While bacon, ham, and pork chops are all tasty foods, they can be painful for some people.
If you often get stomachaches or diarrhea after eating pork, you might have an allergy or intolerance to that food. Another possibility: The meat you ate may have been undercooked.
According to Food Allergy Research & Education, about 32 million Americans have food allergies. Most food allergies are caused by wheat, dairy, nuts, and soy. However, it is possible to be allergic to pork, though it doesn’t happen very often. That’s what the American College of Allergy, Asthma,
Symptoms of a pork allergy are similar to those of any other food allergy. Shortly after eating pig products, someone with an allergy may experience:
People who are allergic to pork may also find that how the pork was cooked affects how bad their symptoms are.
Grocery doctor Niket Sonpal, MD, in New York City, says that fresh (undercooked) pork meat or dried and smoked pork products tend to cause more reactions than well-cooked pork meat.
If you suspect youre allergic to pork, talk to your doctor or allergist. The ACAAI says that blood and skin prick tests can be used to find out if your symptoms are caused by a pork allergy.
I love a good pork chop or BLT as much as anyone. But on more than one occasion, I’ve noticed that eating pork products like bacon or pork ribs makes me have to rush to the bathroom shortly after. If you’ve experienced this too, you’re probably wondering – why does pork make me poop?
In this article I’ll explain the reasons why pork affects digestion for some people. We’ll cover how pork is broken down during digestion the role of fat in pork, and issues like antibiotic use in pork production that could be factors. I’ll also provide some tips on how to enjoy pork without the unwanted side effect of sudden pooping!
Why Does Eating Pork Cause Diarrhea or Other Digestive Issues?
There are a few possible reasons why pork may send some straight to the toilet
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Food intolerances or allergies – An intolerance to certain proteins or components in pork can cause digestive upset in some people.
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Improperly cooked pork – Eating undercooked pork with harmful bacteria can lead to food poisoning and diarrhea.
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High fat content – The high fat content of some pork can trigger urgent bowel movements or loose stools.
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Lack of fiber – Since pork lacks fiber, it can contribute to constipation in some people.
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Use of additives – Preservatives or chemicals added to cured or processed pork can disrupt digestion.
For most people, pork is perfectly digestible. But if you experience issues like cramps, diarrhea, or constipation after eating it, one of these factors could be the culprit.
How Your Body Breaks Down and Absorbs Pork
To understand why pork may cause pooping problems, it helps to understand how your digestive system handles it:
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Protein breakdown – In the stomach, hydrochloric acid and enzymes break down pork proteins into smaller molecules.
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Absorption in the small intestine – Enzymes further break down pork proteins into amino acids that enter the bloodstream. Nutrients like iron and B vitamins are absorbed.
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Water absorption in large intestine – Waste products form and water is absorbed, leaving feces to be eliminated.
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Fat digestion – Bile helps emulsify and break down pork fat. Enzymes called lipases help digest triglycerides into fatty acids the body can use.
For most healthy people, this complex digestive process goes smoothly. But issues like food sensitivities, gut imbalances, or eating undercooked pork can hinder digestion and cause urgent pooping.
The Role of Fat in Pork’s Impact on Pooping
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Pork can be high in fat, which influences digestion:
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Pork is about 40-45% saturated fat – It has less unsaturated fat than beef or lamb.
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Fatty acid profile impacts digestion – Pork has more omega-6s than omega-3s, which may promote inflammation.
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Some cuts are fattier – Belly, shoulder, and processed cuts have more fat that may cause diarrhea.
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Cured pork adds preservatives – Bacon, sausage, and ham contain nitrates, sulfites, and other additives that can disrupt digestion.
While pork fat provides flavor and satisfaction, it is less easily digested than unsaturated fats. Opt for leaner cuts like tenderloin and limit processed pork to prevent urgent pooping.
Do Antibiotics and Hormones Used in Pork Production Cause Poop Problems?
Pork production practices may also play a role in pork’s impact on pooping:
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Antibiotics given preventatively – This can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria that survive cooking and cause illness.
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Hormones used to increase growth – While deemed safe by the FDA, hormones may still have side effects when pork is consumed regularly.
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Look for antibiotic-free labels – Choosing pork without antibiotic or added hormones may reduce digestive issues.
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Wash hands after handling raw pork – Kill any bacteria to prevent possible foodborne illness leading to diarrhea.
While more research is needed, antibiotics and hormones used in conventional pork may contribute to the bathroom troubles some experience after eating it.
