Why does Taco Bell make you shit? 6 reasons why! (2023)

author of the photo:PIEDRA(Licencia Creative Commons)

I thought it was just me. I thought he was the only wimp who couldn't metabolize Taco Bell food 9 times out of 10. Why does Taco Bell make you shit? I often wondered.

I was pleasantly surprised when I came across a term called "Taco Bell crap."urban dictionary. Apparently I'm not the only one.

Taco Bell shit is described as "shit so big, so strong, so stinky it could only have been caused by eating Taco Bell." I had a good laugh.

Laughter aside, I was really curious why Taco Bell makes you poop. So I put on a thinking hat, had a cup of coffee, and sat down to do some googling.

The first thing that struck me was that many people had diarrhea after eating at Taco Bell, it was more than a coincidence. And the second thing I noticed was that Taco Bell is often associated with loose moves as a joke or a racist and xenophobic meme, which I neither like nor condone.

Long story short, I've deduced a few reasons why eating Taco Bell makes you poop. I kept searching and searching to find viable and probable reasons to answer the question of the century!

We'll see!

Index

  • 1 Why does Taco Bell make you shit?
  • 2 The science of pooping
  • 3 Why does Taco Bell make you shit? It could be the weather!
  • 4 Why does Taco Bell make you shit? It could be the milk!
  • 5 Why does Taco Bell make you shit? It could be the beans!
  • 6 Why does Taco Bell make you shit? It could be the meat!
  • 7 Why does Taco Bell make you poop? It could be the drink!
  • 8 Why Does Taco Bell Make You Shit? It could be the fat!
  • 9 Why does Taco Bell make you poop? Real answers from real people!
  • 10 final words: Why does Taco Bell make you poop?

Why does Taco Bell make you shit?

Taco Bell can make you poop for a variety of reasons. The fructose and caffeine in your drinks and the gluten, fat, and spices in your food can trigger a bowel movement. It could also be due to too much fiber in the beans or an allergic reaction to cheese or sour cream.

So you see, we can't just make up a reason why Taco Bell makes you poop. It could be because you are lactose intolerant, cannot eat hot or spicy foods, or your food contains too much fructose, caffeine, or fiber!

Also, not everyone reacts to the same things in their food. Therefore, there may be more than one menu item that urges you to urgently look for a bathroom.

But before we discuss these reasons in detail, let's discuss the how and why of poop.

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The science of pooping

Poo poo, feces, or just what's left after your intestine absorbs nutrients and fluids from food, bowel movements have an extra name.

As the stool passes through the digestive tract, the small intestine secretes water to moisten the stool so that it passes easily through the intestines. This water is then reabsorbed by the large intestine.

Therefore, if the correct amount of water is first secreted and then absorbed, the stool will come out solid and lumpy.

However, if too much water has been excreted or too little water has been ingested, the stool becomes watery, which is also known as diarrhoea. Likewise, when less water is secreted but more is absorbed, you feel constipated.

In this article, we will focus on the first case: diarrhea. You see, there are 2 types of diarrhea: osmotic diarrhea and secretory diarrhea.

Osmotic diarrhea occurs when the water in the colon contains so many non-aqueous particles that it prevents the water from being absorbed. On the other hand, secretory diarrhea occurs when the small intestine is stimulated to secrete more water than necessary.

Why does Taco Bell make you shit? It could be the weather!

Why does Taco Bell make you shit? 6 reasons why! (1)

Many items on the Taco Bell menu are hot and spicy. The ingredients responsible for this contain a compound called capsaicin. Therefore, chili peppers contain capsaicin, which makes them spicy.

Capsaicin is also an irritant, which is why you feel a burning sensation when you eat something spicy. Therefore, capsaicin binds to and activates your TRPV1 receptors.

TRPV1 has numerous bodily functions to perform, but one of its main functions is temperature regulation. When TRPV1 present in your gastrointestinal (GI) system is activated by capsaicin, the GI system goes into spasm.

What happens is that the GI system gets more stimulated than normal and things get faster, making you want to poop right away!

By the way, TRPV1 receptors are also present in your anus. Therefore, capsaicin that was not absorbed by your body during digestion is excreted. That's why it burns.

If you think the seasoning might be causing the problem, ask for a milder sauce, keep the sauce on the side, or just skip the hot sauce.

Why does Taco Bell make you shit? It could be the milk!

Why does Taco Bell make you shit? 6 reasons why! (2)

Sour cream and cheese are the basic ingredients of any taco, burrito, quesadilla, chalupa, crispy or gordita. I can't imagine these dishes without the creamy, cheesy ingredients.

