.

If you have family or friends that enjoy eating large quantities of persimmons or the other foods mentioned above, please consider sharing this information with them.  

P.S. On a related note, please know that bezoars can also develop in pets that are exposed to synthetic fibers found in some chew and pull toys, so it's best to avoid giving any such toys to dogs and cats.