Does Shrimp Make You Poop? The Surprising Truth

Shrimp is delicious, nutritious, and a fantastic addition to pasta, tacos, salads, and more. But some people report that eating shrimp makes them have to poop. Is this really true? As someone who loves shrimp, I decided to dig into the science and get the facts on whether shrimp truly makes you poop.

Why Does Shrimp Have a Bad Reputation for Making You Poop?

There are a few reasons why shrimp is believed to make people poop

• The black vein: Raw shrimp commonly has a black line running along the back. This is actually the shrimp’s digestive tract, containing its poop. The thought of eating poop understandably turns some people off.

• High cholesterol Shrimp is high in cholesterol with about 160 mg per 3-ounce serving. Some people claim that high cholesterol foods can cause indigestion and diarrhea. However dietary cholesterol has little impact on blood cholesterol.

• Allergies: Shellfish allergies are common, affecting about 2% of adults. An allergic reaction to shrimp can cause gastrointestinal distress.

• Bacteria: Raw or undercooked shrimp may contain bacteria, viruses, or parasites which can lead to foodborne illness with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Proper cooking kills any pathogens.

Does the Shrimp Poop Really Make You Poop?

The black vein running along raw shrimp is in fact the digestive tract of the shrimp, containing waste and food particles. But despite how unappetizing it looks, it’s generally safe to eat once the shrimp is cooked thoroughly.

According to food safety experts, cooking shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F is sufficient to kill any potentially harmful bacteria or viruses that may be present. The digestive tract itself does not contain anything harmful. At worst, it might add a bit of a gritty texture.

So while you may wish to remove the vein for aesthetic purposes, it does not need to be removed for safety or to prevent it from making you poop. As long as the shrimp is fully cooked, the vein and its contents are not going to cause any gastrointestinal issues.

Does the Cholesterol in Shrimp Impact Pooping?

Shrimp is definitely high in cholesterol, with about 160mg per 3-ounce serving. That’s more than half of the recommended 300mg daily limit.

Some sources claim that eating high cholesterol foods can lead to diarrhea. The theory is that excess cholesterol in the gut binds to bile acids, causing them to be excreted rather than reabsorbed. This leads to looser stools.

However, studies have found that dietary cholesterol has little impact on blood cholesterol levels in most people. The body tightly regulates how much cholesterol is absorbed.

For example, a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that increasing daily cholesterol intake from 258mg to 818mg had no impact on blood lipid levels.

Therefore, despite its high cholesterol content, shrimp itself should not directly cause diarrhea or make you poop. Individual medical conditions could complicate this, so check with your doctor.

Can a Shrimp Allergy Make You Poop?

Shellfish allergies are one of the most common food allergies affecting adults. The symptoms can range from mild itching and hives to severe anaphylaxis.

Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea are also fairly common with shellfish allergies. This is because the gastrointestinal tract has a high density of mast cells, which release histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

So if you have a shellfish allergy, shrimp absolutely could make you poop. Make sure to avoid it entirely and always carry emergency medication like an EpiPen in case of an accidental exposure.

However, it’s important to note that most people are not allergic to shellfish. An estimated 2% of US adults have this allergy. So while a reaction is possible, it does not explain most instances of shrimp causing diarrhea.

Can Bacteria in Shrimp Make You Poop?

Lastly, let’s discuss bacteria. Raw or undercooked shellfish may contain harmful bacteria or viruses that can contaminate food and cause foodborne illness. The most common pathogens found in raw seafood are:

• Salmonella
• Vibrio species
• Norovirus
• Hepatitis A virus
• Escherichia coli

Symptoms typically begin 12-48 hours after exposure and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that may be bloody.

However, thoroughly cooking shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F is sufficient to kill any potential pathogens present. As long as you don’t eat raw or undercooked shrimp, bacteria is not likely to be the reason for it making you poop.

Proper storage, handling, and cooking are essential. Make sure to refrigerate shrimp immediately and cook within 1-2 days of purchase. Avoid cross-contamination with surfaces, utensils, and foods that won’t be fully cooked. Adhere to expiration dates and “Sell By” dates. And fully cook all shrimp before consuming.

The Bottom Line: Does Shrimp Really Make You Poop?

After reviewing the evidence, it seems unlikely that shrimp itself causes diarrhea or acts as a laxative in most people. The few exceptions are:

• Those with a shellfish allergy may react with gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Consuming raw or undercooked contaminated shrimp could result in foodborne illness.
• A sensitivity to high cholesterol foods has been theorized but not proven.

Overall, shrimp’s reputation for making people poop is exaggerated. As long as you thoroughly cook it, avoid cross-contamination, and don’t have an allergy, shrimp can be enjoyed without any urgent trips to the toilet!

Of course, if you personally notice a correlation, it’s best to avoid foods that don’t agree with you. But in general, shrimp’s poop-inducing powers are more fiction than fact.

Tips to Prevent Diarrhea After Eating Shrimp

If you want to enjoy shrimp without any unpleasant digestive consequences, here are some tips:

• Buy fresh, unspoiled shrimp: Check the smell and color. Avoid if discolored or has an off odor.

• Store shrimp properly: Keep refrigerated below 40°F. Use within 1-2 days of purchase.

• Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate cutting boards, utensils, plates, etc. for raw versus cooked shrimp.

• Cook shrimp thoroughly: Cook to an internal temp of 145°F. Shrimp should be firm and opaque.

• Avoid raw shrimp: Don’t eat raw, undercooked, or even lightly cooked shrimp.

• Monitor portion sizes: Stick to 3-4 ounces of cooked shrimp per serving.

• Remove the vein: Cut along the back and remove the digestive tract if it bothers you.

• Have an anti-diarrheal medicine on hand: In case shellfish does cause an issue for you.

• Avoid shrimp if you have an allergy: Don’t take risks with shellfish allergies which can be severe.

Follow these tips and you can enjoy shrimp without worrying about any unwanted side effects. It’s a delicious, healthy seafood as long as handled properly.

What to Eat With Shrimp to Prevent Diarrhea

If you do experience diarrhea or constipation after eating shrimp, there are some foods you can pair it with to help relieve or prevent those issues:

Probiotics: Live, active cultures found in yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods can improve gut health and digestion. Aim for a serving or two per day.

Prebiotics: Bananas, oats, garlic, onions, and asparagus contain prebiotics to feed your gut bacteria.

High-fiber foods: Beans, lentils, berries, nuts, seeds, whole grains, vegetables, and fruit add bulk to stool.

Water: Stay hydrated to promote regularity. Aim for 64+ ounces per day.

Ginger: Has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease nausea, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Chia seeds: Help absorb water in the body and add bulk to stool.

Peppermint oil: Has antispasmodic effects to ease cramps, gas pains, and diarrhea.

Pairing shrimp with probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or kimchi, prebiotic foods like bananas or onions, hydrating beverages like water or herbal tea, and natural remedies like ginger or peppermint oil can help balance digestion. A high-fiber diet is also beneficial.

Foods That Can Make You Poop Immediately

If shrimp did cause a bout of constipation, here are some of the top foods that can provide fast relief when you need to poop immediately:

• Prunes – contain sorbitol, a