Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is the star of many breakfasts. But if you’ve ever felt nauseous or had stomach pains after eating it, you’re not alone. Bacon can make some people sick due to its high fat content, preservatives, and the way it’s cooked.
However, bacon doesn’t have to be completely off limits if you have a sensitive stomach By understanding what causes bacon to be troublesome and taking steps to enjoy it safely, you can still indulge in a few bacon-y treats
What In Bacon Causes an Upset Stomach?
There are a few key components of bacon that can lead to stomach distress for some people:
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Fat Content – Bacon is very high in fat, with around 50% of its calories coming from fat. Too much grease and fat can delay stomach emptying and cause indigestion.
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Nitrates/Nitrites – These preservatives used to cure bacon can cause stomach irritation in some individuals. They also form carcinogens when exposed to high heat.
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Overcooking – Burnt or charred bacon contains compounds that promote inflammation in the stomach and esophagus.
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Salt Content – The sodium levels in bacon may exacerbate certain conditions like acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome
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Sulfites – Added to bacon to extend shelf life, sulfites can trigger headaches, nausea, and asthma symptoms in sensitive people.
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Histamines – Bacon contains high levels of histamines that can cause itching, headaches rashes, and diarrhea.
Symptoms of Bacon Intolerance
If bacon disagrees with your stomach, some common symptoms you may experience include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea after eating bacon
- Stomach pain, cramps, bloating, gas
- Heartburn, acid reflux, burning sensation
- Headaches or migraines following bacon intake
- Facial flushing, itching, rash outbreaks
These symptoms can start anywhere from immediately after eating bacon to 2-3 hours later as food moves through your system. They range from mild to severe depending on your sensitivity level.
Who’s Most Vulnerable to Bacon Intolerance?
Certain individuals are more prone to having gastric distress from bacon, including:
- Those with digestive conditions like IBS, IBD, or acid reflux
- People with sodium-restricted diets
- Individuals with sulfite allergies
- Those with histamine intolerance
- Anyone with hypertension or heart disease
- Children, pregnant women, and the elderly
If you fall into any of these categories, take extra care with bacon consumption and watch for adverse reactions.
Tips for Enjoying Bacon Safely
If you experience stomach troubles from bacon but don’t want to eliminate it fully from your diet, here are some tips:
- Opt for uncured/nitrate-free bacon when possible
- Cook on lower heat to avoid charring/burning
- Limit bacon intake to 1-2 times per week
- Eat smaller serving sizes, like 1 slice vs. 3-4
- Pair bacon with probiotic foods like yogurt or kimchi
- Choose lower-fat center cut bacon over regular
- Take anti-gas meds like Gas-X if needed
- Avoid eating bacon on an empty stomach
- Stay hydrated and active to aid digestion
Making these modifications to how you select, prepare, and consume bacon can help minimize adverse reactions.
When to Avoid Bacon Entirely
For those with severe reactions, bacon may need to be avoided altogether. You should eliminate bacon if you experience:
- Repeated vomiting, inability to keep food down
- Extreme abdominal pain and diarrhea
- Facial swelling, trouble breathing, anaphylaxis
- Migraines, confusion, blurred vision after eating it
- Multiple severe allergic symptoms
If bacon seems to trigger consistent, acute symptoms for you, it’s best to stay away from it altogether and opt for lower-fat proteins. See an allergist if needed to identify the causes.
Seeking Medical Care for Bacon Intolerance
If your symptoms persist despite dietary changes, consult your healthcare provider. They can check for underlying conditions that may be exacerbated by bacon.
You may need to follow a low-fat or low-sodium diet, avoid cured/processed meats entirely, or take medications to manage reflux, nausea, headaches, diarrhea etc. Your doctor can provide targeted treatment based on your health profile.
With the right precautions and medical guidance, most people can still indulge in the occasional slice of bacon without intestinal angst. But your body’s signals are the ultimate guide – if bacon makes you feel sick repeatedly, it may be safest to say “goodbye” to this beloved breakfast food.
Chemical additives in bacon
Processed meats often have chemical preservatives. Eating them is linked to an increased risk of developing colon and stomach cancer. On the list of Group 1 carcinogens, bacon is one that the World Health Organization says is known to cause cancer. Two preservatives, nitrates and nitrites, can combine to make compounds that can cause cancer. This is one of the biggest risks of bacon.
In addition to making you more likely to get colon and stomach cancer, processed meat also makes you more likely to get prostate and pancreatic cancer and die from any kind of cancer. One study found that women who ate even half a serving of processed meat a day were 11% more likely to get breast cancer.
The problem with processed meats
You probably already know that bacon isn’t the healthiest thing you can eat, but you might be wondering if it’s really that bad to eat once in a while. Every year, Americans eat a huge amount of bacon, even though there are warnings that it can cause a lot of different diseases and health issues. The American Institute of Cancer Research recommends avoiding bacon and other processed meats completely.
Any kind of red meat has been linked to higher health risks, but processed meats are even worse to your health. Processed meats arent fresh like hamburgers or steaks. They have been preserved by curing, smoking, salting, or adding chemical preservatives. There are three chemicals in processed meat that have been linked to cancer . They include:
- Haem, a red pigment that is found naturally in most red meats
- Foods that are processed with nitrites and nitrates stay fresh for a long time.
- Sometimes when meat is cooked at high temperatures, chemicals called heterocyclic amines and polycyclic amines are made.
All three of these substances can damage the cells in your bowels. The damage can build up ov er time and lead to cancer.
What’s So Bad about BACON? (Truth about Bacon Safety) 2024
What happens if you eat bacon?
“The saturated and trans fats in bacon can also lead to arterial plaque buildup, further narrowing blood vessels and potentially worsening hypertension,” adds Best. Your risk for cancer may increase. Bacon is a type of processed meat, so your risk for cancer may increase.
Can one eat bacon with diverticulosis?
You can eat bacon with diverticulosis, but it is not the most recommended. In a person with diverticulosis, it is recommended to consume foods with soluble fiber such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Is fried bacon bad for you?
Fried bacon contains nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. However, food producers have managed to reduce the nitrosamine content significantly by adding vitamin C. It is important to note that when cooking meat, finding a balance is crucial. Undercooking can also be a concern.
Does bacon increase your risk for cancer?
Your risk for cancer may increase. Bacon is a type of processed meat, so your risk for cancer may increase. That’s because processed foods like bacon, sausage, and deli meats are classified as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning these products have been proven to sometimes lead to an increased risk of cancer.