But did you know that more than 60% of the North American population is lactose intolerant? People with lactose intolerance cannot fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk.

The main problem for people with lactose intolerance is that they lack the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose.

As a result, they have diarrhea, gas, and gas after eating or drinking dairy products. This condition is known as lactose malabsorption, which is usually harmless but hey, the symptoms can be uncomfortable.

The urgent need to find a bathroom right after eating dairy products is not convenient at all.

Unfortunately, our bodies tend to stop producing this enzyme as we age. Lactose is not as easily digested. When these sugars pass through the digestive tract, they lead to indigestion, gas, and gas. And of course you will feel a strong desire to poop.

If you think lactose is causing the problem, just ask them to omit the cheese and cream.

Remember that cheese contains much less lactose than sour cream. Therefore, people with mild lactose intolerance can easily digest cheese.

Why does Taco Bell make you shit? It could be the beans!

Why does Taco Bell make you shit? 6 reasons why! (3)

Another common suspect that makes you want to pee right after a Taco Bell meal is beans. Yes, beans, which we all know and love as a complete and healthy food.

Beans are high in fiber, which is great for the gut. But there's a slight setback: Many people have a hard time breaking down fiber.

Just one cup of beans has over 10 grams of fiber, which is insane!

And fiber is known to draw water into the digestive system to form a gel-like consistency that softens stool and makes it easier to pass.

That's why some people have to run to the bathroom as soon as they grab a snack at Taco Bell.

Beans also contain an oligosaccharide carbohydrate that is not digested until it reaches the colon. In the colon, it becomes food for the bacteria that live in your digestive tract, causing gas and bloating.

So if you think the beans might be to blame, just ask them to leave the beans off your plate to eliminate this nuisance.

Better yet, ask for a bean-free meal. You can try Cheesy Gordita Crunch, Beef Quesarito, Beefy Fritos Burrito, Beefy Nacho Griller, and Crunchwrap.

Why does Taco Bell make you shit? It could be the meat!

Why does Taco Bell make you shit? 6 reasons why! (4)

A staple of many Taco Bell items, beef is probably the ingredient that makes you poop nonstop. Red meat, like beef, contains fiber, and we've already discussed how fiber makes you poop.

Just a quick recap: Fiber helps move water into the colon and softens stool, allowing it to flow smoothly through the digestive system.

Also, many people do not have enough stomach acid to adequately break down and digest large amounts of animal fat and protein.

This person on Reddit commented that it could also be due to the combination of meat and spices. So maybe getting a softer beef taco next time is a good option.

If you find that beef makes you poop at inconvenient times, you can ask them to replace it with seasoned chicken.

Or you can try eating non-beef foods like Cheesy Roll-up and Cheese Quesadilla.

Why does Taco Bell make you shit? It could be the drink!

Why does Taco Bell make you shit? 6 reasons why! (5)

What is your favorite drink to order at Taco Bell? Mine is Diet Pepsi and Iced Coffee. Both drinks are super low in calories, but did you know that they contain a generous helping of caffeine?

Caffeine sends a signal to the stomach to release gastrin. As a result, it triggers a wave of contractions in the intestine called peristalsis. So what does peristalsis do? It transports food and liquids through the intestines.

And for some, that leads to a trip to the bathroom in a matter of minutes.

Additionally, several studies have shown that caffeine activates contractions in the colon and intestinal muscles. Contractions in the large intestine push the contents of the stomach into the rectum, the final section of the digestive tract.

Caffeine can apparently make the colon 60% more active than water and 23% more active than decaf coffee.

So if you suspect that it's that drink that's making you poop right after your trip to Taco Bell, try skipping it. Just stick with a regular glass of water or orange juice.

Why does Taco Bell make you shit? It could be the fat!

It's no surprise that, like most fast food chains, most of Taco Bell's menu items are greasy.

Unfortunately, fatty foods trigger gastrocolic reflexes in the intestine. In most cases, foods high in unhealthy fats increase the contraction pressure of the gastrocolic reflex.

Also, fatty foods are not absorbed properly. They usually make their way to the colon, where they are broken down into fatty acids, causing the colon to produce fluid and causing diarrhea.

These are just a few of the reasons why you may have the urge to urinate right after eating fatty, fried foods at Taco Bell.

Well, to no one's surprise, Taco Bell has more than one item on their menu that fits the bill.

According to the USDA, the daily intake of saturated fat should be limited to less than 10% of the daily calories consumed. Assuming the average person consumes 2,000 calories a day, ideally, food should contain no more than 22 grams of saturated fat.

