Can You Still Taste a Bad Taco 18-21 Hours Later?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of lingering taste and smell from food, specifically a bad taco consumed 18-21 hours prior. The individual experienced persistent taste and odor, suggesting a potential defense mechanism where the body retains food in the stomach to combat harmful substances. This experience is not uncommon, particularly after consuming low-fiber meals while traveling. The discussion highlights the connection between digestion, food retention, and sensory perception.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of human digestion processes
  • Knowledge of sensory perception related to taste and smell
  • Familiarity with gastrointestinal defense mechanisms
  • Awareness of dietary impacts on digestion, particularly fiber intake
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  • Research the human digestive system and its response to spoiled food
  • Explore the role of fiber in digestive health and its effects on food retention
  • Investigate the science of taste and smell perception in relation to gastrointestinal distress
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This discussion is beneficial for individuals interested in nutrition, health professionals, and anyone seeking to understand the effects of food on digestion and sensory experiences.

BoundByAxioms
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I recently ate some bad meat (as in bad tasting) in a taco, which gave me bad stomach aches and indigestion. Every time that I eructed I could smell and taste the taco, even 18-21 hours after I had eaten it. Was I really smelling/ tasting it, or was it all in my head? Is it possible to still taste something you ate even after 18-21 hours?
 
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If your body reacted by sequestering the food in your stomach (to allow acids to kill the bad stuff) rather than passing it on to the lower digestive tract, why not? I'm not a doctor, but I've had food "come back" on me for fairly extended periods, and it is possible that this is a defense mechanism.

Note: In the past several years, since I have been growing and processing lots of hot chili peppers and liberally using them in my cooking and as garnishes/relishes, this has not been a problem. I noticed it more when I was traveling for business a lot, eating out, and generally wolfing down low-fiber meals.
 

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