Do you ever have stomach pain or bloating right after eating and wonder, “Why does my stomach hurt after eating?” You’re not the only one. Feeling good after eating tasty food should be fun, but having an upset stomach right after can be a real pain. You might also have gas, heartburn, constipation, or even diarrhea—which can make you feel super concerned. So, what gives?.
The truth is, it can be tricky to figure out the exact culprit of your digestive upset. Maybe a certain food makes you feel bad in general, or you think you might have a gluten intolerance. Maybe you have tummy issues when you travel, but not during meals at home. Acidic foods, alcohol, caffeine, and, of course, regular indigestion, which can come and go (more on that soon), are some of the other most common causes.
Even if your stomach hurts after eating, it might not be a big deal, but it could be a sign of something more serious. Here, gastroenterologists list some of the most common medical and non-medical reasons for your symptoms so you can figure out what’s wrong and feel better as soon as possible.
Bacon – that salty, smoky, oh-so-tasty breakfast meat. For many of us, a perfect weekend morning involves a thick slice (or three) of bacon, ideally accompanied by eggs, toast and coffee.
But what if your enjoyment of bacon has recently been overshadowed by stomach pain and discomfort? You’re not alone Plenty of bacon lovers have found themselves asking can bacon cause stomach pain?
The short answer is yes, bacon can trigger stomach pain and other gastrointestinal issues in some people. Below, we’ll explore the most common reasons behind bacon-induced tummy troubles, plus tips to enjoy bacon without the ouch.
Why Bacon Causes Stomach Pain for Some Folks
There are a few key factors that help explain why bacon and other cured or processed meats can spell stomach trouble for certain folks:
High Fat Content
One of the main reasons bacon causes stomach discomfort is its high fat content. Bacon is 50% monounsaturated fat. While “healthy fats” like these are OK in moderation, too much at once can overload your digestive system.
This forces your stomach to go into overdrive to break down the fat. The result? Pain bloating nausea and other unpleasantness. Those with conditions like acid reflux, IBS or gallstones usually feel it the worst.
High Sodium Levels
Like many cured or smoked meats, bacon is sky-high in sodium. Just two regular slices deliver about 380 mg of sodium – and some specialty bacons pack over 600 mg per serving.
Consuming too much sodium can lead to stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea and cramping. Again, the high salt load requires extra effort from your GI tract to process properly. Those with sodium-sensitivity or conditions like IBS will likely feel the worst effects.
Preservatives & Flavorings
Today’s commercial bacons often contain preservatives like nitrates and nitrites to preserve color and extend shelf life. While these chemicals are limited and considered safe by health authorities, some folks do seem sensitive.
The nitrates and nitrites may cause headaches, nausea and stomach discomfort in those prone to reactions. Artificial smoke flavoring and other additives can also trigger adverse effects for those with sensitivities.
Difficulty Digesting Cured Meats
For some, there may be trouble properly digesting cured or aged meats like bacon. This is especially true if high amounts are consumed.
The curing and smoking process alters the protein structure of the meat. This makes it more difficult for our digestive enzymes to break down fully. The result can be abdominal pain, cramping, bloating and other signs your system is struggling.
Those with conditions like IBS, Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease are most prone to reacting negatively. But even those without these conditions may experience difficulty.
Contaminants or Preparation Issues
Lastly, bacon can cause stomach issues if contamination or preparation mistakes occur:
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Undercooked bacon may harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella, staphylococcus or listeria, all of which can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Ensure bacon is heated to at least 145°F.
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bacon may contain traces of antibiotics or growth hormones, which some react negatively to. Choosing certified organic bacon minimizes this risk.
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Improperly stored bacon is susceptible to spoilage. Eating spoiled or moldy bacon can certainly upset one’s stomach.
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Cooking bacon improperly where it’s over burned or charred may introduce harmful compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heterocyclic amines (HCAs) or advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These may trigger inflammation or sensitivity reactions in some folks.
As you can see, there are quite a few potential ways bacon can spell stomach trouble for certain individuals. But not all hope for bacon lovers is lost…
Tips for Enjoying Bacon Without The Stomach Pain
If you’re one who winds up with a sore stomach after bacon, but aren’t quite ready to break up with your beloved breakfast meat, here are some tips to enjoy bacon without the ouch:
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Limit portion sizes – 1-2 slices of bacon a few times weekly is a good target for most people. Moderation is key.
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Choose uncured bacon – ditch the potentially problematic curing agents and go for uncured bacon, just seasoned with natural spices or fruit juices.
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Look for no antibiotics or hormones – choose bacons certified as coming from animals raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
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Go for high-quality artisanal brands – pay a little extra for small-batch local bacon makers who use better quality meats and minimal processing.
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Cook properly – avoid overcooking to prevent formation of carcinogens. Bake bacon in the oven for even cooking.
