Does Eating Turkey Really Cause Gas?

The season of feasting is upon us, and with all that caloric abandon comes the consequence of some serious bubble guts.

Gas is caused by swallowing air and the breakdown of food in your digestive tract, which usually leads to burping, bloating, and/or flatulence. On average, we pass gas between five and 15 times a day, but not all of those farts are stink bombs, and some don’t even make a noise.

A confluence of factors influences the uptick in offensive holiday butt fumes, including a surge in fatty and fibrous ingredients and dairy-based comfort foods like casseroles.

“Oily foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the gateway between your throat and stomach,” Dr. Zac Turner previously shared with The Post. “The relaxation allows for stomach acid to travel back into the throat, causing discomfort. Not only does it do this, but fatty, oily foods also slow gastric emptying, which means food stays in your stomach longer, leading to a longer period of discomfort.“

In addition to rich dishes, we tend to eat without pause when this food hits the table, and as Turner notes, the faster you eat, the more air you swallow and the more gas you create.

In preparation for indulgence, folks often fast before a large feast, leading to overeating and overall discomfort. To help ease digestion, don’t skip breakfast, consider eating slowly and mindfully, staying hydrated and taking yourself out for a post-meal fart walk.

The holiday season is here, which means plenty of delicious turkey meals. But some people find that eating turkey leads to gas, bloating, and other digestive issues. So does turkey really cause gas? Here’s a look at the evidence behind turkey’s gassy reputation.

Overview: Can Turkey Cause Gas?

There are a few reasons why turkey might be to blame for gas and abdominal discomfort:

Eating too fast can cause swallowing air, leading to gas pain Turkey meals are often large gatherings where people may eat quicker.
Allergies or intolerances to turkey or ingredients like seasonings can trigger gas.
Food poisoning from undercooked turkey can also lead to gas, nausea, and diarrhea.
For some, fatty meals like turkey and sides may be hard to digest, causing gas.

So while turkey itself does not inherently cause gas, aspects around turkey meals may be contributing factors for some people.

Reasons Turkey May Cause Gas

Here are some common reasons why turkey is sometimes associated with gas and tips to reduce the chances of digestive issues

Eating Too Fast

Consuming food quickly, especially large meals, can cause swallowing excess air. This trapped air can lead to bloating and gas pain.

Eat turkey and other foods slowly and chew thoroughly. Don’t gulp down water either.

Allergies

Allergies to turkey meat or ingredients in stuffing, gravy, etc. can trigger digestive symptoms like gas, cramps, and diarrhea.

If this happens every time you eat turkey, an allergy may be the cause. Avoid turkey to prevent reactions.

Food Intolerances

Some people may have intolerance to compounds in turkey meat, causing consistent gas or bloating after eating it.

Try eliminating turkey if this is a recurrent issue to see if it relieves symptoms.

Food Poisoning

Undercooked, contaminated turkey can contain bacteria leading to foodborne illness, potentially with digestive symptoms.

Ensure turkey reaches safe minimum cooking temperatures. Store leftovers properly.

Fatty Foods

Large turkey meals with gravy, butter-laden sides, etc. may be hard for some people to fully digest.

Limit portion sizes of fatty foods and make healthier swaps where possible.

Other Causes

Things like overeating, underlying medical conditions, or lack of certain digestive enzymes could also contribute to gas.

See a doctor if you have persistent digestive problems after meals.

Tips to Prevent Turkey-Related Gas

Here are some tips to help reduce the chances of gas and indigestion from your turkey meals:

Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Don’t wash food down with lots of liquid.
Choose lean turkey meat without excess skin or fat when possible.
Cook stuffing separately to ensure it is fully cooked through.
Avoid consuming lots of fatty gravies, sauces, and fried side dishes.
Take digestive enzymes before eating to improve breakdown of food compounds.
Consider avoiding problematic foods if you suspect an intolerance.
Make sure to fully cook turkey to safe minimum internal temperatures.
Refrigerate and reheat leftovers promptly to prevent bacteria growth.

When to See a Doctor

Occasional gas after eating is usually normal. But if you experience ongoing digestive issues after meals, make an appointment with your doctor to identify potential causes and treatments. Symptoms like bloody stools, vomiting, diarrhea lasting over 3 days, and severe pain require prompt medical attention.

While turkey doesn’t inherently cause gas, aspects of turkey meals may lead to swallowing excess air or make digestion more difficult for some. Following tips on eating slower, cooking properly, and limiting fat can help reduce chances of gas and discomfort.

does turkey give you gas

Thanks for signing up!Enter your email address

Please provide a valid email address.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story.

