Beef is a staple on many American dinner plates. Still, some people may have stomach pain, cramps, or even diarrhea after eating steak, burgers, or other red meat.
These signs could be caused by an intolerance or allergy to red meat if they happen every time you eat these foods.
Gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School Jacqueline Wolf, MD, tells LIVESTRONG that diarrhea can happen just once, possibly because of food poisoning. com. “Campylobacter and salmonella are common food poisoning germs that cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting one to three days after eating,” she says.
Also, if you ate your filet with too much wine, french fries, or an ice cream sundae, these foods could be the real reason you have diarrhea.
We’ll talk about why red meat might make you have diarrhea and what you can do about it.
Diarrhea from red meat could be an allergic reaction. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology says that if you are allergic to meat, even a small amount of it could make your stools loose.
Although uncommon, this type of allergy can develop at any age, per the ACAAI. Symptoms vary from person to person but can include diarrhea along with:
Sometimes a meat allergy can develop after a tick bite. Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy that can happen when a Lone Star tick bites and passes on a sugar called alpha-gal. This makes the immune system react badly to meats like beef, pork, and lamb, according to the Mayo Clinic.
If you think you might be allergic to red meat, you should see an allergist. They can talk to you about your treatment options, Dr. Wolf says.
If eating red meat gives you a rash, swelling, nausea, vomiting, or trouble breathing, you should see a doctor right away. These could be signs of anaphylaxis.
Can Grass-Fed Beef Cause Diarrhea? Getting to the Bottom of It
Beef is a delicious and nutritious meat enjoyed around the world. But for some unlucky folks, biting into a juicy burger or steak leads to an unplanned trip to the bathroom afterwards. Diarrhea and other digestive troubles can definitely put a damper on beef consumption. This leaves many wondering, can grass-fed beef cause diarrhea too or is it easier to digest? Let’s explore the evidence behind beef and diarrhea and whether going grass-fed makes a difference.
First, we’ll overview the common causes of beef-related diarrhea in general We’ll also discuss conditions like irritable bowel syndrome that can make individuals more sensitive Then we’ll examine what qualities of grass-fed beef may impact digestion. Finally, we’ll provide some tips on enjoying beef without the unpleasant after-effects.
By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll understand why beef can cause tummy troubles and how to prevent them Let’s dive in!
Why Does Beef Commonly Cause Diarrhea?
There are several key reasons why beef is a common diarrhea trigger:
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High Fat Content – The high saturated fat content of beef, especially fatty cuts, can disrupt digestion and stimulate diarrhea.
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Tough Proteins – Beef contains proteins like myoglobin that can be difficult for some people to properly break down.
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Undercooking – Consuming raw or undercooked beef increases exposure to harmful bacteria that cause diarrhea.
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Contaminants – Potential contaminants during processing such as E. coli can also lead to food poisoning and diarrhea.
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Lactose – Dairy ingredients like cheese in beef dishes can trigger diarrhea in those with lactose intolerance.
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Food Sensitivities – Some individuals may have sensitivities to compounds in beef that irritate the gut.
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High Iron – Beef’s high iron content may cause diarrhea in those predisposed to sensitivity.
So while beef can be problematic for some, not everyone experiences diarrhea after eating it. Underlying conditions, sensitivities, and preparation method play key roles.
Conditions Making Diarrhea from Beef More Likely
Certain gastrointestinal conditions can make individuals more prone to diarrhea from beef:
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Common condition causing digestive issues and diarrhea from triggers like beef.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Chronic condition like Crohn’s disease where beef may worsen inflammation and diarrhea.
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Bile Acid Diarrhea – Excess bile acids cause frequent watery stools, worsened by beef’s fat content.
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Microscopic Colitis – Autoimmune condition often exacerbated by protein-rich foods like beef.
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Gastritis or Ulcers – These conditions provoke stomach discomfort, sometimes leading to diarrhea after beef.
For those with underlying conditions, beef is more apt to cause loose stools or aggravate symptoms. Consulting a doctor can help manage appropriate dietary restrictions.
Does Grass-Fed Beef Cause Diarrhea Too?
When it comes to beef and diarrhea, grass-fed varieties are often assumed to be gentler on digestion. But is this accurate or still likely to cause issues? Let’s analyze key factors:
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Lower Fat – Grass-fed beef is typically leaner with fewer saturated fats that can spur diarrhea. This may make it easier on the stomach.
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Higher Antioxidants – Grass-fed beef contains more antioxidants like vitamin E that combat inflammation and may protect the gut.
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Higher Omega-3s – Higher levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for gut and joint health.