And guess what? There are at least 27 items on the Taco Bell menu that contain at least 10 grams or more of saturated fat. So if you're someone like me who prefers combo or economy meal packs, you'll be maximizing your daily intake of saturated foods in no time.

So what can you do? When ordering at Taco Bell, try to stick to one item at a time.

While researching this thread, I found several people sharing their experiences of pooping after a meal at Taco Bell. On the contrary, there were so many people firmly convinced that it was all a joke, a meme, racist to begin with.

I have summarized some of the comments below for you. They are quite funny.

Why does Taco Bell make you shit? Real answers from real people!

"Taco Bell doesn't cause more poop than any other fast food chain. These rumors mostly come from drunk or hungover people who mixed Taco Bell with alcohol or people with weak digestive systems."

“If greasy food, spicy food, or drunken food makes you shit, you shit. If not, you should be fine.

"Well, because Taco Bell is greasy as hell. If your body isn't used to eating fat on a regular basis, it will have a hard time digesting it.

"Spicy has nothing to do with poop. Ignore the gringos. Taco Bell is milder than mayonnaise.

"Like most fast foods, Taco Bell is terribly greasy and greasy. This can lead to GI issues."

"Taco Bell sells spicy food. A compound called capsaicin, in my experience, can cause digestive problems."

"Most people don't need to have a bowel movement immediately after Taco Bell. Otherwise, the FDA, local health officials, and the media would be all over the world."

"You may be sensitive to the spices used there."

"In my experience, ordering food with bean dip makes diarrhea easier."

"I love Taco Bell, but I think they changed the ingredients for the meat about 20 years ago. Their current meat has oatmeal as a filling, which I am very allergic to.

"Taco Bell doesn't make me poop. But it gives me heartburn and triggers my heartburn."

"The only Taco Bell item that doesn't give me diarrhea is the soft meat fajita tacos. It's just chunks of meat and flour-based tortillas, so I can deal with that.

"Taco Bell ground beef made me poop. Steak and chicken don't do that. There's a particular additive in ground beef.

“What is most likely to trigger poop is all that grease. Only the taco meat is so fatty.

"I only feel the immediate need to poop when I'm crazy enough to eat the sour cream or many different mayonnaise-based sauces they smother the food with."

"I know a lot of people are saying it's just a joke, but there are a lot of people seriously reporting these issues."

"No. Taco Bell never upset my stomach."

"I can only assume that some people's diets are so bad that their systems can't process hot sauce and beans."

"I've only seen these types of issues in Taco Bell and Chipotle threads. I smell racism here."

Final words: Why does Taco Bell make you poop?

If you haven't read the entire article, I recommend you do, because there are many reasons why Taco Bell makes you poop.

The following items found in one or another Taco Bell food could be the reason you have a strong urge to poop as often as possible:

  • season
  • dairy
  • beans
  • bovine meat
  • Caffeine
  • Fett

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FAQs

Why do tacos make me poop? ›

They're scattered all throughout your body, including your gastro-intestinal (GI) system. When capsaicin triggers the TRPV1 receptors in your intestines, it makes your GI system cramp up. Basically, your GI system is stimulated more than normal and gets things going faster – making you need to poop ASAP.

Why do some people get diarrhea from Taco Bell? ›

A lot of these items either include spices like the Chalupa and its jalapeño peppers, others have sour cream with them, as well as cheese and red meat, which may make sensitive tummies a bit… loose.

Is Taco Bell a laxative? ›

No, their food just has a lot of fiber and lactose. Fiber is a good natural laxative, and lactose can cause diarrhea in some people.

Why is poop spicy? ›

The heat causing compounds in spicy foods do not get absorbed by your body and move through your body. So your poop contains spicy particles, and since the cells similar to those in your mouth, line the end of your rectum, you experience a burning sensation when you poop.

What food triggers poop? ›

Can't Go? These 14 Foods Can Help
  • Move Things Along. 1/15. The best way to stay regular is to exercise, eat a healthy, fiber-rich diet, and drink plenty of water. ...
  • Raspberries. 2/15. ...
  • Pears. 3/15. ...
  • Popcorn. 4/15. ...
  • Watermelon. 5/15. ...
  • Oatmeal. 6/15. ...
  • Almonds. 7/15. ...
  • Turnip Greens. 8/15.
Jan 28, 2023

What is the fastest food can go through you? ›

The quickest to digest are processed, sugary junk foods like candy bars. Your body tears through them in a matter of hours, quickly leaving you hungry again.

