5 reasons why you sweat after eating meat

“Meat sweats” are not an official medical diagnosis, but an increase in body temperature after a heavy meal, especially if it contains a lot of protein, is a real phenomenon. If you wipe your brow after eating a big steak, there’s some science behind it.

1. Eating generates heat

Like any machine, the warmer your body gets, the harder it works. When you eat a meal, your body has to break down whatever you eat into its simplest form. During this process, your metabolism increases and your core body temperature may increase.

2. Different foods require more energy to break down

Typically, your body uses about 10% of its daily energy to consume, digest and absorb the foods you eat.

Some foods require more energy to break down than others.

Although all foods have the potential to increase your body temperature, meats have a much greater impact on it.

3. Metabolism is important

Metabolism does not exist at a constant rate. Your age, muscle tone, activity level, genetics and a host of other factors can impact this.

Studies have shown that temperature increases may be most apparent in:

• The youngest
• People with an active lifestyle
• Individuals with lower body fat

In contrast, temperature spikes after eating were less prominent in older people, those with high body fat levels, or those who were physically inactive.

4. What’s inside

The type of meat, how it is prepared, and how it is seasoned can all impact the generation of meat sweats.

For example, one study found that chicken and lamb had some of the highest thermogenic effects, increasing body temperature significantly more than other meats within two hours of eating.

Spices and seasonings can also contribute, with spicier foods triggering a reaction in your nervous system. Foods with high cooking temperatures can also make you sweat.

However, research suggests that raw foods may actually require more energy to digest and may also increase your body temperature.

5. Underlying medical conditions

Underlying medical conditions may contribute to your sweating after eating.

• Taste hyperhidrosis is a reaction of your nervous system to spicy foods.
• It is not harmful, but it can be unpleasant and can be transmitted within families.

In more extreme cases, sweating during or shortly after eating could be linked to more concerning medical conditions such as:

• Auriculotemporal syndrome (Frey syndrome) usually develops after surgery on the neck or salivary glands, or even after a facelift.
• Diabetes, which impacts Changes in your blood sugar before or shortly after eating may reflect a drastic change in your blood sugar.
• Parkinson’s diseaseas well as other specific neurological conditions, can affect the functioning of your sweat glands, leading to abnormal sweating.

Discuss your concerns about sweating or other symptoms after eating with your healthcare professional.