Salmon is typically known as a nutritious and healthy food packed with protein omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals. However, some individuals experience digestive issues like diarrhea after eating salmon. If you’ve found yourself wondering “why would salmon give me diarrhea?”, this article covers the potential reasons.
Overview of Salmon and Diarrhea
Before diving into specifics, let’s walk through a quick overview:
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Salmon is generally safe and healthy to eat when properly handled and cooked.
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However raw or undercooked salmon can harbor bacteria that causes food poisoning, resulting in diarrhea.
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The most common culprit is salmonella, a bacteria found in raw meats and fish.
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Allergy or sensitivity to salmon can also trigger diarrhea in some individuals.
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Fatty, rich fish like salmon may cause indigestion issues for sensitive stomachs.
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Consuming too much salmon can overstimulate the digestive tract, causing loose stools or diarrhea temporarily.
So while salmon provides great nutrition, various factors can contribute to it causing diarrhea as a side effect for some people. Let’s explore these factors in more detail.
Food Poisoning from Salmonella
One of the most common reasons salmon causes diarrhea is food poisoning from salmonella bacteria. Salmonella is a bacteria commonly found in raw meats, eggs, and fish.
Symptoms of salmonella food poisoning include:
- Watery, loose stools or diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
If salmon is contaminated with salmonella and not cooked properly to kill the bacteria, it can cause these unpleasant symptoms between 6 hours to 6 days after exposure.
You’re more likely to get salmonella from salmon if:
- The raw salmon was poorly handled or stored incorrectly.
- The salmon was not cooked to a safe 145°F internal temperature.
- Cross-contamination occurred from surfaces or utensils that touched raw salmon.
To prevent salmonella poisoning:
- Cook salmon thoroughly to 145°F or higher. Use a food thermometer to verify temperature.
- Always wash hands, utensils, surfaces after handling raw salmon.
- Defrost frozen salmon safely in the fridge, not at room temperature.
- Store and handle raw salmon carefully to prevent cross-contamination.
Allergy or Sensitivity
Some individuals may actually have an allergy or sensitivity to salmon itself. This is less common than getting sick from salmonella or other contaminants, but can still affect certain people.
The specific compounds that can trigger allergies or intolerance symptoms are:
- Parvalbumin – a protein found in fish muscle tissue
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Preservatives like sulfites
- Other proteins
Possible symptoms of salmon allergy or intolerance include:
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Hives or itchy skin rash
These symptoms are caused by an abnormal immune response triggered by exposure to these compounds in salmon. Reactions can range from mild to potentially life-threatening.
If salmon gives you diarrhea every time you eat it, a food allergy is likely the cause. See an allergist for allergy testing if this is the case.
Fatty and Rich Nature
Another potential factor is the fatty, rich nature of salmon itself. Salmon is an oily, fatty fish, thanks to those beneficial omega-3s.
However, for those with sensitive digestive systems, these traits can trigger indigestion issues like:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
The rich fats and oils in salmon can overstimulate digestion or be difficult to break down for some. This seems to be more common if you eat a large portion of salmon versus a sensible 3-4 oz serving.
Switching to leaner fish like tilapia, cod or flounder may help alleviate this issue. Cooking salmon by grilling, baking or broiling allows some fat to drain away as well.
Overconsumption
Eating an unusually large amount of salmon in one sitting could also be the culprit if you find yourself asking “why did salmon give me diarrhea?”
Even though it’s very healthy, overdoing intake of any single food can shock your digestive tract, salmon included.
Some possible results of salmon overindulgence include:
- Oily, loose stools
- Indigestion
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
Try scaling back to reasonable 4-6 oz portions of salmon, and avoid gorging on big salmon steaks or piles of smoked salmon. Spreading salmon out over multiple small meals can help too.
Preparation Mistakes
Improper preparation or cooking of salmon that allows bacteria growth can also be the cause of diarrhea. Here are some preparation problems to avoid:
- Not thoroughly cooking salmon to 145°F internal temperature to kill bacteria
- Letting raw or cooked salmon sit at room temperature too long before eating
- Improper thawing by leaving frozen salmon out on the counter overnight
- Using contaminated cutting boards, utensils and surfaces to prepare salmon
- Eating salmon that has gone bad or is past its expiration date
Always ensure salmon is properly cooked, stored, handled and consumed before the sell-by date to maximize safety and freshness.
Cured or Smoked Salmon Concerns
With raw fish like sushi or lox, higher quality handling standards are needed. Both cured and smoked salmon require meticulous monitoring during processing and cold storage to keep bacterial growth in check.
Lower quality smoked or cured salmon may have a higher risk of harboring listeria, salmonella or other dangerous bacteria. Always look for reputable sources and brands of cured and smoked salmon products.
It’s also smart to limit intake of raw cured or smoked salmon if you have a sensitive stomach. Cooking these varieties provides an extra layer of protection.
Tips to Prevent Salmon Related Diarrhea
To help minimize the chances of diarrhea from salmon, here are some useful tips to remember:
- Verify salmon reaches 145°F internal temperature when cooking.
- Refrigerate or freeze salmon promptly within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing.
- Wash hands and surfaces carefully after handling raw salmon.
- Don’t leave salmon sitting out too long when marinating or thawing.
- Check sell-by dates and the safety of storage/handling if purchasing prepared smoked salmon or sushi.
- Start with small portions of salmon if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Speak to an allergist if you suspect a salmon allergy or intolerance.
When to Seek Medical Care
In most cases, salmon-related diarrhea will resolve on its own within a day or two. But be sure to consult a doctor if you experience:
- Fever over 101°F
- Bloody stool
- Diarrhea lasting over 48 hours
- Severe abdominal pain or dehydration
These are signs of a more serious condition requiring medical treatment. Promptly contact a doctor if your symptoms are severe or persist.
The Bottom Line
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to some other common questions about salmon and diarrhea:
Why does salmon upset my stomach?
Salmon could upset your stomach due to high fat content if you have a sensitive stomach, or from contamination with bacteria, parasites or toxins if undercooked. Allergy is another possibility.
Why am I suddenly intolerant to salmon?
Developing a newfound intolerance can happen with age or changes in the gut. See an allergist to determine if an allergy is causing new salmon intolerance.
Can salmon intolerance go away?
Yes, some temporary intolerances resolve on their own over time. But a true allergy will likely persist without avoidance and medical treatment.
Why does smoked salmon give me diarrhea?
Like raw salmon, smoked salmon can cause diarrhea due to contamination if improperly processed and stored. Cured meats are also higher risk for some pathogens.
Can salmon poisoning cause diarrhea?
Yes, salmon poisoning due to the rickettsial bacterium Neorickettsia helminthoeca can cause vomiting, fever, and bloody diarrhea in dogs. But human cases are extremely rare.
Does undercooked salmon cause diarrhea?
Yes, thoroughly cooking salmon kills any potentially harmful bacteria present. Undercooked salmon may contain salmonella or other bacteria that can lead to diarrhea.
Does grilled salmon cause diarrhea?
No, properly grilled salmon is unlikely to cause diarrhea on its own. Grilling helps kill bacteria on the salmon exterior. Just be sure salmon is cooked fully to 145°F internally.