Intolerance of Fried Fatty Foods

Fried, fatty foods have become a staple in the standard Western diet. Potato chips, french fries, chicken, burgers, snack foods and fried vegetables all contribute to the increase in fatty food consumption that plagues modern culture. The increased fat intake has contributed to an overall decline in health and can lead to other digestive, cardiac and skin issues when your body develops an intolerance to the foods.

A basket of fried chicken on a table. (Image: rez-art/iStock/Getty Images)

Gallbladder

Gallbladder disease can lead to an intolerance of fatty foods in the diet. The gallbladder is a sac under the liver that stores and concentrates bile, which helps digest fats. When you suffer from gallbladder disease, it reduces the amount of bile available to the intestines for digestion and can result in pain, nausea and vomiting as the gallbladder attempts to release bile in response to fat.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a digestive condition that affects how quickly foods empty from the stomach. The stomach is unable to contract normally, leading to heartburn, pain and bloating. The condition is commonly triggered by diabetes, but can also be caused by autoimmune conditions, neuromuscular diseases and endocrine disorders. Dietary changes are a cornerstone of treatment, including the reduction of fried fatty foods in the diet because they take longer to digest and worsen the condition.

Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition in which food backs up into the esophagus, causing burning in the chest, referred to as heartburn, as well as damage to the lungs, voice box and sometimes pneumonia and lung scars. Fried, fatty foods are one major contributor to the exacerbation of the condition. Doctors from Pulmonary-Critical Care Associates recommend that you reduce or eliminate fried fatty foods to reduce heartburn, scarring of the esophagus and to help prevent further lung damage.

Plaque Buildup

Fried foods are high in saturated and trans fats, which are significant contributors to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque buildup can lead to coronary and peripheral artery disease; kidney disease can be triggered by a high intake of fat in the diet, leading to high cholesterol levels.

Gas and Bloating

Foods that take longer to digest, such as fried, fatty foods, might trigger a buildup of gas in the stomach and intestines. This results in passing gas more frequently and stomach bloating accompanied by burping. Bloating might also bring about mild to intense stomach pain and might be alleviated by reducing the amount of fatty foods you eat, as well as reducing stress and anxiety, smoking and treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, gallbladder disease, reflux, celiac disease or lactose intolerance.