How Food Sensitivities and Allergies Can Cause Pork Poops
Some people’s bodies see pork as a foreign invader:
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True pork allergy is rare – But it produces hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and other severe immune reactions.
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More common is a pork intolerance – This causes milder digestive symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, bloating, and gas.
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Cause is inability to digest pork components – Likely culprits are histamines, nitrates, tyramine, albumin, and other compounds.
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See an allergist if pork allergy is suspected – For intolerances, an elimination diet can help identify the problem food(s).
Pork allergies are uncommon but quite serious when they occur. Pork intolerances or sensitivities are a more likely cause of bathroom emergencies after pork meals.
Tips for Consuming Pork Without Unwanted Pooping
If you want to keep enjoying pork while avoiding sudden pooping, try these tips:
- Cook pork to 145°F or above to kill bacteria
- Choose leaner cuts like pork chops or tenderloin
- Limit processed pork with added preservatives
- Increase fiber from produce, whole grains, etc. to prevent constipation
- Drink plenty of fluids to aid digestion
- Take note if symptoms occur with specific cuts or dishes
- Talk to a doctor if you suspect a pork allergy or intolerance
What Is Pork Intolerance, Causes and Symptoms
If you are allergic to pork, you will probably have a severe reaction almost right away. If you are intotolerant, it usually starts in a different way.
Dr. Scott says that allergies happen when the body mistakes a part of a food for something harmful and reacts by making chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. Sonpal says. “Intolerances have more to do with the gut and the inability of your gut to process the food. “.
For this reason, an intolerance to pork wont result in hives or anaphylaxis. However, with a pork intolerance, you may have the following symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic:
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- heartburn
- gas
- bloating
- digestive upset
Diagnosing food intolerances isnt always an exact science. “It can be hard to tell if someone is hypersensitive to a certain food because their symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses and conditions,” Dr. Sonpal says.
He suggests that you keep a journal of the foods you’ve eaten and your symptoms to help you figure out what’s going on.
Another helpful tool for diagnosing a pork intolerance is an elimination diet. “For between two and eight weeks, we don’t eat the suspected food, which in this case is pork,” Dr. Sonpal says. “If symptoms subside, this can be an indication that there is a food intolerance to pork. Then you can add a small amount of pork to your diet and see what happens to be sure you are intolerable. “.
You can go on an elimination diet by yourself, but doctors and dietitians say it’s best to do it with their help.
Pork and Food Poisoning, Causes and Symptoms
If you always get diarrhea or stomach cramps after eating pork, you should probably think about having an allergy or intolerance to it. However, if you experience these symptoms just once, the more likely culprit is food poisoning from undercooked pork.
Trichinella is a type of roundworm often found in pig meat. If pork isn’t cooked all the way through, at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit, these parasites can live and cause the following symptoms:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- stomach pain
- fatigue
According to the Mayo Clinic, you could experience more severe side effects, and it takes about a week after eating undercooked pork for these symptoms to appear:
- high fever
- muscle pain and tenderness
- swelling of the eyelids or face
- weakness
- headache
- sensitivity to light
- pink eye
If you get food poisoning from pork, it doesnt mean you can never eat it again. Just be sure to do so safely, cooking it to an appropriate temperature.
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.
Why billions of people won’t eat pork (or why we don’t know)
FAQ
Is pork bad for the bowels?
Why do I feel bad after eating pork?
Why does pork make me gassy?
What causes stomach pain after eating pork?
Stomach pain after eating pork could be caused by an allergy, intolerance or improper preparation. Bacon, ham and pork chops make for tasty meals, but for some people, pig products can cause stomach pain. If you regularly experience stomach cramps or diarrhea after eating pork, it’s possible you have a food allergy or intolerance.
Why do I have stomach cramps after eating pork?
If you regularly experience stomach cramps or diarrhea after eating pork, it’s possible you have a food allergy or intolerance. Another possibility: The meat you ate may have been undercooked. According to Food Allergy Research & Education, about 32 million Americans have food allergies.
Can pork cause digestive problems?
There are several possible reasons why pork may cause digestive issues for some people. One of the most common reasons is a food allergy or intolerance. Pork contains proteins that can trigger an immune response in some individuals, leading to symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea.
Why does pork hurt a lot?
One of the most common reasons is a food allergy or intolerance. Pork contains proteins that can trigger an immune response in some individuals, leading to symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. Another possible reason is improper preparation of the meat.