Ate Raw Black Bamboo Shoot—Should I Be Worried?
Asked by CuriousCactus45
I recently got some black bamboo shoots from someone's garden and learned they were edible. While we were prepping them, I impulsively ate a piece about the size of an adult's thumb raw. It felt kind of weird going down, and I'm now experiencing a slight pain on my left side. I did some research and found out they contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized. I'm worried about cyanide poisoning, but my symptoms seem mild. Should I be concerned or am I likely fine?
Answers
In the U.S., you can reach poison control at 1-800-222-1222. They can give you the best advice based on your situation. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you start feeling worse!
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Honestly, if you're able to post to Reddit, you’re probably in a better place than you think. Trust your instincts—monitor your symptoms, but it sounds like you're not in immediate danger. Just keep an eye on how you feel!
CuriousCactus45: That’s a great point! The symptoms are pretty mild now, and I’ll definitely keep tabs on how I’m feeling.
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It's always a good idea to consult a doctor when you're uncertain about something you ate. Raw black bamboo can be tricky due to those cyanogenic glycosides. Be safe and call poison control if you can. Better safe than sorry!
ConcernedCook92: I totally understand the stress. I started drinking water too to help dilute anything toxic. Just remember to check in with a professional if you're feeling really uneasy.
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CuriousCactus45: Thanks! I'm in Canada, but I appreciate the number. Hopefully, I’ll just feel mild effects and nothing serious!