The Unexpected Consequence: My Encounter with Diarrhea After Eating McDonald's

Why I Experienced Diarrhea After Eating McDonald's Small French Fries and McDouble: A Personal Testimony

Hi, I’m Glenn Rosaroso Vale, and I want to share my personal experience of how a simple meal from McDonald's made me suffer from diarrhea—something I hadn't experienced in months. This incident took place on the evening of December 9, 2024, and it completely caught me off guard, especially considering my previous diet had been so beneficial for my health. I’m here to explain what I believe led to this uncomfortable experience and what you should know about the foods we consume.

My Journey to Better Health

Just six months ago, I was consuming the same types of foods from McDonald's—the typical French fries and McDouble—and never had any issues with digestion or health. But something changed when I decided to improve my diet. About 120 days ago, I made a radical shift in my eating habits. I adopted a low-carb, high-protein diet by consuming 2 to 3 cans of sardines in tomato sauce, squeezed with lemon, and paired with 3 to 4 teaspoons of rice each day.

During this period, I noticed significant improvements in my health. My triglyceride levels dropped to 34, which was amazing. I no longer felt sluggish or fatigued. I also felt a sense of relief, as I believed I had avoided harmful substances like mercury and arsenic that could have been present in other food sources. My energy levels were high, and I felt like I had finally taken control of my health.

The Moment Everything Changed

However, on the evening of December 9, 2024, I found myself hungry and craving something different. Even though I had strictly adhered to my belief of limiting carbohydrates to below 4 grams and avoiding seed oils (which I knew could negatively impact my health at a cellular level), I violated these principles for the first time in months. I decided to grab a quick meal at McDonald's and ordered the McDouble and French fries. I knew this wasn’t in line with my health philosophy, but I was hoping it wouldn’t have a significant impact on me.

Unfortunately, my body had a very different response.

The Aftermath: Diarrhea

About 30 minutes after finishing the meal, I began to feel uncomfortable. I thought it might just be a passing sensation, but within an hour, the discomfort escalated into something much worse. I had to rush to the bathroom, where I found myself experiencing diarrhea. The next few hours were a nightmare. I had to visit the bathroom 10 times—and each time was worse than the last. My stomach was upset, and I felt a wave of fatigue and discomfort that I hadn’t experienced in months.

It was a shocking reminder of how quickly our bodies can react to foods we might not be accustomed to eating anymore.

Why Did This Happen?

Looking back on it, I believe there were several factors that could have contributed to my digestive issues. Here are some of the reasons I think McDonald's fries and the McDouble might have caused my diarrhea:

1. High Fat Content: Both the French fries and McDouble are high in polyunsaturated fats, (PUFA) especially from the oils used in frying. I’ve noticed that high-fat foods often cause digestive disturbances in those who have recently adapted to a low-fat, high-protein diet. My system had likely become sensitive to excess fat after months of consuming primarily sardines and rice.

2. Seed Oils in McDonald's Fries: McDonald's fries are fried in vegetable oils, which often include canola oil, soybean oil, or sunflower oil. These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can lead to inflammation and gut disturbances. I’ve always tried to avoid seed oils because they can disrupt cellular processes and contribute to chronic inflammation.

3. Carbohydrates: I’ve strictly adhered to keeping my carbohydrate intake below 4 grams per meal. The French fries and bun in the McDouble both contain significant amounts of carbohydrates, and although it may not seem like much to others, I’ve trained my body to operate without them. The sudden influx of sugar and starch from these foods likely overwhelmed my digestive system and contributed to the diarrhea.

4. Lactose in the Cheese: The processed cheese in the McDouble contains lactose, and I’ve noticed that even a small amount of lactose can upset my digestive system. Though I don’t have severe lactose intolerance, I tend to avoid dairy after my diet change, and consuming the cheese may have contributed to the issue.

5. Processed Ingredients and Additives: The pickles, mustard, and ketchup in the McDouble, as well as other additives in both the fries and the burger, might have irritated my digestive system. I’ve become more sensitive to processed ingredients, especially sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavorings.

The Bottom Line: Food Sensitivity and Awareness

This experience has taught me a lot about food sensitivities and how quickly the body can react to changes in diet. While I had been eating a healthy, nutrient-dense diet for months, returning to processed fast food seemed to trigger an immediate and extreme reaction. It’s a reminder that our bodies can adapt to healthier foods over time, but when we reintroduce refined oils, high carbohydrates, and processed ingredients, it can throw off our digestive system.

For those of you who might be wondering, yes, McDonald's fries and the McDouble, which are high in sodium, fat, and refined carbohydrates, can indeed cause issues like diarrhea in some individuals, especially if your body has become more sensitive after a period of eating healthier. It's important to listen to your body and understand how different foods can affect you on a cellular level.

I hope my story helps shed some light on how diet changes can impact your body in both positive and negative ways. If you're looking to improve your health or want to avoid digestive issues, be mindful of what you're consuming and how your body responds.

Stay healthy,
Glenn Rosaroso Vale