Feeling dizzy or lightheaded after eating certain foods is an unpleasant and disruptive experience. While many things can cause dizziness, pork happens to be one meat that is often associated with triggering symptoms in some people. But can eating pork really make you dizzy? Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding Dizziness
Dizziness is characterized by sensations of unsteadiness spinning swaying or losing balance. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, headaches or vision changes. Dizziness can range from mild to severe and disruptive.
There are several potential causes of dizziness including
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Inner ear problems like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or labyrinthitis
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Medications
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Low blood pressure
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Heart problems
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Migraines
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Motion sickness
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Low blood sugar
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Dehydration
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Stress and anxiety
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Food intolerances and allergies
If you experience Chronic or severe dizziness it’s important to see your doctor to rule out serious medical conditions. Mild, occasional dizziness can often be managed through lifestyle measures like diet changes, managing stress and staying hydrated.
Can Pork Cause Dizziness?
For some people, yes pork can trigger temporary dizziness and other unpleasant symptoms like nausea, headaches and fatigue. Here are some reasons why:
Histamine Intolerance
Histamines are chemicals released by the body during an allergic reaction. They dilate blood vessels and help immune cells travel to sites of infection or injury. The onset of symptoms like dizziness, headache, flushing, etc. are due to an excessive release of histamine.
Some people lack sufficient amounts of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) needed to break down histamine. This histamine intolerance means histamine builds up and triggers unpleasant symptoms.
Out of all foods, aged and fermented foods tend to be highest in histamines. These include:
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Aged cheeses
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Fermented sausages
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Cured meats like salami
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Pork products like bacon and ham
So for people with histamine intolerance, eating these foods can trigger dizziness and other symptoms within minutes to hours of consuming them.
Sulfite Sensitivity
Sulfites are food additives used as preservatives in foods like processed pork products, dried fruits, juices, beer, wine etc.
Sensitivity to sulfites has been linked to triggering headaches, dizziness and breathing issues in those susceptible.
High Fat Content
The high saturated fat content of pork can be hard to digest for some. This can trigger indigestion, nausea and dizziness in sensitive individuals.
Inflammation
Pork tends to be high in inflammatory arachidonic acid. This may exacerbate inflammatory conditions and trigger symptoms like brain fog, nausea, dizziness, joint pain etc. People with autoimmune disorders may be more susceptible.
Hormones and Antibiotics
Hormones and antibiotics given to pigs may remain as residues in pork products. This exposure can disrupt gut flora and potentially trigger symptoms like dizziness in some.
Nitrates/Nitrites
Processed pork products like bacon and deli meats contain sodium nitrate and nitrite. Nitrates can convert to carcinogenic nitrosamines. Sensitivity to these has been linked with migraines and dizziness.
Parasites
Undercooked or raw pork may contain parasites like pork tapeworms and trichinella spiralis. While rare, parasitic infections can definitely cause dizziness along with diarrhea, muscle pain, nausea etc.
Individual Sensitivity
Just like any food allergy or intolerance, some people may be specifically sensitive or allergic to pork, even though it’s generally considered safe when prepared properly. The immune reaction can trigger dizziness, hives, swelling, cramping etc.
Tips to Prevent Dizziness from Pork
If you experience dizziness or other symptoms after eating pork, here are some tips that may help:
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Completely avoid pork and note if symptoms subside
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Limit intake of processed pork like ham, bacon, deli meat, sausages
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Opt for organic, antibiotic-free pork
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Eat pork sparingly as part of a rotated diet instead of regularly
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Cook pork thoroughly to kill parasites. Undercooked pork is risky.
