Can Tuna Mayo Give You Diarrhea?

Tuna mayo is a popular sandwich filling and salad topping made by combining canned tuna with mayonnaise. But can this tasty combo also give you diarrhea? There are a few ways that tuna prepared with mayo could cause digestive upset.

How Mayonnaise Can Cause Diarrhea

Mayonnaise on its own can cause diarrhea in a few different ways

• Bacteria If mayo is not stored properly, bacteria like salmonella can grow and cause food poisoning. Food poisoning often leads to diarrhea

• Excess fat: The high fat content of mayo could trigger diarrhea in those with digestive conditions like gallbladder issues or IBS. Too much fat can overwhelm the digestive system.

• Allergies: Some people are actually allergic to ingredients in mayo, like eggs or soy, which can cause diarrhea.

So mayonnaise itself carries some diarrhea risks. But what about when it’s paired with tuna?

How Tuna Can Cause Diarrhea

There are also some specific ways that tuna can lead to diarrhea:

• Mercury: Tuna contains mercury, which in excessive amounts can cause digestive upset. More than 2-3 servings of tuna per week is not recommended.

• Bacteria: Like mayo, tuna can harbor bacteria if not stored properly after opening. Food poisoning from bacteria in fish is common.

• Histamines: Spoiled tuna can contain high histamine levels and lead to scombroid poisoning, with diarrhea as a symptom.

• Allergies: Allergies to fish proteins are possible and can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms.

Tuna Mayo Combination Diarrhea Risk Factors

When tuna and mayo are combined, the potential diarrhea risks interact and can be compounded:

• Double the bacteria risk if both ingredients are contaminated

• Excess fat from mayo combined with mercury in tuna can be hard to digest

• An allergy to tuna and eggs in mayo multiplies the possible reaction

• Histamines in tuna paired with high-fat mayo may increase the likelihood of a reaction

So while tuna salad with mayo is unlikely to cause problems for most people, there are some specific circumstances where it could lead to diarrhea.

How to Enjoy Tuna Mayo Safely

If you want to enjoy tuna prepared with mayonnaise, there are some steps you can take to lower the risk of diarrhea:

• Use canned tuna packed in water – Tuna canned in oil has more fat

• Check expiration dates – Don’t use expired mayo or tuna

• Store opened tuna in the fridge – Keep refrigerated once can is opened

• Use lighter mayo – Try a lower-fat mayo option if digesting fat is an issue

• Limit portions – Stick to recommended 2-3 servings of tuna each week

• Avoid if you have allergies – Don’t eat tuna or mayo if you know you are allergic

With proper handling and storage, tuna salad with mayonnaise can be a safe and healthy meal. But it’s important to be mindful of the potential risks and take steps to reduce the chances of diarrhea. Monitor your personal tolerance levels as well.

Signs of Food Poisoning From Tuna Mayo

If you do develop food poisoning after eating tuna mixed with mayo, symptoms to watch for include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Chills
• Headaches

Symptoms typically start within 1-7 days of consuming the contaminated food. The timeframe can vary depending on the exact bacteria or toxin involved.

Diarrhea from food poisoning is often accompanied by additional symptoms and tends to come on quickly. Make sure to report your symptoms to a doctor, especially if they are severe. Food poisoning often requires treatment with prescription medications.

When to Seek Medical Care

In most cases of tuna mayo caused diarrhea, symptoms should resolve on their own within a few days. Focus on staying hydrated and letting your body rest.

However, contact your doctor if you experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
• Fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C)
• Blood or mucus in stool
• Signs of dehydration like dizziness or dark urine

These symptoms could indicate a more serious issue requiring medical treatment. Prompt medical care lowers the risk of complications from dehydration and prevents the spread of contagious illnesses.

Can You Prevent Tuna Mayo Diarrhea?

To help prevent diarrhea from tuna prepared with mayonnaise:

• Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place.
• Refrigerate opened cans and use within 2 days.
• Check “best by” dates and do not use expired products.
• Keep mayo refrigerated and use within 2 months of opening.
• Use proper handling procedures and sterilized utensils when preparing tuna mayo.
• Avoid the mixture if you have food allergies or sensitivities.
• Limit total tuna consumption to the recommended amounts based on your age and health status.

While it likely won’t cause issues for most people, there are some specific circumstances where tuna salad with mayo could lead to diarrhea. Take simple precautions to enjoy this classic combination while minimizing the risks.

Tuna fish mixed with mayonnaise does carry some potential to cause diarrhea in certain situations. The combination of high-fat mayo and mercury-containing tuna can overwhelm the digestive system. Bacteria from spoiled ingredients or allergies to the foods also increase diarrhea risks when consuming tuna salad made with mayonnaise. However, by following safe storage, handling, and preparation methods, as well as paying attention to your personal tolerance, you can likely enjoy this tasty and convenient meal without issues. Monitor your symptoms and seek medical care if diarrhea persists or becomes severe. With proper precautions, tuna mayo can be a safe, protein-packed meal.