Red meat is a staple of many diets. It's tasty, versatile, and is in most grocery stores for relatively low prices. However, red meat can contribute to several health problems, including heart disease and certain cancers. In this article, we will explore some signs that you may be eating too much red meat, from the smell on your breath to the amount of time it takes for your stomach to empty.

Weight Gain

Red meat is a nutritious food that contains many essential vitamins and minerals. However, some people have trouble digesting beef due to the high-fat content, leading to weight gain. A survey from the Centers for Disease Control found that, on average, Americans eat around 270 calories worth of red meat each day. That's about 30% more than what they should be eating according to their height, age, and activity level.

The best way to avoid gaining too much weight from consuming red meat is by cooking it in healthier ways, such as grilling or broiling instead of frying. Adding spices like cumin or chili powder; coating with mustard before baking; using fruit juice instead of oil when braising; and marinating overnight (in low sodium soy sauce, lemon juice, or vinegar); help reduce the bad fats in red meat.

Stomach Problems

While most people can eat red meat without any problems, some find it difficult to digest because of its high-fat content. Suppose you experience stomach issues after eating beef such as cramping, bloating, nausea or diarrhea for more than a few days. In that case, your doctor may recommend reducing your intake until the problem goes away completely. Which could take anywhere from one week to several months, depending on how long you've been experiencing these symptoms. You might also want to try switching brands since cattle that have been raised organically tend to contain less saturated fat than factory-farmed cows, which can cause stomach problems.

Bad Breath

Red meat has a strong flavor that can stay in your mouth long after you've finished eating it. While many people love the taste, others find that red meats like beef and lamb linger on their breath, so they avoid consuming them as much as possible. When fats from red meat oxidize (i.e., react with oxygen) during digestion, they produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including TMAO, which gives off an unpleasant smell. This effect may be more pronounced when someone eats animal products such as eggs or seafood along with beef contributing to bad breath after consuming these foods together. This issue affects some men more than women since factors such as testosterone can increase VOC production.

Body Odor

People who consume too much red meat may also notice that their sweat has a stronger odor than usual which can be embarrassing in social situations. This occurs because when the body metabolizes proteins like those found in beef, it releases ammonia-like compounds into your bloodstream. Bacteria on the skin's surface convert these compounds into chemicals called amines that cause bad breath and body smells.

Experts recommend that people concerned about red meat's contribution to bad breath or body odors eat more vegetables and lean cuts of beef. The naturally occurring fats in these foods help reduce some of its potentially unpleasant effects. Combining red meats like pork or lamb with low-fat dairy products is another good idea since milk contains lactic acid, which helps break down TMAO.

Constipation

Red meat contains a high amount of protein which can cause constipation in some people. If you find yourself having trouble going to the bathroom, try adding more fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, along with drinking more water. This will help your digestive system function properly. 

Constant Fatigue Or Tiredness

While many people claim that red meat gives them a boost in energy after they eat it for dinner, others who consume beef often complain about feeling tired shortly afterward due to a reason known as blood sugar imbalance. Due mainly to the high levels of protein found in this type of food, those diagnosed with hypoglycemia should consume less red meat since this will increase insulin resistance making it more difficult for your body to digest carbs properly over time. This problem is prevalent among women as PMS symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, and cravings can be triggered by insulin resistance. If you are one of the many people who find themselves feeling fatigued shortly after eating red meat, try adding more complex carbs to your diet. You can add whole-grain bread or pasta along with fiber-rich foods. These choices will help balance out blood sugar levels without causing an energy crash later on.

Dehydration

Red meat is a food that can be difficult for your body to digest because it has high sodium levels, which makes it hard for your kidneys to break down all at once. While most people get enough salt in their diets from items like chips, crackers, and pretzels, too much sodium can cause dehydration. This may lead some individuals who eat red meats regularly throughout the week to complain about feeling fatigued if they're not drinking plenty of fluids before and after. It's important to remember that eating more than three servings per day of salt increases your risk of developing hypertension. In this condition, the excess fluid causes blood pressure to rise beyond 140/90 mm Hg.

Headaches

While eating red meat does not directly cause headaches, they may become more common if you suffer from certain health conditions such as iron deficiency anemia. This is a condition where your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. Those who lack the nutrient in their diet experience various symptoms, including weakness and fatigue, pale skin, hair loss, brittle nails, and cold intolerance.

Conclusion

Red meat is a great source of protein and can be a vital part of any healthy lifestyle if one consumes it properly. Remember, it's best not to eat too much as the high sodium levels can cause dehydration and other symptoms such as headaches or allergies. If you have been diagnosed by allergy testing or show symptoms of this condition, please speak with your doctor about what steps you may need to take to avoid eating red meat until these issues dissipate.