What does Taco Bell do to your body? ›

"Many of the food items at Taco Bell are oversized and also fried, cheesy, or contain beef," says Dr. Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, and author of Finally Full, Finally Slim. "This combo is full of too many calories as well as saturated fat which, if consumed regularly over time, can lead to obesity and heart disease."

What happens after you eat Taco Bell? ›

This change comes as a result of an insulin spike. According to The Washington Post, eating at a fast-food chain like Taco Bell causes our insulin to spike while our blood sugar drops. This quick dive in blood sugar makes us feel that extra hunger, even after we eat a ton of tacos.

Does Taco Bell use real meat? ›

We use 100 percent USDA premium beef in our seasoned beef. We prepare it much the same way you prepare taco meat at home: after simmering, it is drained of excess fat and pre-seasoned with our signature blend of 7 authentic seasonings and spices.

Why does it hurt when I poop? ›

It's common to get small tears inside or around your anus, the opening where your poop comes out. These anal fissures are often caused by a large or very hard stool. They cause the muscles around your anus to spasm, so bowel movements hurt.

Does spicy food make you skinny? ›

It can, according to a meta-analysis of 90 different studies that looked at the role of capsaicin in weight management. The analysis found spicy foods reduce appetite and that they increase energy expenditure. So, yes! Spicy food can help with weight loss.

Why do I feel burning after poop? ›

Over time, constipation and other conditions can cause hemorrhoids, which are inflamed veins on your anus or rectum. Irritation to these veins can make you feel burning and pain during bowel movements.

Can you poop even if you don't eat? ›

Even if you don't eat, you'll still poop

But even if you don't eat anything, you'll still need to take a dump. That's because poo is made up of more than just the food you ingest. "If you don't eat, you can still have feces because the body produces secretions.

What foods stop you up? ›

Troublesome Foods

Some foods can make you more likely to get stopped up. The most common culprits are dairy products, sugary treats, and high-fat meats. So go easy on marbled steaks and sausages, cheese, ice cream, cakes, cookies, and frozen or packaged meals, which tend to lack much fiber.

How often should you poop? ›

How often should you poop. You don't need to poop every day to be regular. It's normal and healthy to have a bowel movement anywhere between three times a week to three times a day. If you're producing soft, well-formed logs that aren't hard to push out, your bowels are probably in good shape.

Is it normal to poop food you ate 12 hours ago? ›

It can take between four and 11 hours for food to pass into the large intestine (six to eight is average), and it will spend up to 70 hours there before being excreted (the average is 40) – the exact timing depends on your metabolism and what you've eaten, and it may vary day to day.

Why am I pooping out food I ate 4 hours ago? ›

Undigested food in a person's stool is not usually a cause for concern. The body cannot fully break down high-fiber foods or foods with hard shells, such as sweetcorn. Consequently, these may pass through the digestive system unchanged.

How long after eating do you poop? ›

After you eat, it takes about six to eight hours for food to pass through your stomach and small intestine. Food then enters your large intestine (colon) for further digestion, absorption of water and, finally, elimination of undigested food. It takes about 36 hours for food to move through the entire colon.

Is Taco Bell healthy or not? ›

Taco Bell is no exception, though this food chain also offers low calorie, high protein, and vegetarian options — and with a few modifications, you can even find a keto meal. If you're limiting sodium or avoiding highly processed foods, Taco Bell may not be a good choice for you.

What is the healthiest fast food place? ›

10 Fast-Food Restaurants That Serve Healthy Foods
  1. Chipotle. Chipotle Mexican Grill is a restaurant chain that specializes in foods like tacos and burritos. ...
  2. Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A is a fast-food restaurant that specializes in chicken sandwiches. ...
  3. Wendy's. ...
  4. McDonald's. ...
  5. Ruby Tuesday. ...
  6. The Cheesecake Factory. ...
  7. KFC. ...
  8. Subway.
May 3, 2019

Why do I feel sick after Taco Bell? ›

Food poisoning can occur as a result of eating Mexican food. The most commonly reported symptoms from Taco Bell are vomiting and diarrhea and the most reported diagnoses are Salmonella and Norovirus. Salmonella is a bacterial infection commonly associated with chicken.

Is it OK to eat Taco Bell 2 days old? ›

Yes, you can save Taco Bell leftovers. They will last in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. Just heat them in the microwave before serving.

Why are tacos unhealthy? ›

When you're dining out, one order of tacos could contain more than 1,500 calories and 60 grams of fat. Especially when tacos contain a combination of meat and cheese, they're likely to be higher in saturated fat. You can consume this type of fat as part of a healthy diet, but it may be best in moderation ( 37 ).

