People who have diarrhea or poop that is a little loose should know that this is a pretty common problem. That friendship might not make you feel better right now, but the good news is that you can make easy changes to your diet to help your symptoms get better.
“Everyone at one point in their lives will experience diarrhea,” explains gut health expert Amanda Sauceda, RDN, CLT.
“You might get diarrhea sometimes because you have a stomach bug and other times because you changed what you eat.” When it comes to poop, a good rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t go more than three days without going and shouldn’t go more than three times a day. “.
As long as your stools are loose or watery and you go to the bathroom more than three times a day, don’t worry. Making changes to your diet by eating less of some foods and more of others might help you feel better.
Crispy, savory bacon is a breakfast staple for many people. But some report that eating bacon has an unintended gastrointestinal side effect – it makes them poop shortly after eating it.
This article explores why bacon may stimulate bowel movements, how common this reaction is, and tips to enjoy bacon more comfortably.
What Causes Bacon to Make Some People Poop?
There are a few components of bacon that can stimulate defecation in sensitive individuals:
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Fat Content – Bacon is high in fat, providing 5-10g per slice. High-fat foods can speed up digestion, especially if your body has difficulty absorbing the fat. Undigested fats entering the colon cause release of fluids that soften stool.
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Meat Protein – Animal protein stimulates the digestive system and can trigger bowel movements. The protein content of 2-3 slices of bacon approaches a serving of lean meat.
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Salt – Bacon contains high amounts of sodium 380-620mg per serving. Consuming salty foods causes the body to retain water, which increases pressure in the colon and promotes bowel movements.
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Nitrates – Bacon cured with nitrates can relax the lower gastrointestinal tract, enabling quicker transit time of stools.
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Spices – Spices like pepper, garlic, paprika and chili powder further stimulate digestion. Even small amounts may irritate sensitive bowels.
So in essence, the high fat, salt, protein and spices in bacon can overwhelm some people’s digestive systems, triggering rapid bowel movements or diarrhea.
How Common Is This Reaction to Bacon?
Anecdotal reports show that bacon frequently causes urgent bowel movements or diarrhea
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On health forums, many people report racing to the bathroom after eating bacon, especially on an empty stomach early in the day.
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Doctors say bacon is one of the most common foods patients name as stimulating diarrhea or loose stools.
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In a small study of common dietary diarrhea triggers, 17% of patients experienced diarrhea after eating bacon.
However, the reaction seems to depend on individual tolerance. While bacon impacts some people’s digestion, others enjoy it regularly with no issues.
Tips to Prevent Bacon from Causing Diarrhea
If you want to keep enjoying bacon without the unwanted aftermath, try these serving tips:
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Eat in moderation – Limit bacon to 1-2 slices max per sitting. Too much fat and protein at once overloads digestion.
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Choose lower-sodium bacon – This cuts down on the salty impact that leads to fluid retention.
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Opt for uncured bacon – Eliminating added nitrates appears to lower bacon’s laxative effect.
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Cook thoroughly without charring – Charring bacon produces carcinogens. Light cooking reduces irritating spices.
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Pair with fiber-rich foods – Serving bacon with whole grains or produce helps slow digestion.
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Avoid on an empty stomach – Eat bacon with other foods to prevent stomach irritation.
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Stay hydrated – Drinking enough fluids prevents dehydration from diarrhea.
When to Avoid Bacon Entirely
While most people can handle an occasional serving, bacon may need to be avoided entirely if:
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You have chronic digestive conditions like IBS, IBD or diverticulitis
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You’re experiencing acute diarrhea from infection or illness
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You have a pork allergy or intolerance
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You follow certain dietary lifestyles like paleo, Whole30 or AIP
If bacon consistently causes severe urgent bowel movements, abdominal cramps or diarrhea, discontinue eating it until your digestion improves.
Healthier Bacon Alternatives
If you love the smoky, salty flavor but want a more gut-friendly alternative, try:
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Turkey or chicken bacon
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Mushroom “bacon”
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Tempeh bacon
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Coconut flakes
These provide crunch without the same fat, protein and sodium load as regular pork bacon.
