Why does eating something from the refrigerator cause diarrhea?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort. Whenever I eat something refrigerated from the fridge, I develop bloating and diarrhea. May I ask, what causes diarrhea after consuming items from the refrigerator?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Diarrhea after consuming items from the refrigerator may be caused by the following factors:
1. Food spoilage: Although refrigeration can slow bacterial growth, it cannot completely prevent it. If food is stored too long in the refrigerator or the refrigerator temperature is improperly set (above 4°C), cold-tolerant bacteria such as Listeria can still multiply, causing food spoilage. Consuming spoiled food may lead to gastrointestinal inflammation, presenting symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
2. Food temperature irritation: Food taken directly from the refrigerator is at a low temperature and may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing spasms of the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to abdominal pain and diarrhea.
3. Imbalance of intestinal flora: Regular consumption of cold food may affect the balance of intestinal flora, causing dysbiosis, which can in turn lead to symptoms such as diarrhea.
4. Improper food storage: Storing raw and cooked foods together may also lead to cross-contamination. In particular, raw meat and seafood often carry pathogenic bacteria; their juices may drip onto other foods, increasing the risk of diarrhea.
