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.
Pork is a tasty and versatile meat enjoyed around the world. From bacon and ham to pork chops and roast pork, there are endless ways to work this protein into meals. However, some people experience an unpleasant side effect after eating pork: diarrhea.
If you find yourself running to the bathroom with loose stools and abdominal cramps after indulging in pork, you’re definitely not alone. Let’s explore the potential reasons behind this gastrointestinal reaction and what you can do about it.
Possible Causes of Pork-Induced Diarrhea
There are a few possible culprits that could be to blame when pork leads to diarrhea
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Food poisoning – Undercooked pork can contain harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites that cause foodborne illness Common culprits include salmonella, E. coli, and trichinosis from undercooked meat
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Fat content – Pork contains more fat than lean meats like chicken or fish. The high fat content can accelerate transit time in the colon, resulting in loose stools.
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Allergies – It’s possible to have an actual allergy to pork, which triggers an immune response that causes digestive issues like diarrhea. This is relatively uncommon though.
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Intolerances – Some people may have a non-allergic sensitivity to compounds found in pork. This gets categorized as a food intolerance.
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Spices or seasonings – The way the pork is seasoned or what it’s served with could irritate your stomach. Ingredients like onions, garlic, spicy sauces or high-fat gravies can cause issues.
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Medical conditions – Certain conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) make people more prone to diarrhea after eating triggering foods.
As you can see, the causes can vary widely. Let’s explore some of the top offenders in more detail.
Food Poisoning from Undercooked Pork
One of the most common reasons pork can cause diarrhea is undercooked meat containing harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can contaminate pork products and cause severe food poisoning. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, fever, and watery diarrhea that starts 8 to 72 hours after ingesting tainted pork.
E. coli outbreaks have also been linked to contaminated pork. This bacterium inflames the lining of the intestines, resulting in bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps 2 to 8 days after exposure.
Trichinosis is a roundworm parasite in pork that survives if meat is undercooked. It causes abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms that start 1 to 2 days after consuming infected meat.
Cooking pork properly to an internal temperature of 145°F kills any potential pathogens present. Be sure to use a food thermometer to verify doneness, avoiding pink pork that can harbor bacteria or parasites.
Fat Content in Pork
Another factor that can lead to looser stools after eating pork is its higher fat content compared to leaner meats. Pork contains varying amounts of fat based on the cut:
- Pork tenderloin: 2.98g fat per 3oz
- Pork chop: 9.28g fat per 3oz
- Pork ribs: 23.35g fat per 3oz
- Bacon: 29.34g fat per slice
Dietary fat can increase the motility of the colon and accelerate transit time of food through the intestines. This faster transit provides less time for water absorption, resulting in diarrhea. All that fat may also trigger your gallbladder to release bile, which has a laxative effect.
Choosing leaner cuts of pork, trimming visible fat, and avoiding deep frying or breading can help minimize fat-induced diarrhea. Be sure to consume pork in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Allergies and Intolerances to Pork
It’s possible to have an allergic reaction or a non-allergic sensitivity to the proteins found in pork. This can trigger digestive upset like diarrhea, nausea, bloating or gas after eating pork.
A true pork allergy is fairly uncommon but possible. With an allergy, the body mistakenly sees pork proteins as harmful invaders and releases IgE antibodies that trigger symptoms. Diarrhea, vomiting, hives, face/mouth swelling and breathing difficulties can occur immediately or up to 2 hours after eating pork.
More common is a pork intolerance. This non-allergic reaction is caused by difficulty digesting compounds found in pork. Diarrhea often shows up many hours after eating pork or the next day, since it takes time for undigested compounds to irritate the gut lining.
Those with a pork intolerance may also find that well-cooked pork causes fewer issues than undercooked meat. Heavily spiced or smoked pork products also tend to be more irritating.
See an allergist if you suspect a pork allergy or intolerance. They can perform skin or blood tests to confirm. An elimination diet removing pork for several weeks can also help diagnose a pork intolerance.
