Bacon is cherished by many as a delicious breakfast food. But for some people, indulging in a few crispy strips of bacon can lead to some unpleasant gastrointestinal consequences. If you’ve ever felt abdominal pain, bloating, nausea or general stomach discomfort after eating bacon, you’re definitely not the only one.
In this article, we’ll explore the various reasons why bacon can wreak havoc on your digestive system. From its high fat content to the presence of preservatives, as well as potential food intolerances, we will cover all the key factors that could be causing bacon to make your stomach hurt.
High Fat Content
One of the main reasons bacon causes stomach discomfort is its high fat content. Fat is the slowest digesting macronutrient, taking far longer for the stomach to break down compared to carbs or protein. This delayed gastric emptying can lead to bloating, nausea and abdominal cramps.
People with digestive conditions like IBS or chronic pancreatitis are especially prone to pain and diarrhea when they consume fatty foods like bacon. The greasy fat in bacon causes slower stomach emptying resulting in food sitting in the stomach for longer. This gives more time for fermentation by gut bacteria producing gas that causes bloating and pain.
For those without underlying conditions, eating large portions of bacon can also overload the stomach with fat and trigger similar symptoms.
Nitrates/Nitrites
In addition to fat, bacon contains chemical preservatives called nitrates and nitrites These compounds prevent growth of harmful bacteria and give bacon its characteristic pink color
However, nitrites and nitrates can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when exposed to high heat during frying or cooking Although research on exact risks is mixed, frequently consuming large amounts of processed meats like bacon is linked with increased chances of getting certain cancers
Even in smaller quantities, these additives may irritate the stomach lining for those sensitive to it. They make bacon harder to digest, potentially causing symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea.
Allergies or Intolerances
Food allergies or intolerances to components in bacon can also trigger stomach troubles for some people.
Though rare, pork allergy is possible and can cause severe reactions needing emergency care. More commonly, people may experience a pork intolerance causing digestive upset but not life-threatening symptoms.
Other ingredients like sodium nitrite or spices can also prompt allergic reactions or intolerances, manifesting as abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, etc. People with lactose intolerance may react to the small amounts of dairy in certain bacon products.
Those with gluten sensitivity need to watch for hidden sources of gluten used as fillers in processed bacon. FODMAP intolerances can also play a role, as bacon contains some high-FODMAP ingredients like garlic.
How Cooking Method Affects Symptoms
The way bacon is prepared also influences how likely it is to cause stomach issues. Frying boosts the fat content exponentially compared to baking or microwaving. Overcooking leads to more nitrosamine formation. Undercooked bacon harbors harmful bacteria.
Fried bacon has the highest fat levels and is most likely to cause delayed gastric emptying. In contrast, baked or microwaved bacon retains less grease and may be easier to digest.
Well-done bacon contains more potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines than bacon cooked just until crispy. Lightly cooked bacon reduces this risk but may contain dangerous bacteria if undercooked.
Tips to Prevent Bacon Stomach Pain
If you want to keep enjoying bacon without the stomach troubles, there are some ways to prevent discomfort:
- Choose leaner bacon cuts with less fat
- Cook bacon thoroughly but not overdone
- Eat smaller portions of bacon
- Avoid pairing bacon with other fatty foods
- Consider lower-fat bacon cooking methods like baking
- Try uncured bacon without nitrites/nitrates
- Check for pork or ingredient intolerances
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, the stomach pain and diarrhea after eating bacon will resolve on its own. But if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to get medical guidance.
See a doctor if you experience:
- Frequent or severe abdominal pain when consuming bacon
- Persistent nausea, vomiting or diarrhea after eating bacon
- Signs of an allergic reaction like swelling, hives, wheezing, etc.
- Unexplained weight loss or fever along with stomach symptoms
Testing for food allergies or medical conditions like pancreatitis, IBS, or inflammatory bowel disease may be needed. Your doctor can advise an elimination diet or refer you to a specialist like a gastroenterologist.
The Bottom Line
While delicious, bacon can wreak havoc on some people’s stomachs. The high fat and sodium content, nitrates/nitrites, potential allergens, and cooking methods all play a role in whether bacon will upset your stomach. Paying attention to serving size, cooking technique, and your own sensitivities can allow you to continue enjoying this tasty treat without the unwanted side effects. But if symptoms persist, be sure to consult your doctor.
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FAQ
Why do I get sick after eating bacon?
Is bacon gut friendly?
Why does pork upset my stomach?
What causes stomach pain after eating meat?
What happens if you eat bacon?
“The saturated and trans fats in bacon can also lead to arterial plaque buildup, further narrowing blood vessels and potentially worsening hypertension,” adds Best. Your risk for cancer may increase. Bacon is a type of processed meat, so your risk for cancer may increase.
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.
Does bacon increase your risk for cancer?
Your risk for cancer may increase. Bacon is a type of processed meat, so your risk for cancer may increase. That’s because processed foods like bacon, sausage, and deli meats are classified as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning these products have been proven to sometimes lead to an increased risk of cancer.
Is Bacon good for You?
You’ll consume some vitamins. Most people don’t realize this, but bacon actually contains a ton of vitamins as well. So when you eat bacon, you’ll be treated to plenty of vitamins, including B6 and B12 along with iron, zinc, magnesium, and selenium.