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People with an egg intolerance experience adverse reactions to eating eggs. This can result in various symptoms, including bloating, cramps, nausea, or diarrhea.
If someone is allergic to eggs, they might need to stay away from them or eat very little of them. However, egg alternatives are available to help people find a replacement.
This article will cover the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for an egg intolerance. It will also provide information for egg alternatives, as well as ingredients that a person should avoid.
It is important to see a doctor if a person thinks they may have an egg allergy.
Folks who are allergic to eggs might not be able to break down the egg whites, the egg yolks, or both.
With an intolerance, a person may experience digestive problems hours after consuming the offending food item. While the symptoms may be uncomfortable, they are not typically dangerous.
People who are allergic to eggs might not know it because the symptoms might not show up right after eating eggs. Or, they may not get any symptoms at all when they eat small amounts of egg.
With an egg allergy, a person’s immune system treats eggs as an invader. As a result, it releases powerful chemicals when the body comes into contact with eggs.
An egg allergy can cause severe and sometimes life threatening symptoms. Symptoms of an egg allergy can appear within half an hour of exposure.
With an allergy, a person may experience a reaction after consuming small amounts of egg. They may also have a reaction from touching eggs or inhaling particles in the air.
There are currently no approved tests for egg intolerance. While tests can diagnose egg allergies, it is more difficult to diagnose egg intolerances.
A person may be able to identify whether they have an egg intolerance by keeping a food diary.
By keeping a diary for a few days or weeks, someone can try to find a link between certain foods and their symptoms.
If someone thinks they might be intolerant to eggs, they might want to stay away from eggs for a while and see if the symptoms go away. If symptoms return after consuming eggs, it may indicate that they have an intolerance.
A small amount of research shows that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may feel better if they stay away from foods they are allergic to.
If someone wants to stay away from eggs completely, they might want to read the labels on foods before eating them.
One way to be sure a product is egg-free is to look for products that are certified vegan. If a product is vegan, it will not include eggs or any other animal products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) makes food companies list eggs on the label because many people are allergic to them.
Tofu is a high protein food made from soybeans. Some people eat tofu for breakfast or in sandwiches instead of eggs. They can also scramble it or blend it into smoothies.
If you’ve ever rushed to the bathroom after enjoying a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs you’re not alone. Many people wonder why this classic breakfast combo can sometimes lead to digestive issues like diarrhea.
As a long-time bacon and eggs lover, I used to get diarrhea frequently after eating this meal. I wanted to get to the bottom of why this was happening Through research and trial and error, I’ve learned what causes bacon and eggs to trigger diarrhea and how to prevent it
In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes, symptoms, and prevention tips for bacon and eggs induced diarrhea. Keep reading to protect your digestive health so you can keep enjoying this tasty breakfast!
What Causes Bacon and Eggs to Lead to Diarrhea
There are a few possible culprits behind why bacon and eggs can cause diarrhea in some people:
High Fat Content
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Bacon and egg yolks are high in fat, which can be difficult for some people to digest properly.
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Eating too much fat at once may overwhelm your digestive system and lead to diarrhea.
Food Sensitivities
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Some people may have sensitivities to ingredients in bacon or eggs, which can trigger digestive discomfort.
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For bacon, the nitrates/nitrites, sulfites, or other preservatives are common sensitivities.
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For eggs, some people are sensitive to the proteins.
Bacterial Contamination
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If the bacon or eggs are contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella or E.coli, it can definitely cause diarrhea.
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Undercooked eggs and improper cooking or handling of bacon raise the risk of bacteria being present.
Other Causes
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Greasy or oily foods like bacon may also stimulate diarrhea in some people, especially those with digestive conditions like IBS.
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The high protein and choline levels in eggs could contribute to loose stools too.
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Some conditions like food intolerances, IBS, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease can also make people more prone to diarrhea from fatty or trigger foods.
Symptoms of Bacon and Eggs Induced Diarrhea
The signs of diarrhea caused by bacon and eggs can include:
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Frequent, loose, watery bowel movements shortly after eating
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Abdominal cramps, pain, bloating or discomfort
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Gas or flatulence
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Nausea
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Urgency to have a bowel movement
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Dehydration from fluid loss
If you experience severe symptoms like bloody stool, a fever, or persistently watery diarrhea for over 48 hours, see your doctor right away. This could indicate a more serious condition or bacterial infection.
