How common is it? The most recent numbers from the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation show that over-the-counter sales of medicines and remedies for diarrhea were $50 million in 2008. That’s almost twice as much as they were in 2003.
Most people don’t like having diarrhea, but if you want to feel better, you can change what you eat.
“First, it’s important to deal with the reason why you’re having loose stools,” says Andrea D’Ambrosio, a registered dietitian with Dietetic Directions and a spokesperson for Dietitians of Canada. „For instance, some people are sensitive to lactose or gluten and may get loose stools after eating those foods. Others, on the other hand, have “acute” or short-term diarrhea when they are taking certain medications, getting cancer treatment, surgery, or even going through a very stressful situation. ”.
D’Ambrosio gives a list of five foods that can help with diarrhea management as well as five foods to stay away from if you want to get rid of diarrhea.
D’Ambrosio says that oatmeal is an example of a food that has soluble fiber and may help with diarrhea.
“A type of fiber called soluble fiber attracts water and turns it into a gel during digestion,” she says. “This slows the digestion process and can help adding bulk to bowel movements. ”.
“It is important to drink more water with soluble fiber to avoid constipation, because the fiber needs water to absorb in order to move through the digestive tract,” D’Ambrosio says.
“The reason is because it is low fibre, which helps in not promoting bowel movements,” she says. “This allows the bowels to form instead of promoting them to move. ”.
D’Ambrosio says that brown rice has more insoluble fiber than white rice, which helps food move through the stomach faster.
As D’Ambrosio says, one banana serving is actually half a banana. Bananas are a good source of soluble fiber.
“However, it is important to address the underlying cause of the diarrhea,” she says. “For instance, if someone has trouble absorbing fructose, eating a whole banana or a banana that is too ripe could make their diarrhea worse.” ”.
She also says that bananas are a great source of potassium, which is an electrolyte that you need to replace when you have loose stools.
D’Ambrosio says that these kinds of soups can help make up for the salt and potassium that you lose when you have loose stools.
“They are generally well-tolerated by the body and can help keep the electrolyte balance stable, which can change as the body hydrates and loses water.” ”.
The Scoop on Bacon and Pooping How Eating Bacon Affects Your Bowel Movements
I always make sure there are crispy pork strips in the pan because I love bacon so much. Having my favorite breakfast meat, on the other hand, doesn’t always make me feel good afterward. So what gives – does eating bacon really make you poop?.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the connection between devouring bacon and its effects on your bowel movements. We’ll look at how fat and fiber impact digestion, what the science says, and how to enjoy bacon without unwelcome bathroom surprises. Time to get to the bottom of this burning question!
The Role of Fiber and Fat in Digestion
To understand why bacon might make you go to the bathroom so often, let’s first look at how fat and fiber affect digestion.
Fiber, which is found in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, helps your digestive tract work more efficiently. Soluble fiber soaks up water to make a gel-like mass that makes stool softer and heavier. Insoluble fiber adds bulk and helps speed transit time.
Fat, on the other hand, significantly slows digestion. It takes much longer for your body to break down fatty foods compared to fiber-rich options. This slower gastric emptying time gives food more opportunity to irritate your digestive system.
How Does Bacon Affect Your Digestive Process?
Now let’s look specifically at bacon, which is high in fat but contains zero fiber. Studies show that diets higher in fat tend to correlate with increased constipation and harder stool consistency. The high saturated fat content of bacon can especially contribute to this effect.
Too much greasy food can also overstimulate the gallbladder to release bile, resulting in diarrhea for some. The sodium and preservatives in bacon may further upset the digestive process.
On the flip side, bacon’s high salt content could potentially draw more water into your colon to soften stool and induce bowel movements. But overall, the high fat content seems more likely to promote constipation rather than loose stools.
The Takeaway: Bacon More Often Causes Constipation
Based on the research and mechanisms involved, bacon and other high-fat meats tend to have a constipating effect for most people. All that dense, greasy pork fat takes a long time for your body to break down. And without any fiber to help move things along, bacon can gum up your insides.