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Gut Microbiome – Some early research shows grass-fed beef may support a healthier gut microbiome diversity compared to grain-fed.
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Toxin Exposure – Grass-fed cows avoid pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics that could get passed to consumers and potentially impact digestion.
So in theory, grass-fed beef provides several advantages that may lead to fewer digestive troubles and reduced diarrhea risk compared to conventional beef. However, more research is still needed, especially regarding impacts on conditions like IBS. And for those with an underlying beef intolerance, grass-fed may still be problematic.
Tips for Preventing Diarrhea from Beef
Here are some useful tips for enjoying beef without the unwanted side effects:
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Choose Lean Cuts – Opt for leaner beef cuts like sirloin or 93% lean ground beef to minimize fat impact.
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Cook Thoroughly – Always cook beef to recommended safe internal temperatures to kill potential pathogens.
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Limit Problematic Ingredients – Avoid beef dishes with ingredients you’re sensitive to, like excess cheese or gluten.
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Reduce Portions – Stick to sensible 3-4 oz portions of beef at a time.
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Substitute Plant-Based Proteins – Try swapping half the beef for plant proteins like beans that may be gentler.
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Take Digestive Enzymes – Consider a digestive enzyme supplement containing lipase to better break down fat.
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Eat Probiotic Foods – Pair beef meals with probiotic-rich items like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut to support gut health.
The bottom line is individually assessing your tolerance and tailoring cooking methods, cuts of beef, and sides can allow you to enjoy this hearty protein while avoiding undesirable diarrhea. Be sure to consult your doctor if beef frequently causes concerning symptoms. With some adjustments, you may be able to have your beef and spare your gut too.
Gallbladder or Pancreas Issue
If you have diarrhea after eating red meat, it could be because of a problem with your gallbladder or pancreas, Dr. Wolf says. These organs help your body digest rich and fatty foods, including beef. If your body isnt able to properly break down the meat, you may have loose stools.
If your bathroom issues are accompanied by any of the following symptoms, per Johns Hopkins Medicine, you should make an appointment with your doctor:
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Fatty stools
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
- Dark urine or lighter stools, or both
Red Meat Intolerance
You may also have diarrhea if you are intolerant to meat. This is like having an allergy, but your body reacts differently to the irritant. From what the Cleveland Clinic says, a food intolerance is a digestive problem, not an immune system problem. Put another way, your body has trouble breaking down the food or a part of it, like the fat, Dr. Wolf says.
Because the ingredient in question doesn’t get digested, it’s likely to cause inflammation and irritation of the lining of your intestines, which leads to:
- Bloating and gas
- Cramping
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
These symptoms usually occur within a few hours of eating red meat.
So you can figure out how to treat beef intolerance, you might want to write down what you eat and how you feel after each meal. The best defense is to stay away from meat, but you can also take over-the-counter medicines like antacids to ease the above symptoms.
Anytime you have diarrhea along with vomiting and stomach cramps, food poisoning is a probable culprit.
If you have food poisoning from eating red meat, you can expect symptoms to begin within two to six hours, thanks to a product thats likely been contaminated with infectious organisms, such as bacteria, toxins, parasites or viruses, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Food poisoning can make you feel bad quickly. To get better, drink lots of water and eat only what sounds good to you, like chicken noodle soup or something bland like toast. Medications to fight nausea can help, as does plenty of rest to allow your body to recover.
New Fascinating Research on Grass-Fed Beef
FAQ
Why do I get diarrhea after eating beef?
Is grass-fed beef harder to digest?
Can grass-fed beef make you sick?
What are the problems with grass-fed beef?
Is grass-fed beef bad for You?
However, grass-fed beef and conventional beef, called grain-fed, both contain saturated fat. Such fat has been linked to unhealthy cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat. When choosing beef — whether it’s grass-fed beef or another type of beef — opt for lean beef.
Does flax cause gas and diarrhea?
If consumed in excess, flaxseed can cause constipation, diarrhea, gas and abdominal bloating. The recommended is one tablespoon per day, being consumed regularly.
Should you eat grass-fed beef?
The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat. When choosing beef — whether it’s grass-fed beef or another type of beef — opt for lean beef. Lean beef has 10% fat or less. Grass-fed beef is generally more expensive than conventional grain-fed beef.
What causes diarrhea after eating red meat?
Rarely, diarrhea after eating red meat may be caused by an underlying abnormality with the gallbladder or pancreas, Dr. Wolf says. These organs help your body digest rich and fatty foods, including beef. If your body isn’t able to properly break down the meat, you may have loose stools.