Verywell / Zorica Lakonic
You may have wondered whybeanscause gasand the answer may surprise you.
It’s true that certain foods cause some people toproduce more gasthan others.
In particular, foods with a high fiber content are more likely to cause gasand bloating, too.
Verywell / Zorica Lakonic
This article explains why beans cause gas and what it’s possible for you to do about it.
It can happen evenwhile you’re asleep.Gas is part of the naturaldigestive process.
Intestinal gas consists of hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.
These gasses are odorless.
Another element exists in the intestinal gas of about one-third of people: methane.
Bacteria in the large intestine release gases that contain sulfur which produces theunpleasant smellof gas.
It’s unclear why some people’s bodies produce methane and others do not.
One way to tell if there is methane in gas is to look at the stool.
People who produce methane typically have stools that float in water.
Sulfuris the substance that gives gas its distinctive odor.
Oligosaccharides in beans make it all the way to thelarge intestineundigested.
Bacteria in the large intestine finally feed on these sugars.
Doing so causes fermentation (a chemical breakdown) and the production of gas.
We release that gas as flatulence.
In some ways, the gas produced by eating beans is actually good for you.
Gas is a byproduct of the fermentation that takes place in the gut as beans are being digested.
Other foods that enter the large intestine without being absorbed in the small intestine can cause gas, too.
Stress can also affect digestion and nutrient absorption.
An enzyme calledalpha-galactosidasecan do this.
But you will need help since the human body does not produce this enzyme.
Take a supplement:Take the enzyme alpha-galactosidase as a supplement right before a meal.
Derived from the fungusAspergillus niger, it is available in pill form under the brand nameBeanoand others.
Alpha-galactosidase may not be appropriate for people withdiabetes.
The increased breakdown of oligosaccharides can raise blood sugar.
Alpha-galactosidase may also increase levels of a sugar called galactose in the blood.
People with the genetic diseasegalactosemiashould not use it.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of gas in the digestive tract.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gas in the digestive tract.
American Psychological Association.Stress effects on the body: Gastrointestinal system.
The Bean Institute.Gas reduction tips.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for gas in the digestive tract.