However, everyone’s digestive system is different. Those with irritable bowel syndrome or other GI conditions may react differently. Some people do report diarrhea after eating fatty foods like bacon. But in general, bacon likely has a slowing effect on your digestion.
Tips to Limit Bacon’s Impact on Your Bowel Movements
If you want to keep enjoying tasty bacon without the unwanted side effects, here are some tips:
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Eat it in moderation – 1-2 strips max per serving
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Choose bacon with less fat, like center-cut or turkey bacon
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Grill or bake it instead of frying to reduce grease
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Pair it with high-fiber foods like oatmeal, veggies, or whole grain toast
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Stay hydrated to counter constipating effects
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Limit other fatty foods at same meal to prevent GI overload
The key is balance – pairing bacon with fiber-rich foods and not overdoing your portion size should help minimize GI issues. But listen to your body and adjust as needed.
Healthy High-Fiber Foods to Eat With Bacon
To help counteract bacon’s potential to clog you up, enjoy it alongside fiber-filled foods like:
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Oatmeal or whole grain toast
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Leafy greens like spinach or kale
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Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peas or beans
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Avocado slices on a bacon sandwich
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Fruit like berries or apple slices
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Chia seeds or ground flaxseed sprinkled on a salad with bacon bits
The fiber in these plant foods will help move things smoothly through your system, easing bacon’s dense fatty effects. A balanced plate is key!
Foods That Can Also Cause Diarrhea
While bacon tends to bind folks up, other foods are notorious for sending people sprinting to the toilet. Some other common culprits include:
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Super spicy foods, which contain irritants
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Fried, fatty foods, which are hard to digest
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Sugary foods, artificial sweeteners, and too much caffeine
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Dairy products, if you are lactose intolerant
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Overloading on certain sugar alcohols like sorbitol
Again, people have different GI symptom triggers. If you suspect certain foods consistently cause diarrhea for you, keep a food journal to track your body’s reactions.
When Constipation Warrants Medical Attention
Occasional constipation is often diet-related and not a major concern. But if you experience persistent constipation along with symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody stool, or weight loss, see
Foods that may not help
1. Fatty or greasy foods
For some people, greasy foods worsen diarrhea, D’Ambrosio says.
Avoid fried foods, or foods high in fat like bacon, sausage, pizza and pastries which may worsen symptoms.
2. Caffeine
Caffeine acts as a bowel stimulant and may aggravate diarrhea in some, she says.
3. Milk
D’Ambrosio says that if someone has lactose intolerance, they will need to find out how much they can handle without getting sick.
Many people who are lactose intolerant can handle yogurt and cheese better because they contain less lactose. ”.
4. Sorbitol or sugar-free foods
D’Ambrosio says that the sorbitol or xylitol in sugar-free candies, gums, or other “diet products” can make diarrhea worse because they can act as laxatives.
5. Bran
D’Ambrosio says that if you have diarrhea, you should limit the amount of insoluble fiber you eat because it makes your stools bulkier and helps you move around.
How Food Turns Into Poop
FAQ
Will bacon help you poop?
Why does bacon give me diarrhea?
What causes rapid bowel movement after eating?
Is red meat bad for poop?
Read on to find out exactly which foods might be slowing your ability to go, and for more, don’t miss 16 Foods To Help You Poop Immediately. Red meat is often high in total fat, contains no fiber, and might be seasoned with salt. ” A diet high in red meat is associated with constipation. Animal foods like red meat lack fiber.
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.
Do garlic and onions irritate the bowels?
Both garlic and onion contain juices that, when broken down by the acid in your stomach, can release gases and irritate the bowels. Garlic and onions are fructans, which is a carbohydrate the body finds it difficult to digest. They also contain insoluble fiber, which can make foods move through the digestive system faster.
Can high-fat meats cause constipation?
To ease constipation symptoms, it may help to avoid the following high-fat meats: Some people report having constipation after consuming cheese, milk, and other full-fat dairy products. This may be because dairy products can contain high amounts of saturated fat and low amounts of fiber.