The Bottom Line
Bacon is a common culinary culprit for triggering diarrhea or loose stools, especially when consumed in large amounts. But not everyone reacts the same way. The key is knowing your own tolerance level.
Limit portions, cook gently, pair with fiber and avoid on an empty stomach to help prevent bacon from disrupting your digestion. And opt for healthier plant-based alternatives if pork bacon consistently causes problems.
By customizing how you enjoy bacon, you may be able to savor the flavor without the unwanted side trips to the bathroom.
Fatty and Fried Foods
Fried foods dont have any redeeming qualities when it comes to your health. In fact, in some cases, they can wreak havoc.
Sauceda advises to stay away from high-fat foods while youre experiencing symptoms like cramping and loose stool. Foods that are high in fat, like fried foods, can be hard on the gut even if you don’t have diarrhea.
Our bodies can have a tough time digesting a heavy dose of fat like what you may find in fried chicken wings or greasy pizza. If the fats arent absorbed properly, they continue through our guts to the colon where theyre broken down into fatty acids, as explained by Harvard Health Publishing. This causes our colon to secrete fluid, which can trigger or exacerbate diarrhea.
5 Worst Foods for Diarrhea
Try limiting these foods if youre dealing with diarrhea.
Coffee has a way of getting things going in the morning. A stimulant like caffeine, which is why many of us drink coffee in the first place, makes our brains and bodies work faster and harder. Caffeine can also “stimulate” our guts, by acting as a laxative.
“Coffee poops are a thing and if you have diarrhea, drinking coffee can make it worse. Coffee, specifically caffeine, can be hard on the gut when you have diarrhea,” explains Sauceda.
If you have diarrhea, you may want to try a caffeine-free tea instead. Although, like decaf coffee, tea can still contain a minimal amount of caffeine, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Spicy foods can taste great at first, but they can be bad for us in the second half of the digestion process.
“Think twice before adding that chile or salsa when you have diarrhea. Spicy foods are more likely to aggravate your gut even if you dont have diarrhea,” shares Sauceda.
In general, spicy foods are healthy but if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or dyspepsia, youll want to be careful with spicy foods, according to the University of Chicago Medicine. Spicy peppers and seasonings can trigger symptoms.
How Food Turns Into Poop
FAQ
Will bacon help you poop?
Why does bacon give me diarrhea?
What does bacon do to your gut?
What foods cause constipation?
Sweets and processed foods are among the foods that can cause constipation. These foods are low in fiber and fluids and high in fat and processed sugar, which can slow down digestion and delay gut motility. Examples of these foods include pastries, cookies, frozen meals, potato chips, pretzels, and other processed snack foods, Chun explains.
Can one eat bacon with diverticulosis?
You can eat bacon with diverticulosis, but it is not the most recommended. In a person with diverticulosis, it is recommended to consume foods with soluble fiber such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Are coffee Poops a real thing?
It can do the same for your gut, too. Yes, coffee poops are a real thing. Caffeinated coffee can signal your stomach to produce more acid and increase colon movements, which can lead to a laxative effect in some people, per a June 2017 review in the World Journal of Gastroenterology .
Does coffee affect your bowels?
Caffeinated coffee can signal your stomach to produce more acid and increase colon movements, which can lead to a laxative effect in some people, per a June 2017 review in the World Journal of Gastroenterology . Decaf coffee has a similar effect on our bowels, according to a small study published in April 1990 in the journal Gut . 3. Fruit
Why do I struggle when I poop?
Constipation is one of the most common GI issues seen in OPD. This can be easily tackled by consuming fruits, eating high fiber diet and maintaining hydration. Regular physical activity can also help to prevent constipation. If lifestyle measures do not work then it is advisable to consult your gastroenterologist.
Can onions cause constipation?
Onions can cause constipation and should be eliminated in diets low in fodmaps since their carbohydrates can cause fermentation and discomfort.