Eggs and Diarrhea: Is There a Connection?

Eggs are a popular food item and are oftn included in many diets. But did you know that eggs can cause diarrhea in some people? Diarrhea is a common symptom of egg intolerance and can be caused by either eating too much egg or by a reaction to certain proteins found in eggs.

So, what are the signs that your body may not be able to tolerate eggs? If you experience stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea after eating eggs, then it’s likely that you have an egg intolerance. It’s important to note that these symptoms can occur anywhere from two to 72 hours after eating eggs.

The exact cause of egg intolerance is unknown, but it is believed that it could be caused by sensitivity to the proteins found in egg whites. These proteins can act as allergens and trigger an immune response in the body which leads to digestive symptoms such as diarrhea.

If you think you may have an egg intolerance, then it’s best to visit your doctor for a diagnosis. They may recommend eliminating eggs from your diet or suggest alternative methods of treatment such as food elimination diets or medication.

In order to reduce the risk of experiencing diarrhea due to egg consumption, there are some simple steps you can take:
• Limit your intake of high-fat foods such as fried eggs, cheese omelets and scrambled eggs
• Make sure to cook your eggs thoroughly before eating them
• If you have very severe diarrhea, avoid dairy products for a few days
• Try switching up the types of eggs you eat — for example whole-egg powder instead of regular raw eggs
• If possible, try cooking with pasteurized egg products instead of raw ones
• Consider adding probiotics into your diet for digestive health support

By following these tips, you should be able to enjoy delicious recipes featuring eggs without worrying about uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea.

How Long Does It Take for Eating Eggs to Cause Diarrhea?

Egg intolerance can cause diarrhoea within 2 to 72 hours after exposure. It is important to note that the severity of symptoms may vary depending on an individual’s tolerance level. Diarrhoea may occur more quickly in those with a lower tolerance level, while those with a higher tolerance level may experience milder symptoms or no symptoms at all.

egg allergy 1674802933

Symptoms of Egg Intolerance

Egg intolerance is a common food allergy that can cause uncomfortable or even dangerous symptoms. The most common symptom of egg intolerance is skin inflammation or hives, wich typically appear as itchy, raised welts on the skin. Other symptoms of egg intolerance can include nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing (allergic rhinitis), digestive symptoms such as cramps, nausea and vomiting, and asthma signs and symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath. In some cases, severe reactions to eggs are also possible. Such reactions may include difficulty breathing due to swelling in the throat, a drop in blood pressure that can lead to shock and even anaphylaxis. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming eggs or products containing eggs, seek medical attention immediately.

The Effect of Eggs on Diarrhea

Eggs do not typically cause diarrhea, and they can be a good food to eat when you have diarrhea. However, it is important to make sure that the eggs are cooked thoroughly as undercooked or raw eggs may contain bacteria that can worsen the symptoms of diarrhea. Additionally, if you are experiencing very severe diarrhea, it may be best to avoid dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt for a few days until your symptoms improve.

The Effects of Eating Eggs on Digestion

The gastrocolic reflex is the most likely cause of needing to poop right after eating eggs. This reflex is an involuntary reaction that occurs when food enters the stomach, causing the muscles of the large intestine to contract and propel stool downwards. Eating a protein-rich meal such as eggs can cause a stronger gastrocolic reflex due to its high protein content, whch causes the stomach to empty more quickly and triggers a stronger response from the large intestine. Additionally, eggs are high in fat and cholesterol, both of which are more difficult for your body to digest than other foods, resulting in a stronger gastrocolic reflex.

Can Eating Eggs Trigger IBS Diarrhea?

Eggs can cause IBS diarrhea in some people, as they are high in FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides and Polyols), which are short-chain carbohydrates that can be difficult to digest for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The FODMAPs found in eggs can produce gas, bloating and diarrhea. For those with IBS, it is important to limit or avoid high-FODMAP foods such as eggs. However, some people may be able to tolerate eggs if eaten in small amounts. It is recommended to talk to a doctor or nutritionist for individual dietary advice. For some people, avoiding high-FODMAP foods can improve the condition. Egg is on the list of foods you’re allowed to have on the low-FODMAP diet as it is rich in proteins and nutrients and very low in fermentable carbohydrates, making it less liely to cause symptoms.

can eggs cause diarrhea
Source: healthline.com

Increased Sensitivity to Eggs

It is possible that you have developed an allergy to eggs, which is a reaction of your immune system to the proteins found in eggs. This can happen suddenly, as your body can become sensitised over time to these allergens. To determine the caue of your sudden sensitivity to eggs, your allergist may need to conduct allergy tests, such as skin prick or blood tests. Additionally, they will take into account any underlying health conditions or medications you may be taking that could trigger an allergic reaction. Chronic infections and digestive issues can also lead to this type of reaction. The allergist may suggest lifestyle changes or medications as part of a treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and reduce the risk of exposure to the allergen.

Can Egg Intolerance Develop Later in Life?

Yes, an egg intolerance can start later in life. This type of food intolerance is not necessarily inherited, so it’s possible for a person to develop an egg intolerance even if no one else in their family has it. While it is more common for egg intolerance to be present from birth or early childhood, there have been cases whee symptoms of egg intolerance appeared later in life. Symptoms of an egg intolerance can range from digestive issues such as bloating and abdominal pain, to skin reactions like hives and eczema. In some extreme cases, anaphylaxis may also occur. If someone starts experiencing these symptoms after consuming eggs, they should speak to their doctor about the possibility of having an egg intolerance.

Can an Adult Develop an Egg Allergy?

Yes, it is possible to develop an egg allergy later in life. Egg allergies can occur at any age, but they are more common in children than adults. In fact, it is estimated that up to 2% of adults have an egg allergy. People who are more likely to develop an egg allergy later in life include those with a family history of allergies, especially food allergies, and those with asthma or other allergic conditions. Symptoms of an egg allergy may include itching or swelling in the mouth, hives, wheezing, abdominal pain or vomiting ater eating eggs or foods cooked with eggs. If you think you may have developed an egg allergy later in life, it’s important to see your doctor for testing and treatment.

The Effect of Eggs on Bowel Movements

Eggs can have a positive or negative effect on bowel movements, depending on the individual. For people with acute diarrhea, eggs are an excellent protein option as they are more easily tolerated than beans, nuts, or fried meat. High-fiber foods such as vegetables and whole grains are still recommended for digestion. Eggs also contain sulfur which can contribute to intestinal gas in some individuals. If you experience stomach discomfort after consuming eggs, it might be best to limit your intake of them or avoid them altogether. To ensure proper digestion, it is recommended to pair eggs with high-fiber foods in order to help move food throgh the intestine and facilitate healthy bowel movements.

Conclusion

While eggs are generally a healthy and nutritious food, they can cause digestive issues in some people, such as diarrhea. If you find that eating eggs causes you to experience symptoms of diarrhea, such as stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea it is best to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider. In addition to avoiding eggs, it is also important to follow a low-fat diet and take care to stay hydrated when your diarrhea is active.

Photo of author

William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.