Seasonings, Sauces and Sides
When enjoying pork, consider the sides, seasonings and sauces served with the meat as potential diarrhea culprits too.
Onions, garlic, pepper flakes, and hot sauce can irritate the digestive tract in some people. High-fat gravy or cheese toppings slow digestion. Even the high fructose corn syrup in some barbecue sauces can pull water into the intestines, causing diarrhea in sensitive folks.
Experiment to see if eliminating certain ingredients, spices or sauces helps resolve diarrhea issues after eating pork. Keeping seasoning simple may be key.
Underlying Digestive Conditions
For some people, pork ends up being a trigger food that exacerbates gastrointestinal symptoms of certain medical conditions:
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Those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are sensitive to foods that stimulate gut spasms, like fatty or heavily spiced pork.
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People with celiac disease can’t tolerate gluten, and trace amounts in breading, sauces or side dishes can cause diarrhea after eating pork.
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Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis involve intestinal inflammation that flares up when aggravating foods like pork are consumed.
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Issues like lactose intolerance mean dairy-laden foods served with pork could be the real culprit.
Talk to your doctor if you have an underlying condition like IBS, celiac disease or colitis. They can provide guidance on dietary changes and medications to manage symptoms.
Tips to Enjoy Pork Without Diarrhea
If you experience diarrhea after eating pork, try these tips to help enjoy it without digestive distress:
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Cook pork thoroughly to an internal temp of 145°F to avoid foodborne illness. Use a food thermometer.
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Choose leaner cuts like loin or tenderloin to minimize fat.
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Trim visible fat before cooking to reduce the overall fat content.
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Limit portion sizes to avoid overloading your digestive system.
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Reduce oil and breading by baking or grilling instead of frying.
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Limit rich sauces or gravies. Opt for lighter seasonings like herbs, spices and citrus.
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Eat slowly and chew pork thoroughly to aid digestion. Don’t wash it down with lots of liquid.
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Try digestive enzymes or probiotics to see if they improve pork digestion.
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Talk to your doctor if diarrhea persists to address any underlying conditions.
When to Seek Medical Care
Diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or is accompanied by severe pain, bloody stools, fever or dehydration requires medical attention. Seek emergency care for symptoms of a pork allergy like breathing difficulties or swelling.
Mild, temporary diarrhea from pork can often be managed with over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle changes. But recurrent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by your doctor.
Understanding why your body reacts to pork with diarrhea is the first step towards finding a solution. While pork may not agree with all digestive systems, identifying triggers and making tweaks to how you prepare and consume it can allow you to enjoy this classic meat.
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 do I get diarrhea after eating pork?
FAQ
Can you be intolerant to pork?
Can pork upset your digestive system?
How does pork make you sick?
Can you get gastroenteritis from pork?
Does pork give you diarrhea?
Pork is a popular meat, but it can cause digestive issues for some people. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why pork might be giving you diarrhea and other unpleasant symptoms. From allergies and intolerances to improper preparation and food poisoning, we’ll cover it all.
Can eating pork cause diarrhea and stomach cramps?
If diarrhea or stomach cramps are a consistent issue after eating pork, it might be an allergy or intolerance. However, if these symptoms occur only once, food poisoning from undercooked pork is a more likely cause. Trichinella, a type of roundworm, is often found in pig meat.
What causes stomach pain after eating pork?
Stomach pain after eating pork could be caused by an allergy or intolerance. Some people experience stomach cramps or diarrhea after consuming pork products such as bacon, ham, or pork chops. If this occurs regularly, it’s possible that you have a food allergy or intolerance.
Can pork worms cause diarrhea?
While most cuts of pork pass through your digestive tract with no effects other than to cause normal digestive function, some pork can be contaminated with roundworms, which lead to intestinal infection. This infection, called trichinosis, causes abdominal cramping, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, explains PubMed Health.