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Marinate pork in vinegar, lemon juice or wine to break down histamine
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Take antihistamines before eating pork to control histamine response
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Take DAO enzyme supplements before meals to aid histamine breakdown
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Stay hydrated and limit alcohol intake which can worsen symptoms
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Take probiotics to improve gut health and minimise inflammation
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Manage stress and get enough sleep which can reduce overall symptoms
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, dizziness triggered by pork tends to be temporary and not a cause for serious concern. But it’s a good idea to consult a doctor if you experience:
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Prolonged or severe dizziness
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Dizziness along with chest pain, palpitations or breathing difficulty
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Regular dizziness not related to meals
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Severe headache, loss of balance or vision changes
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Fever, neck stiffness or confusion
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New onset of dizziness in the elderly
This can help identify or rule out underlying conditions that may require treatment. Keeping a food and symptom diary is useful for identifying dietary triggers.
The Bottom Line
While many people can eat pork safely with no issues, a small subset is sensitive and may experience temporary dizziness and other symptoms after eating it. This is likely due to the histamine, sulfite, saturated fat, sodium nitrate and parasite content. Completely avoiding pork or limiting intake helps control symptoms in most cases. Seeking medical advice is prudent if dizziness is prolonged, severe or accompanies other concerning symptoms. Being mindful of food intolerances and sticking to a healthy balanced diet goes a long way in preventing unpleasant symptoms like dizziness.
Pork Allergy Foods To Avoid
| Jello | Marshmallows | Bag Gravy |
| Chili Sauces | Bag Seasoning Mixes | Refrigerated Pie Shells |
| Some Potato Chips | Some Sodas | Can Refrigerated Biscuits |
| Hostess Cupcakes | Kellogg Fruit Snacks | All Other Products Containing Gelatin |
There may be other foods not listed that contain pork ingredients. Pork is also hidden in some detergents, cleansers, dish liquids, and soaps. It’s important to read labels on packaged foods. Look for words like hydrolyzed animal protein, gelatin, and monostearate. These proteins come from animal fats.
An allergy blood test or provocation test works best to diagnose this allergy. A blood test measures the IgE antibodies in your blood responsible for your allergic reaction to pork. You don’t have to get ready for this kind of pork allergy testing like you do for most others, like a pork allergy patch test. However, you might have to wait weeks to get your test results. During this time, refrain from eating pork. In a clinical setting, you have to eat pork as part of an allergy provocation test, which is also called a food challenge. An allergist will recommend this test if you have a known cat allergy. You should not attempt this challenge at home, as it can cause a severe pork allergy reaction. Your doctor will have emergency medical equipment close by if needed.
Treating a pork allergy begins with avoidance. If you want to try new foods, you should change your diet and make sure they don’t contain any pork. A food allergy specialist can help you manage your diet and symptoms. Contact NY Allergy & Sinus Centers for more information.
In the event of an allergic reaction, over-the-counter allergy medication can soothe some of your symptoms. You may also need a prescribed cortisone cream to soothe your pork allergy rash and inflammation. Since pork allergy is a severe food allergy, you should also carry an epinephrine injection. Your allergist will train you how to administer the medicine.
Infectious Diseases A-Z: Will eating undercooked pork make you sick?
FAQ
Why do I feel weird after eating pork?
What foods cause dizziness?
What are the symptoms of pork intolerance?
Is it normal to feel dizzy after eating meat?
Can food cause dizziness?
Some people with conditions like vertigo or Meniere’s disease may also find their dizziness gets worse after eating certain foods. These conditions involve the inner ear and can affect your balance. Trigger foods may include those with a high salt content, alcohol, and foods known to trigger migraines.
Why is pork not recommended to eat?
This is not true, some cuts like sirloin and pork rump steak, for example, are very healthy, even healthier than beef and chicken. Only the fattest cuts like bacon and crackling should be avoided.
Why am I Dizzy after eating?
There are many reasons why you may be dizzy after eating. While dizziness usually occurs if you’ve gone too long without food. things low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and certain diabetes medications can also sometimes cause dizziness after a meal.
What foods cause dizziness & vertigo?
13. ❌ Saturated Fats: Found in certain cuts of meat and dairy products, can influence blood circulation and possibly trigger dizziness. 14. ❌ Nuts: Walnuts and peanuts might be triggers for those with migraines leading to vertigo. 15. ❌ Yogurt: It might be a potential trigger, especially if it’s aged or contains live cultures.