Why Does Venison Upset My Stomach?

Venison is a lean, tasty meat that many people love to eat. However, some find that consuming venison leads to gastrointestinal discomfort like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. If you experience stomach upset after eating venison, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes behind venison’s impact on digestion and tips to prevent discomfort.

What Is Venison?

First, let’s cover the basics. Venison refers to meat from deer elk moose, caribou and other antlered animals. It has a flavor profile similar to beef but is leaner with less fat content. Venison can be eaten as steaks, roasts, sausages, jerky and stew meat. It has a rich nutritional profile high in protein, iron, B vitamins and selenium. However, the high protein and iron levels can cause digestion issues for some.

Why Venison Bothers My Stomach

There are a few potential culprits that lead to venison upsetting stomachs:

• High Protein Content – Venison is very high in protein compared to other meats The average 3 oz serving contains 25g protein, exceeding a typical beef serving. Too much protein can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to nausea, cramps, and diarrhea

• High Iron Content – Venison contains 2-3 times more iron than beef, with higher levels of myoglobin protein that transports oxygen through muscles. Excess iron intake can cause constipation, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

• Fat Content – Venison is a very lean meat, with cuts containing as little as 2-3% fat. The lack of fat makes it harder to digest for some people Fat helps stimulate bile production needed to break down food properly.

• Bacteria – Potential foodborne bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella from improper handling, prep or undercooking can lead to severe stomach issues. Always cook venison to safe temperatures.

• Allergies – Some may have allergies to alpha-gal in venison, especially if bitten by Lone Star ticks. This can trigger rashes, cramps, diarrhea when consuming red meats. See an allergist if suspicions.

• Intolerances – Venison contains compounds like histamine that some may be intolerant to, causing digestive upset when consuming it. Keep a food journal to identify intolerances.

Common Venison-Related Stomach Problems

Here are some common gastrointestinal problems people report after eating venison:

• Excessive flatulence – Due to the high protein and fat content, extra gas and methane production happens during digestion of venison. Some claim eggy or rotten egg sulfur smells.

• Diarrhea – Loose, urgent stools resulting from the body’s reaction to compounds in venison or improper cooking temperatures. Can lead to dehydration if severe.

• Nausea – That unsettled, queasy sensation often accompanied by the urge to vomit. Triggered by venison’s fat content, seasoning or bacteria presence.

• Bloating – Uncomfortable fullness in the abdomen caused by extra gas production during venison digestion. Feels stretched and pressurized.

• Stomach cramps – Sharp intestinal spasms caused by intestinal muscle contractions to move contents along. Can be quite painful.

• Constipation – Infrequent, difficult passage of hard stools due to too much protein and iron absorbing intestinal water.

Tips to Prevent Venison Digestion Problems

If you want to keep enjoying venison without the stomach upset, follow these tips:

• Cook thoroughly to at least 160°F internal temperature to kill bacteria

• Limit portions to 6 ounces of venison at a time

• Drink extra water with meals to aid digestion

• Add carbs like rice or potatoes to balance protein intake

• Take probiotic supplements to support gut bacteria balance

• Avoid excessive fats, oils, creams that exacerbate symptoms

• Use ginger, fennel, mint to ease nausea and inflammation

• Reduce seasoning salts that may irritate stomach lining

• Make bone broths to supply collagen that heals gut health

• Choose grass-fed venison when possible for better fat profile

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, venison-related stomach issues can be managed with home remedies and diet adjustments. However, if you experience bloody stools, vomiting, severe pain, fevers or dehydration, seek medical help immediately. These could indicate a bacterial infection, bowel obstruction or other serious condition requiring treatment.

Doctors may order stool testing or endoscopies if the gastrointestinal problems persist to check for underlying conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcers, or tumors.

Never self-diagnose food poisoning. Get medical help to prevent dehydration and dangerous complications. With the right precautions and care, venison can stay in your diet without digestive distress.

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