Is Diarrhea Common After Eating BBQ Pulled Pork? An Investigation

Barbecue pulled pork is a quintessential summer food. The smoky, tender meat piled high on a bun is pretty hard to resist. But if you’ve ever indulged in pulled pork only to feel sick afterward, you may wonder – is diarrhea common after eating bbq pulled pork? What causes it and how can you prevent it?

I did some digging to uncover the facts about pulled pork and diarrhea. Here’s what I learned about this unpleasant post-pork plight.

Why Pulled Pork Causes Diarrhea for Some

There are a few potential reasons why pulled pork is linked to diarrhea and other GI issues for certain folks:

• Food poisoning – Undercooked pork can contain dangerous bacteria viruses or parasites that lead to foodborne illness. Common culprits include E.coli salmonella, listeria and trichinosis from undercooked meat.

• Spices and seasonings – The rubs and sauces used to flavor pulled pork can irritate sensitive digestive systems. Ingredients like hot chili peppers, garlic and onion powder can be gut-distressing

• Fattiness – The high fat content of pork shoulder can lead to diarrhea, especially if your body isn’t used to digesting fatty meats. Too much grease can cause stomach upset.

• Allergies – It’s possible to have an allergy or sensitivity to pork. Diarrhea can be a symptom of a food allergy as the body tries to expel the irritant.

• Overindulgence – Eating a huge pulled pork sandwich or plateful of meat can simply overwhelm your digestive system, resulting in diarrhea. Moderation is key.

So those with sensitive digestive systems or allergies may be more prone to GI trouble from pulled pork. But foodborne illness is also a key factor.

How Common is Food Poisoning from Pulled Pork?

Food poisoning from pulled pork is a risk if the meat isn’t properly handled and cooked. The cut of meat matters:

• Pork shoulder – Used for pulled pork. Can contain trichinosis roundworm if undercooked.

• Pork butt – Also suitable for pulled pork. At lower risk for parasites but still requires thorough cooking.

With both cuts, bacteria like E.coli, salmonella and listeria are risks if the raw meat is contaminated. Good hygiene, prevention of cross-contamination, and thorough cooking are critical.

The USDA recommends cooking pulled pork to an internal temperature of 145°F with a 3 minute rest time. This kills potential parasites, viruses and bacteria. Proper chilled storage is also important.

So while food poisoning is a possibility with pulled pork, it’s relatively uncommon if food safety guidelines are followed. Many barbecue restaurants take the proper precautions.

Tips to Prevent Pulled Pork Diarrhea

Here are some tips to help avoid GI issues after eating pulled pork:

• Stick to reputable restaurants and vendors that follow food safety protocols.

• When cooking at home, use a meat thermometer to verify pork reaches 145°F.

• Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw pork away from other foods.

• Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw pork.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat fully to 165°F.

• Avoid overindulgence – listen to your body’s fullness cues.

• If sensitive, limit spicy seasonings that may irritate your stomach.

• Try probiotic foods like yogurt and kefir to boost healthy gut flora.

• Stay hydrated with water, diluted juices and electrolytes.

• Consult a doctor if diarrhea is severe or accompanied by concerning symptoms.

Following basic food safety practices at restaurants and home goes a long way in preventing foodborne illness from pulled pork. But even if you take precautions, some individuals are still sensitive.

What to Do if You Get Diarrhea After Eating Pulled Pork

If you do end up with diarrhea after pulled pork despite your best efforts, take it easy on yourself. Here are some remedies to help ease your symptoms:

• Stop eating – Allow your GI tract to rest by avoiding solid foods for a few hours. Sip small amounts of clear liquids.

• Stick to bland foods – When you start eating again, choose gentle foods like broth, bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and crackers.

• Stay hydrated – Drink water, herbal tea, diluted juices and electrolyte beverages like sports drinks or Pedialyte.

• Consider probiotics – Yogurt, kefir and probiotic supplements can help restore healthy gut flora.

• Use OTC meds if needed – Anti-diarrheal medications can provide relief but won’t cure an infection.

• See a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have a fever, blood in stool, dehydration or intense pain.

Give your body time to recover. The misery of diarrhea after pulled pork usually passes in 24-48 hours. But call your doctor if it lingers or you have other concerning symptoms.

The Bottom Line

So back to our original question – is diarrhea common after eating bbq pulled pork? Well, while food poisoning is certainly a possibility if food safety guidelines aren’t followed properly, it’s not exceedingly common. People with sensitive digestive systems may experience diarrhea as well, due to the fat, spices or ingredients they have trouble tolerating.

Practicing basic food safety and hygiene, using meat thermometers, avoiding overindulgence, and knowing your own body’s sensitivities goes a long way in preventing diarrhea and other GI issues. But if you do get sick on occasion after indulging in pulled pork, take comfort that it will pass. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, stick to a bland diet, and call your doctor if symptoms don’t improve within 48 hours.