A comfort food classic brought to our shores at the behest of founding father Thomas Jefferson, macaroni and cheese has become a staple of the Thanksgiving table … and a culprit for gnarly farts.

Starches like pasta produce gas as they break down in the large intestine. Mac and cheese is also high fat and dairy forward, a combination that aids and abets bad gas — especially for those who are lactose intolerant or lactose sensitive.

Brussels sprouts are nutrient-dense and rich in fiber and antioxidants.

However, these mini members of the brassica family are so filled with fiber that they can cause gastrointestinal distress.

Nutritionist Charlotte Hunter explained that Brussels sprouts contain a complex sugar called raffinose.

“Raffinose is broken down by an enzyme called alpha-galactosidase. Our digestive system doesn’t produce a huge amount of this enzyme, and when we consume a lot of raffinose … our body has to adapt,” she said.

“Although our bowel bacteria are perfectly capable of dealing with excess raffinose, there is a small price to pay in the form of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane emissions. In other words, pretty stinky farts.”

If you’re raising a fist in the face of flatulence and want to enjoy Brussels sprouts, consider these recipes from NYC chefs.

In addition to smelling remarkably like a hot fart, broccoli causes gas.

Like Brussels sprouts, broccoli is a proud member of the brassica family and also contains the difficult-to-digest, easy-to-convert to noxious gas, complex sugar raffinose.

Add the mix — or the casserole pan — high-fat, dairy-rich ingredients like heavy cream, condensed soup, and cheese, and you’ve baked yourself a veritable fart bomb.

If you can’t say no to the tiny green toot trees, ensure the broccoli is thoroughly cooked, as this aids digestion, and consider indulging in a smaller portion to mitigate the stink.

Get the latest breakthroughs in medicine, diet & nutrition tips and more.

Subscribe to our weekly Post Care newsletter!

8 Reasons Why You’re Having Excessive Gas! Dr. Mandell

FAQ

Why does turkey make you so gassy?

Turkey has a larger than average proportion of methionine and cysteine which are both sulfur bearing amino-acids. Cysteine being the most likely offender due to the pKa of the sulfhydryl (thiol) group.

What are the side effects of eating turkey?

Health Risks Of Eating Turkey

There are many pathogens associated with turkey, including clostridium perfringens, campylobacter, and salmonella. These can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, and can last a few hours or a few days. They can even cause fatalities.

Why do I have so much gas after Thanksgiving?

You may think you’re keeping it healthy by going for a veggie side, but the classic Thanksgiving vegetable is difficult to digest, and therefore notorious for causing gas and bloating. So basically, your attempt to be healthy could be responsible for why you feel so “ew” after the meal.

What meat makes you gassy?

Red meat has high protein and fat content. This can slow down digestion. It can lead to discomfort such as bloating or constipation. Red meat contains compounds that are hard to digest. Iron in red meat can irritate the digestive lining. Individual variations in digestive enzyme levels play a role.

Can I eat turkey if I have gas?

If you are prone to gas, you may want to avoid these foods as well. If you do experience gas after eating turkey, there are a few things you can do to relieve your discomfort. You can try drinking peppermint tea, taking an over-the-counter gas relief medication, or doing some gentle yoga poses.

What food causes gas?

The production of gas is related to different causes. It can be due to hormonal issues or poor digestion that can be caused by dysbiosis, which is the imbalance of the intestinal microbiota, or it can also be caused by enzyme deficiency, when digestive enzymes are not produced or are produced insufficiently. The ideal is to go through a medical evaluation or with a dietitian to investigate the cause. But it is known that foods such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, cabbage and beans can cause gas production.

Is Turkey gas dangerous?

Turkey gas is not dangerous. However, it can be uncomfortable. If you experience severe symptoms of turkey gas, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other potential causes. there is no definitive answer to the question of whether or not turkey can give you gas.

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. Worth the Burn? Why Experts Say Hot Peppers Should Be a Diet Staple The fix?

Can Turkey cause gas & bloating?

Turkey is a popular holiday food, but it can also cause gas and bloating. This is because turkey is high in protein and fat, which can both contribute to gas production. Additionally, turkey contains a compound called tryptophan, which can relax the muscles in the digestive tract and allow gas to escape more easily.

Does cooking turkey reduce gas production?

Cooking turkey in a way that reduces the amount of fat, such as by baking or grilling, can help to reduce gas production. * Avoid processed turkey products. Processed turkey products, such as lunch meats and deli meats, are often high in sodium and nitrates, which can both contribute to gas production.