Why Does Pork Make Me Poop? The Reasons Behind This Common Reaction

Pork is a delicious and versatile meat that can be prepared in endless ways. However, many people experience an upset stomach or even diarrhea after eating pork. If you’ve ever wondered “why does pork make me poop?”, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore the potential reasons behind this common reaction.

Food Allergies and Intolerances

One of the most likely culprits behind pork’s laxative effect is a food allergy or intolerance. While full-blown pork allergies are relatively rare, intolerances to components in pork are more common. People with a pork intolerance may lack the enzymes needed to properly digest pork. Their bodies see compounds like histamines or tyramine as foreign invaders, triggering diarrhea, cramping, bloating, and other digestive issues.

If you experience these symptoms predictably after eating pork, a food intolerance may be to blame Consider tracking your symptoms and getting tested by an allergist or nutritionist Eliminating problematic foods from your diet may be the only way to avoid digestive distress.

Improperly Prepared Pork

Undercooked or contaminated pork can also wreak havoc on your digestive system. To kill dangerous bacteria like salmonella and Ecoli, pork needs to reach an internal temperature of 145°F Consuming undercooked pork allows these bacteria to enter your intestines, resulting in severe food poisoning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

Always use a meat thermometer when cooking pork to ensure it reaches a safe internal temp. Be extra cautious when dining out or eating cured pork products like ham or bacon, as these are often less thoroughly cooked. Food poisoning is not something to mess around with, so take pork preparation seriously.

High in Fat, Low in Fiber

Pork’s nutritional profile itself may also contribute to diarrhea and other digestive issues in some people. Many cuts of pork are high in fat, especially saturated fat. While pork has gotten leaner in recent decades through selective breeding, some forms like pork belly, ribs, and sausage are still quite high in fat.

Too much fatty food can overwhelm your gallbladder, causing indigestion and diarrhea. The fat may also trigger heartburn by relaxing the esophageal sphincter muscle and allowing stomach acid to splash up.

Furthermore, pork contains little fiber, which normally helps absorb fluid in the intestines and bulk up stools. Without adequate fiber, stools can become loose and watery, resulting in diarrhea.

Choosing leaner cuts of pork and eating plenty of high-fiber plant foods can help mitigate these issues. Be mindful of your saturated fat and fiber intake when indulging in fattier pork dishes.

Antibiotics and Hormones

The use of antibiotics and hormones in pork production may be another piece of the puzzle. Most commercial pork contains residue from antibiotics given to the pigs to prevent disease and promote growth. Over time, antibiotic use breeds resistant bacteria, which can survive traditional cooking methods. Consuming this resistant bacteria through undercooked pork can cause food poisoning.

Hormones given to pigs may also play a role. Anabolic steroids help pigs grow bigger and leaner, but they may impact pork’s nutritional composition. More research is needed, but some suspect hormone consumption could influence digestive issues in humans.

Buying pork labeled “antibiotic-free” and “hormone-free” can help you avoid these potential risks. Opting for organic, pasture-raised pork when possible is another good route.

The Bottom Line

If you frequently experience diarrhea, gas, or bowel urgency after eating pork, your body may be trying to send you an important message. Carefully examine your symptoms and see if you can pinpoint the type of pork or preparation method that affects you most.

Work with a healthcare provider to uncover any food intolerances or allergies you may have. Choose pork that is antibiotic-free and cook all pork thoroughly to destroy harmful bacteria. Focus on leaner cuts and get plenty of fiber from other sources.

With some care and troubleshooting, you may be able to enjoy moderate amounts of pork without the laxative effect. But listen to your body – if pork continues to cause digestive distress, eliminating it entirely may be your best path forward.