Diarrhea After Eating Red Meat

Meat that are red in color, when in raw state, are termed as red meat. We get them from mammals and it includes beef, pork, lamb, etc. It has a high amount of proteins and calories. When red meat is not cooked properly or is kept in the refrigerated condition for a long time, the possibility of diarrhea increases manifolds. For this reason, people mostly get diarrhea after consuming red meat at large social gatherings, restaurants, picnics or school cafeterias where either proper preparation techniques are not maintained or is not preserved in hygienic condition.

What Causes Diarrhea After Eating Red Meat?
Research studies have found that certain bacteria present in red meat are not good for human health. E.coli is one such bacteria that causes food poisoning. When you eat red meat, the body absorbs a particular form of sugar molecule from it which is called glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) and is not produced by the human body. E.coli bacteria in its active state release a toxic substance known as subtilase cytotoxin that tend to get attached to those cells which have been exposed to Neu5Gc. Thus it attacks the intestinal lining and cause diarrhea. Those who consume red meat on a regular basis are more prone to this kind of food poisoning. Some people get diarrhea every time they eat red meat. In such cases, the problem is not related to food poisoning. Rather, it is a form of food allergy.

What are the Symptoms Observed?
Usually, the symptom of diarrhea show up within 2-4 hours after eating red meat. Due to the bacterial infection, inflammation occurs in the stomach lining. Similarly, swelling can happen in both the intestines leading to abdominal cramps. If diarrhea and vomiting are not controlled, then a patient may suffer from dehydration. Fever, chills, headache and weakness are some of the dehydration symptoms that are observed in this condition. A severe form of infection causes bloody diarrhea and the patient may develop a disease known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This is a serious condition that can adversely affect the functioning of the kidneys. In some cases, it can be fatal. The symptoms of food allergy observed after eating red meat are diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, itchiness inside mouth, dizziness, breathing trouble, etc.

How is it Treated?
Doctor starts the diagnosis of diarrhea and abdominal pain with physical examination. To identify the cause of diarrhea after eating, doctors investigate the kind of food eaten in the past few days. If required, doctors may examine the leftover food as well. It is followed by some laboratory tests like blood test, stool test, etc. Infection in the digestive tract is treated with antibiotics. An allergic reaction is controlled with antihistamines and other allergy medicines. Along with the medications provided by the doctor, the patient needs to drink plenty of fluids, to compensate for the fluid lost due to diarrhea and vomiting. Children with diarrhea often cannot drink so much of fluids. In that case, intravenous fluids are administered. None of the prescribed medicines should be stopped without consulting the doctor. It is better to avoid solid foods as long as a patient is getting from frequent bowel movements. Milk and caffeinated beverages should not be taken as can aggravate diarrhea. If the treatment starts on time, then the patient would recover within a few days. Those who are allergic towards red meat, should avoid it altogether.

Diarrhea after eating red meat can be prevented if it is cooked with right techniques. The minimum temperature required for cooking it is 160°F and is the best way to destroy the harmful effects of E.coli bacteria. Moreover, never put the cooked red meat in the same container where the raw meat was kept. Do not eat any meat that has been kept in refrigerator in the raw state for more than two days.