Chicken is a dietary staple for many people. It’s lean, versatile, and a good source of protein. However, some individuals experience nausea after eating this popular poultry. If you are wondering “why does chicken make me nauseous?”, this comprehensive guide will explore the potential causes and solutions.
Common Culprits Behind Chicken-Induced Nausea
Food Poisoning
One of the most frequent reasons for nausea after eating chicken is food poisoning. Chicken can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Clostridium perfringens if undercooked, mishandled, or improperly stored. These bacteria release toxins that irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.
To avoid food poisoning:
- Cook chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check doneness.
- Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards/utensils for raw chicken. Wash hands after handling.
- Refrigerate chicken promptly at temperatures below 40°F. Don’t leave chicken at room temperature for over 2 hours.
Allergies and Sensitivities
While less common than food poisoning, chicken allergies can also cause nausea after eating chicken. An allergy involves the immune system incorrectly identifying chicken proteins as harmful and triggering an inflammatory response.
A chicken sensitivity or intolerance does not involve the immune system. It occurs when an individual has difficulty digesting certain components of chicken, leading to GI symptoms like nausea bloating and gas.
Other Potential Causes
Preparation Methods
How chicken is cooked and which ingredients are used can affect digestion. Fried chicken or chicken cooked with heavy spices may irritate the stomach lining. Processed chicken products may contain additives like sodium phosphates that provoke nausea in sensitive people.
Underlying Conditions
Gastrointestinal conditions like IBS, Crohn’s disease, or gastroparesis can increase chances of nausea after eating chicken. These affect the ability to digest food efficiently. Stress or anxiety can also contribute.
Histamine Intolerance
Older improperly stored chicken can contain higher levels of histamine. People with histamine intolerance lack sufficient enzymes to break down histamine causing nausea, headaches, hives, etc. Eating freshly cooked chicken helps avoid exposure to high histamine.
Psychological Factors
If chicken once caused food poisoning, the memory can lead to conditioned nausea. Even safe chicken triggers a learned response. This food aversion develops from associating chicken with a prior bad experience.
Tips to Prevent Chicken-Related Nausea
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Handle raw chicken carefully and cook it thoroughly to avoid food poisoning. Use a food thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.
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If you have a chicken allergy or sensitivity, avoid eating it. Antihistamines may help if it’s histamine-related.
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Limit fried, greasy, and heavily spiced chicken. The fat and spices can irritate the stomach.
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Check labels and opt for fresh, additive-free chicken if you’re sensitive to certain ingredients.
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Manage stress and anxiety levels through exercise, meditation, therapy, etc. to prevent psychologically-induced nausea.
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If nausea persists, keep a food diary. An elimination diet can help identify triggers under a doctor’s supervision.
When to Seek Medical Care
Consult a doctor if nausea after eating chicken is severe, persistent, or accompanied by:
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Frequent vomiting
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Inability to keep down fluids
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Bloody diarrhea
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High fever over 102°F
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Signs of dehydration like dizziness, excessive thirst, and infrequent urination
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Difficulty breathing or swallowing
A doctor can diagnose potential causes through testing and recommend appropriate treatment to find relief.
Nausea after eating chicken can stem from food poisoning, allergies, sensitivities, preparation methods, underlying conditions, histamine intolerance, and psychological factors. Identifying your specific trigger is key to managing symptoms. Handle chicken properly, cook it thoroughly, and limit problem ingredients. See a doctor if nausea is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. With the right strategies, chicken can stay on the menu without inducing nausea so you can continue enjoying this nutritious and versatile protein.
How common is chicken intolerance?
Chicken intolerance is not very common, being less likely to cause reactions than fish, seafood, and red meat. However, if your body has trouble with digesting chicken meat and chicken products such as its broth, you may have an underlying chicken sensitivity. As a lean meat with healthy protein, eliminating chicken may be difficult but there are alternatives should you need to change up your diet.
Testing for chicken sensitivity
If you can’t enjoy chicken at a BBQ or even chicken soup, you may need to consider taking a food sensitivity test to determine if chicken is causing you digestive discomfort. At YorkTest, we simply require a finger prick blood sample for our labs to accurately test your IgG antibody response to over 200 ingredients, including chicken.
The test analyzes all IgG antibodies 1-4 directly in your blood, identifying any food sensitivities and their severity in a traffic light system. When you receive your results, our team can help guide you to understand your food sensitivities, as well as advise on how to take back control of your diet and get you feeling great again. If you require more in-depth consultation, we recommend booking a consultation with one of our highly qualified nutritional therapists.
The Premium Food Sensitivity Test measures your IgG reactivity to 200 foods and drinks. Get answers on which foods could be triggering your IBS symptoms, headaches, bloating, tiredness, and more. Simply collect your finger-prick blood sample at home. Mail it to our laboratory for testing. Then receive your results online within 7 days!
- 200 ingredients tested
- Tests are HSA and FSA accepted
- Analyzed in our accredited laboratory
- Clear, color-coded results show your IgG reactivity score for each ingredient
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FAQ
Why is my body suddenly rejecting chicken?
Rejection of a food is not related to previously eating too much of that particular food. Rejection can be an indication of an inherited genetic trait or a result of a very sterile environment during childhood and not eating that particular food.
Why does chicken give me an upset stomach?
Raw chicken contains harmful bacteria. Eating uncooked or undercooked chicken, even in tiny amounts, can cause symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. If a person does not handle or cook chicken properly, it can cause unpleasant illnesses.
What are the symptoms of chicken intolerance?
Chicken intolerance may induce the following reactions: Bloating. Stomach pain or cramps. Nausea.
Why am I getting sick from chicken?
People become infected with Salmonella or Campylobacter when they put their hands or other things that have been in contact with the birds or their …Oct 5, 2022
Why do I feel nauseous after eating chicken?
One possible explanation for feeling nauseous after eating chicken is an aversion to the taste or texture. Just like any food, not everyone enjoys the same flavors and textures. If you find chicken unappetizing, it’s natural for your body to respond with a feeling of nausea. Another reason could be food poisoning.
Can chicken cause nausea?
Chicken is a widely consumed protein source, loved for its versatility and taste. However, for some individuals, consuming chicken can lead to feelings of nausea. While this reaction may seem puzzling, there are several reasons why chicken might make you feel queasy.
Can chicken & eggs cause nausea & stomach pain?
Surprisingly, nausea or stomach pain after eating eggs or chicken is common for many people. At least it is for me, which is too bad since chicken and eggs are a couple of my favorite foods! In general, nausea after eating can be extremely uncomfortable. In fact, a person’s stomach may be so upset that they feel a sudden need to vomit.
Why does chicken make my stomach hurt?
Understanding why chicken might make the stomach hurt involves exploring various aspects of food preparation, individual sensitivities, and nutritional content. Food sensitivities can manifest in many ways. For some individuals, consuming chicken can trigger gastrointestinal distress.
Can fried chicken cause nausea?
Fried chicken, for example, is often cooked in greasy oils that can be heavy on the stomach and may trigger nausea, especially in individuals who are particularly sensitive to oily or fried foods. Moreover, some people may have an intolerance or allergy to chicken. While allergies to chicken are rare, they can occur.
How to avoid nausea after eating chicken & eggs?
Here are a few other precautions that you can take to help avoid nausea after eating chicken and eggs: Avoid eating spicy and oily foods. Avoid drinking cold drinks. Drink water to help flush toxins from the body and alleviate nausea after eating. Clean all surfaces and wash your hands after touching raw chicken.