Tips to Prevent Bacon and Eggs Triggered Diarrhea
Here are some tips to enjoy bacon and eggs without the unwanted diarrhea afterwards:
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Moderate portions: Don’t overload your plate with heaps of buttery, greasy bacon. Enjoy just 1-2 slices along with eggs.
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Choose leaner bacon: Opt for center-cut bacon or turkey bacon, which are lower in fat than regular sliced bacon.
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Limit egg yolks: Stick to just 1-2 yolks and fill up on more egg whites, which are easier to digest.
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Cook thoroughly: Follow safe cooking guidelines to fully cook bacon and eggs, killing any potential bacteria.
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Avoid additives in bacon: Check labels and pick bacon without extra preservatives, sugars, or chemicals if you have sensitivities.
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Try other proteins: Swap bacon or sausage for leaner proteins like ham, Canadian bacon, or chicken sausage.
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Use less butter/oil: Limit added fats by cooking eggs in olive oil instead of loads of butter, bacon grease, etc.
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Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated if you get diarrhea.
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Add probiotics: Consume yogurt, kefir or probiotic supplements to promote good gut bacteria.
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See an RD: Consult a registered dietitian if you have ongoing diarrhea from trigger foods. They can help adjust your diet.
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Take over-the-counter anti-diarrheals: Products containing loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate can help control occasional diarrhea. Ask your pharmacist for help choosing one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon and Eggs Causing Diarrhea
Can bacon and eggs cause diarrhea in everyone?
No, not everyone experiences diarrhea after eating bacon and eggs. It really depends on the individual, their digestive health, and whether they have sensitivities. Many people can enjoy this classic meal with no issues at all.
Is it safe to keep eating bacon and eggs if they make me have diarrhea?
It’s generally not recommended to keep eating foods that consistently cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, or other GI symptoms. Consider avoiding them or modifying your portions if bacon and eggs regularly make you sick.
What foods other than bacon and eggs commonly cause diarrhea?
High fat, greasy, or fried foods are common culprits. Spicy foods, excess fiber, caffeine, dairy, and some fruits like apples may also trigger diarrhea in sensitive people.
Could I develop an intolerance to bacon and eggs if I eat them too much?
It’s possible to develop new food intolerances over time with frequent exposure. If you suddenly start getting diarrhea from bacon and eggs after eating them regularly for years, it may be a sign of a new sensitivity.
How long does bacon and egg induced diarrhea usually last?
For most people, diarrhea brought on by a specific food resolves within 24-48 hours as the trigger food moves through your system. If it persists longer, contact your doctor to rule out infection.
What is the best thing to eat after having diarrhea from bacon and eggs?
After a bout of diarrhea, go easy on your stomach with bland, gentle foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, crackers, chicken soup, or yogurt. Avoid fatty, greasy, or spicy foods until feeling better.
The Bottom Line: Enjoy Bacon and Eggs Wisely
Bacon and eggs make a satisfying protein-packed breakfast. But they can cause diarrhea in some people due to the high fat content, possible food sensitivities, and risk of bacterial contamination.
By moderating your portions, cooking thoroughly, limiting additives, and choosing leaner ingredients, you may be able to prevent and manage diarrhea from this breakfast duo. Pay attention to your body’s signals. If bacon and eggs consistently make you sick, consider other healthier breakfast options.
I hope these tips help you enjoy bacon and eggs without sacrificing your digestive health. But don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor if you have ongoing diarrhea, abdominal pain, or other concerning symptoms after eating any foods. With some adjustments to your diet and care for your gut, you can get back to safely savoring bacon and eggs and other favorites.
Unsweetened applesauce and pureed fruit
Applesauce and other pureed fruits, such as banana, can be a replacement for eggs in baking.
The pectin in fruits can effectively replace animal fats. It can act as an emulsifier, filler, stabilizer, thickener, and a gelling agent.
Try this recipe for a chocolate layer cake, using unsweetened applesauce.