On a hot summer day, a cup of ice cream is the first choice for many people to relieve the heat.

However, some people experience diarrhea while enjoying this sweet, cold treat.

This phenomenon is not only disturbing but also raises questions about the safety of ice cream. So, why does eating ice cream cause diarrhea, and how can we deal with and prevent it? This article will analyze this issue from multiple perspectives and provide some practical suggestions.

1. Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a common cause of diarrhea after eating ice cream. One of the main ingredients of ice cream is milk, which contains lactose. Lactose is a sugar that needs to be broken down into glucose and galactose by the enzyme lactase in the small intestine before it can be absorbed by the body.

However, due to genetic or other reasons, many adults lack sufficient lactase, resulting in lactose not being completely broken down. This undigested lactose then ferments in the intestines, producing gas and acidic substances, causing diarrhea and bloating.

2. Bacterial Infection

If there is no strict hygiene control during the production and storage process of ice cream, it is susceptible to bacterial contamination. Common pathogenic bacteria include Salmonella and Escherichia coli.

If ice cream is not kept at a suitably low temperature during transportation, storage, or sale, bacteria will multiply. After eating ice cream contaminated with bacteria, a person may experience food poisoning symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional intestinal disorder with symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. For people with IBS, certain foods like ice cream may irritate the intestines and trigger symptoms.

The high fat and sugar content in ice cream, as well as the freezing temperature, may aggravate intestinal sensitivity and cause discomfort.

4. Allergic Reaction

Although less common, an allergic reaction to ice cream ingredients can also cause diarrhea. Ice cream may contain various allergens, such as milk protein, nuts, and eggs.

After consuming these ingredients, people with allergies may experience a range of allergic reactions, including rashes, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

5. Improper Food Combination

Sometimes, eating ice cream with other inappropriate foods can also cause gastrointestinal discomfort. For example, eating ice cream with certain fruits or drinks may produce adverse chemical reactions that affect digestive function and lead to diarrhea.

Recommendations and Precautions

a. Choose Lactose-Free Ice Cream

For those who are lactose intolerant, there are ice cream options that are lactose-free or made with plant-based milk. Currently, there are many lactose-free ice cream products on the market to meet different consumers' needs.

This type of ice cream not only prevents symptoms of lactose intolerance but also offers more flavor options.

b. Ensure Food Hygiene

When buying ice cream, you should choose a reputable brand and store to ensure a hygienic production and storage environment. Consume it as soon as possible after purchase, and avoid exposing it to high temperatures for a long time.

When making ice cream at home, strictly follow food safety procedures to ensure the freshness and cleanliness of the raw materials.

c. Taste Slowly and Eat in Moderation

Ice cream is cold, and eating it quickly may cause gastrointestinal irritation. It is recommended to taste it slowly to give your stomach time to adapt to the temperature.

The high sugar and fat content of ice cream also suggests that it should be consumed in moderation to avoid overloading the gastrointestinal tract.

d. Pay Attention to Food Combinations

Avoid eating foods that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as highly acidic fruits or carbonated drinks, with ice cream. A reasonable diet can effectively reduce discomfort caused by food interactions.

Conclusion

Diarrhea after eating ice cream is a common phenomenon, but by understanding its possible causes, we can take corresponding preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of discomfort.

Choosing an ice cream product that suits you, ensuring food hygiene, and paying attention to eating methods and combinations are important ways to protect your health when enjoying delicious ice cream.

By following these recommendations, you can enjoy the sweet, refreshing treat of ice cream while keeping your stomach comfortable in the cool summer weather.