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Line your stomach first – eating something small like yogurt or oatmeal before the bacon can help minimize fat-induced irritation.
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Avoid grease – blot bacon slices after cooking to soak up some of the fat drippings before eating.
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Balance with veggies – pair bacon withfiber and nutrient-rich fresh veggies and fruits, like a BLT sandwich or salad.
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Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water before and after eating bacon to support digestion and ease stomach upset.
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Listen to your body – if bacon consistently causes major stomach pains or diarrhea, it may be best to avoid it altogether and choose alternative proteins.
When to See a Doctor
Mild stomach discomfort after eating bacon now and then, especially if following the above tips, is no major cause for concern.
But if you experience severe abdominal pain, intense cramping, recurrent nausea/vomiting, or persistent digestive issues after eating bacon, it’s wise to consult your physician.
They can help identify if you have a true sensitivity or intolerance to some component of bacon. If so, they’ll advise you on fully eliminating or substituting bacon from your diet.
Severe reactions may also be a sign of another underlying digestive disorder that requires diagnosis and management, like IBS, gallstones, or GERD.
Healthier Bacon Alternatives
If your body makes it clear bacon is a no-go for your stomach’s wellbeing, healthier alternatives exist that can satisfy the bacon taste without the pain:
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Turkey bacon – uses turkey meat instead of pork, which is lower in fat. Opt for uncured turkey bacon.
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Beef bacon – made from beef brisket or other cuts. Also lower in fat than pork bacon.
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Tempeh bacon – made by marinating and seasoning strips of tempeh. Provides a “meaty” flavor from fermented soybeans.
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Coconut bacon – made by seasoning coconut flakes. Provides a crispy, salty, smoky flavor.
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Shiitake mushroom bacon – roasted shiitake mushrooms mimic the taste and texture of bacon impressively well.
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Eggplant bacon – thin slices of eggplant roasted with spices creates a crispy, salty, bacon-like treat.
The Bottom Line
So can bacon cause stomach pain? For some folks, unfortunately yes. The high fat and sodium content, preservatives and flavorings, and its processed nature are common culprits. But with care to choose high-quality bacon and moderate intake, most people should be able to keep enjoying their bacon in stomach-friendly moderation.
If you do wind up with recurrent tummy troubles after bacon, work with your doctor to pinpoint the cause and find suitable lower-fat, lower-sodium substitutes. With creativity in the kitchen, you can create “faux bacon” that captures that smoky satisfaction without the undesirable digestive effects.
Does your stomach protest bacon? What are your favorite substitutes to get that bacon flavor without the pain? Share your experience and tips below!
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What causes stomach pain after eating?
When you’re really hungry, it can be hard to slow down, but eating too quickly can make your stomach hurt and make you bloated. Natalie Allen, RD, an instructor of biomedical sciences at Missouri State University, told Women’s Health that eating quickly can make you breathe more deeply and make digestion worse. To avoid this, chew your food well and take at least 20 minutes to eat, Allen recommends. This can help prevent uncomfortable tummy symptoms later on.
Some foods may be making your stomach hurt because they don’t work well with your body. Thomas VanderHeyden, DO, a gastroenterologist at Michiana Gastroenterology, says, “It can take a while to figure out which foods are hurting you. You should talk to your doctor about your eating habits and any symptoms that are related to food.” Talking to a doctor or a registered dietitian can help you figure out which food(s) might be making you sick.
Sometimes, stomachaches are caused by gas buildup from normal, everyday activities like eating and drinking. Jordan Hill, RD, a nutritionist at Top Nutrition Coaching, told WH, “Gas can build up in the intestines when you swallow air while eating or when bacteria in the colon break down food that wasn’t fully digested in the small intestine.” If you often get gas and bloating, pay attention to the serving sizes that are suggested, eat slowly, and don’t rush your meals.
One of the most common reasons for stomach pain after eating is dyspepsia—basically a fancy word for indigestion. Dyspepsia causes abdominal pain, bloating, and feelings of fullness after you eat, says Scott Gabbard, MD, a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic.While indigestion typically goes away on its own, your stomach might also hurt after eating because of an underlying condition, says Ashkan Farhadi, MD, a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. Ahead, experts weigh in on common medical conditions that might be contributing to your tummy pain.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
When stomach acid hurts the lining of your esophagus, you get this condition, which causes heartburn and stomach pain, Dr. Farhadi says. A gastroenterologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center, Rudolph Bedford, MD, says that GERD is more likely to happen if you eat too much or love spicy foods. This is because eating too much or spicy foods makes acid flow up into your esophagus, which can be very painful.
Cutting back on spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can help if you think you have GERD. You can also take over-the-counter antacids to ease your symptoms. If that still doesn’t do the trick, call your doctor.