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.
Crispy, smoky, salty bacon is the star of many delicious dishes. But if you’ve ever felt nauseous or had abdominal pain after eating bacon, you know it can sometimes cause havoc for your stomach.
As a long-time bacon lover I used to frequently get stomachaches and cramps after indulging in this pork product. I wanted to find out exactly why bacon was hurting my stomach so I could prevent it and keep enjoying bacon worry-free.
Through extensive research and trial and error, I’ve uncovered the main reasons why bacon can make your stomach hurt and how to avoid it Keep reading to learn what causes bacon stomach pain and expert tips to prevent it
What Causes Bacon to Upset Your Stomach?
There are several potential culprits behind bacon’s ability to cause stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea or other tummy troubles:
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High Fat Content – The high saturated fat content in bacon can slow digestion, causing discomfort.
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Nitrates/Nitrites – These preservatives may increase stomach irritation and inflammation.
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Fried or Burnt – Frying or overcooking bacon produces compounds that are hard to digest.
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Food Sensitivities – Some people may have sensitivities to pork, nitrates or other components in bacon.
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Bacterial Contamination – Undercooked or mishandled bacon can contain harmful bacteria leading to food poisoning symptoms.
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Health Conditions – People with IBS, GERD, ulcers or other GI issues may be more prone to bacon stomach pain.
Let’s explore these factors and the digestive process of bacon in more detail.
Why Does Fatty Bacon Hurt Your Stomach?
One of the biggest reasons bacon causes stomach discomfort is its high fat content.
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Bacon is up to 50% fat, mostly saturated and monounsaturated fat.
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High-fat foods take longer to digest, causing delayed stomach emptying.
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This slow digestion leads to sensations of fullness, bloating, nausea and stomach cramps.
For those prone to diarrhea, the high fat content of bacon may also stimulate urgent bowel movements or loose stools by accelerating gastrointestinal motility.
The Role of Nitrates and Nitrites in Bacon Stomach Pain
To preserve shelf life and add color and flavor, bacon is treated with sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite during curing.
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Nitrates get converted to nitrites by bacteria in your mouth and stomach.
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Nitrites may potentially cause inflammation in the GI tract, contributing to symptoms like stomach pain.
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When exposed to high heat, nitrites can turn into carcinogenic nitrosamines.
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Look for nitrate/nitrite-free bacon or those with celery salt or juice to reduce exposure.
Why Overcooked or Burnt Bacon Hurts Your Belly
Frying bacon until it’s charred or burnt isn’t just unappetizing, it can also spell disaster for your stomach.
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Burnt and overcooked bacon contains acrylamide, a compound formed when starchy foods are cooked above 120°C.
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Acrylamide may irritate the stomach lining and cause abdominal discomfort.
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Charring bacon also creates polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which may cause stomach irritation, pain, and nausea.
Could You Have a Bacon Sensitivity?
Some individuals may have sensitivities or intolerances to certain components in bacon, leading to stomach woes after eating it.
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It’s rare, but pork allergies can cause vomiting, cramps, hives, diarrhea.
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Nitrate/nitrite sensitivity may trigger headaches, stomach pain.
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Salicylate sensitivity causes diarrhea, cramping, nausea. Bacon contains salicylates.
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Histamine intolerance also provokes GI symptoms. Bacon has high histamine levels.
How Undercooked Bacon Causes Food Poisoning
Consuming undercooked bacon can expose you to bacteria like salmonella, listeria, E. coli and other pathogens that all provoke nasty food poisoning symptoms like:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Diarrhea
- Fever
Thoroughly cooking bacon to an internal temperature of at least 145°F kills any harmful bacteria present.
Health Conditions Making You More Prone to Bacon Stomach Pain
Those with chronic digestive issues like IBS, GERD, stomach ulcers, chronic pancreatitis or digestive disorders may be more likely to get stomach pain from fatty, acidic or trigger foods like bacon.
Tips to Prevent Bacon from Hurting Your Stomach
If you want to keep enjoying bacon without stomach troubles, here are some tips:
- Cook bacon thoroughly to avoid undercooking.
- Choose leaner bacon cuts with less fat.
- Fry bacon in olive oil instead of loads of butter or oil.
- Opt for uncured/nitrite-free bacon when possible.
- Bake or microwave instead of pan frying to reduce fat.
- Eat smaller portions and limit intake to 2-3 times per week.
- Take antacids if you get occasional discomfort after eating it.
- Avoid eating bacon with other high-fat foods.
- See a doctor if bacon consistently causes stomach pain. You may need to avoid it.
Is occasional bacon still ok for my stomach?
For most people, enjoying bacon in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet is fine and unlikely to cause stomach issues. But if it consistently makes your stomach hurt, it’s best to avoid it or limit intake. Listen to your body.
What helps soothe bacon-related stomach pain?
- Drink fluids like water, herbal tea, clear broths
- Apply a warm compress to the abdomen
- Take over-the-counter antacids
- Rest and relax until it passes
- Eat bland foods like bananas, rice, toast or yogurt
When should I see a doctor for bacon stomach pain?
See your doctor if you have severe, persistent or worsening stomach pain after eating bacon or any food. Also seek medical care if pain is accompanied by concerning symptoms like:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Blood in stool
- Diarrhea lasting over 48 hours
- Unintentional weight loss
This could indicate an underlying digestive disease, food intolerance or serious condition needing treatment. Your doctor can help get to the root cause.
The Bottom Line
Bacon may be delicious but it commonly causes stomach pain, nausea, bloating and other tummy troubles in some people. The high saturated fat delays stomach emptying, nitrates/nitrites can irritate the digestive tract, and overcooking produces harmful compounds. Those with chronic GI issues are also more prone to discomfort.
Fortunately, cooking bacon properly, choosing quality cuts, and limiting intake can help prevent many of these stomach woes. But speak to your doctor if bacon consistently makes you feel sick. By understanding the causes and solutions, you can keep enjoying bacon wisely and pain-free.
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.
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FAQ
Why does my stomach hurt after eating bacon?
Why do I get sick after eating bacon?
Why does grease make my stomach hurt?
Why does pork upset my stomach?
Is fried bacon bad for you?
Fried bacon contains nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. However, food producers have managed to reduce the nitrosamine content significantly by adding vitamin C. It is important to note that when cooking meat, finding a balance is crucial. Undercooking can also be a concern.
Why does my right bottom stomach hurt?
Why Do I Have Lower Right Abdominal Pain? Pain on the right side of the abdomen can be caused by conditions such as appendicitis, hernia, kidney issues, reproductive system issues, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, or even gas. There are many possible reasons for discomfort in your right abdominal region. You should ask for medical help if any kind of doubt.
Does eating bacon increase blood pressure?
Eating bacon, which is a processed meat, can increase blood pressure due to its high sodium content. Research from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2018 also found that consuming well-done meat, as opposed to rarer or less-cooked meat, is linked to a higher risk of blood pressure issues.
Is bacon high in salt?
Bacon, being made from pork and cured using salt, has a pretty high salt content. The passage also mentions that eating food high in salt has been associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer (9).