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Almost everyone has to deal with gas, possibly more frequently than they’d like to and frequently at the worst (funniest?) times possible.
That’s not a coincidence, as gas is typically associated with particular foods, and it’s likely that you’re consuming some of those foods in public. However, since you’re only human, you probably wish to avoid farting occasionally.
According to David Poppers, M.D., your farts also result from a combination of the food you actually eat and the air you swallow, such as when you eat a little too quickly. D. , Ph. D. is a clinical associate professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and a gastroenterologist.
Knowing which foods may affect you more than others can help prevent untimely episodes of gassiness because everyone has different gut bacteria that are usually in charge of producing gas, according to Dr. Poppers.
However, because they all contain different amounts of non-digestible carbohydrates—fiber is one kind of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest, for example—some foods appear to be common offenders, according to Christine Lee, M.D. D. , a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic.
“While fiber cannot be broken down into sugar molecules and instead passes through the body undigested, the majority of carbohydrates can,” Dr. Lee explains. When that enters your colon, bacteria there start the fermentation process, producing gas, which builds up and causes bloating. ”.
Gas, also known as flatulence, is a common and often embarrassing bodily function that everyone experiences. While it may be a source of amusement or discomfort, it’s important to understand the underlying causes of gas and how to minimize its occurrence. This article will delve into the reasons why turkey, along with other foods, can contribute to gas production and provide practical tips on how to reduce gas and maintain digestive comfort.
Understanding Gas Production
Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion. When food is broken down in the intestines, bacteria ferment the undigested carbohydrates, producing gases like hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. These gases accumulate in the intestines and are eventually released through the rectum.
Why Turkey Can Cause Gas
Turkey is a rich source of protein and contains a type of carbohydrate called raffinose. Raffinose is a complex sugar that the human body cannot fully digest. As a result, it passes undigested into the intestines, where bacteria ferment it, producing gas. Additionally, turkey contains sulfur-containing amino acids, which can also contribute to gas production and give it a foul odor.
Other Gas-Producing Foods
Besides turkey, several other foods are known to cause gas, including:
- Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are high in fiber and raffinose, which can contribute to gas production.
- Beans and legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes are rich in fiber and complex sugars that can be difficult to digest, leading to gas.
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt contain lactose, a sugar that some people have difficulty digesting, resulting in gas, bloating, and discomfort.
- Fruits: Apples, bananas, and peaches contain fructose, a natural sugar that can cause gas in some individuals.
- Carbonated beverages: Soda and seltzer contain carbon dioxide, which can cause gas and bloating.
- Artificial sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol are not fully absorbed by the body and can cause gas and diarrhea.
Minimizing Gas
While gas is a normal part of digestion, there are ways to minimize its occurrence:
- Identify trigger foods: Keep a food diary to track your meals and note any correlation between specific foods and gas production. Once you identify the culprits, limit or avoid them.
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly: This allows for better digestion and reduces the amount of air swallowed, which can contribute to gas.
- Drink plenty of water: Water helps to move food through the digestive system and can reduce constipation, which can worsen gas.
- Consider digestive enzymes: Over-the-counter digestive enzymes, such as Beano, can help break down complex sugars and reduce gas production.
- Manage stress: Stress can contribute to digestive problems, including gas. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to manage stress levels.
Gas is a common and often unavoidable consequence of digestion. However, by understanding the causes of gas and making dietary adjustments, you can minimize its occurrence and maintain digestive comfort. If you experience excessive or persistent gas, consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Milk, cheese, and yogurt
Lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products, can be difficult for some people to digest because they lack the enzyme lactase, according to Myers. This can result in bloating, gas, or constipation.
In fact, about 65 percent of people have trouble digesting dairy as they grow older, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
However, that doesn’t always imply that you have a severe lactose intolerance or allergy. Some people are just sensitive to it, so Myers suggests trying lactase supplements or drinking reduced-lactose milk to see if that helps with your stomach issues.
However, in order to rule out the possibility of other serious health issues, you should see your doctor—ideally a gastroenterologist—if you experience severe abdominal pain, advises Dr. Poppers.
Oats and whole wheat bread
Because whole grains are high in fiber, they cause gas in the same way as the vegetables mentioned above.
Nonetheless, since fiber is excellent for your weight, digestion, and heart, you shouldn’t cut corners. Rather, gradually increase your consumption by adding a serving of a high-fiber food to your daily diet until it becomes more palatable to your stomach.
According to Myers, you should increase your fluid intake by 8 ounces for every 5 grams of fiber you add in order to help reduce gas.
10 Foods That Will Make You Fart or Pass Gas Like Crazy
FAQ
Can turkey make you gassy?
What meat makes you gassy?
Why do I get so gassy after Thanksgiving?
What foods cause smelly gas?
Do eggs make you fart?
Contrary to popular belief, eggs don’t make most of us fart. But they do contain sulphur-packed methionine. So if you don’t want smelly farts, don’t eat eggs alongside fart-causing foods such as beans or fatty meats. If eggs make you bloated and give you wind, you may be intolerant to them or have an allergy.
What causes excessive farting and is it serious?
Excessive farting is often caused by swallowing air while eating or drinking, and by the fermentation of undigested food in the gut. It’s usually not serious and can be managed with dietary changes, such as avoiding gas-producing foods like beans or carbonated drinks. However, if it’s accompanied by severe pain, diarrhea, or other unusual symptoms, consult a doctor to rule out underlying conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or food intolerances.
Why do I have gas after eating turkey?
If you have stomach cramps or gas after eating turkey, it may have more to do with how you ate, rather than what you ate. That’s because you can swallow excess air when you eat too fast, which — you guessed it — can lead to gas and gas pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. The fix?
Can eating turkey cause digestive problems?
An isolated instance where you develop digestive issues several hours after eating turkey may be related to food poisoning. Foodborne illness occurs when you eat something contaminated with an infectious organism like a parasite, bacteria or virus, according to the Mayo Clinic.