Is Taco Bell cheese real? ›

“We're excited to incorporate Cheez-It—made with 100% real cheese—into Taco Bell favorites and deliver customers a bold, cheesy twist on the iconic chain's go-to menu staples."

Are the eggs at Taco Bell Real? ›

Taco Bell: The Breakfast Crunchwrap and Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito, among others, are made with an egg blend that includes whole eggs as well as soybean oil, salt, citric acid, pepper, xanthan gum, and guar gum.

What is grade F meat? ›

There's no such thing as Grade A beef, or Grade F beef. The inspection and grading of meat and poultry are two separate programs within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Inspection for wholesomeness is mandatory and is paid for out of tax dollars.

Are tacos good for digestion? ›

The combination of corn tortilla and common beans known as taco may boost the production of beneficial short chain fatty acids in the gut, according to a new study.

Can taco meat give you diarrhea? ›

Food poisoning from tacos can be caused by eating meat products contaminated with Salmonella. More than 150 people in the US have been sickened in two food poisoning outbreaks involving Salmonella. Severe cramps, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea can appear within 12 to 72 hours after consuming infected food.

Why do tacos hurt stomach? ›

Spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic can cause irritation to the digestive system and can lead to an upset stomach. Additionally, the use of fillings like beef, beef broth, and cheese can also cause digestive issues, especially if they contain large amounts of fat or sodium.

Why do tacos make my stomach hurt? ›

This is because many Mexican dishes are made with a variety of spices and ingredients that can be difficult for some people to digest. Additionally, Mexican food often contains a lot of oil and fat, which can be difficult to digest and may cause upset stomachs.

What are the 10 hardest foods to digest? ›

Worst Foods for Digestion
  • Fried Foods. 1/10. They're high in fat and can bring on diarrhea. ...
  • Citrus Fruits. 2/10. Because they're high in fiber and they are acidic, they can give some folks an upset stomach. ...
  • Artificial Sugar. 3/10. ...
  • Too Much Fiber. 4/10. ...
  • Beans. 5/10. ...
  • Cabbage and Its Cousins. 6/10. ...
  • Fructose. 7/10. ...
  • Spicy Foods. 8/10.
Aug 30, 2021

How unhealthy is a taco? ›

When you're dining out, one order of tacos could contain more than 1,500 calories and 60 grams of fat. Especially when tacos contain a combination of meat and cheese, they're likely to be higher in saturated fat. You can consume this type of fat as part of a healthy diet, but it may be best in moderation ( 37 ).

What Mexican food is healthy? ›

In Mexican cuisine, many soups are high in nutrients and low in calories. Look for one made with broth. Good bets are black bean, chicken tortilla, and shrimp (caldo de camaron) soups. Or you might try pozole -- a stew with pork, vegetables, and hominy (ground corn kernels).

What happens after eating Taco Bell? ›

This change comes as a result of an insulin spike. According to The Washington Post, eating at a fast-food chain like Taco Bell causes our insulin to spike while our blood sugar drops. This quick dive in blood sugar makes us feel that extra hunger, even after we eat a ton of tacos.

What should I eat after spicy food? ›

Balancing it with an acid can help neutralize the molecule's activity. This means drinking or eating something acidic — such as lemonade, limeade, orange juice or a tomato-based food item or drink — may also help cool your mouth down. (Milk is also acidic, by the way.) DO down some carbs.

How long does it take for tacos to digest? ›

It usually takes from 24 to 72 hours for healthy people to completely digest food and eliminate waste products. The first stop for food is the esophagus, which moves food from the back of the throat to the stomach. About six to eight hours after eating, food passes through the stomach and small intestine.

How many days should diarrhea last? ›

Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious problem.

Why do I feel empty stomach after eating? ›

You may feel hungry after eating due to a lack of protein or fiber in your diet, not eating enough high volume foods, hormone issues like leptin resistance, or behavioral and lifestyle choices.

How does Taco Bell make their meat? ›

We prepare it much the same way you prepare taco meat at home: after simmering, it is drained of excess fat and pre-seasoned with our signature blend of 7 authentic seasonings and spices. It is then packaged with added water to lock in the flavor and for added moisture, and then shipped to our restaurants.

What are spicy food side effects? ›

Spicy foods may worsen acid reflux, IBS, peptic ulcers, and gastritis. They may also cause digestive issues, including heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, if consumed in large amounts.

References

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