Farting is normal â the average person does it 5-15 times a day. In fact, having a lot of gas one day could be a sign of good health, as long as you don’t think about how uncomfortable or embarrassing it is. That’s because the foods that make you fart are usually complex carbs that are good for your heart and full of fiber. Your body can’t break these down, but the bacteria in your gut can. So which foods make you fart, which make your farts smelly, and when should you consult your doctor?.
We’ve all been there – enjoying a tasty meal only to be plagued by uncomfortable gas and bloating afterward. If you’ve noticed this happening frequently after eating turkey you’re not alone. Turkey is one of the top gas-inducing foods.
In this article, we’ll explore why turkey tends to cause flatulence and how you can prevent or reduce turkey-related gas.
Why Turkey Leads to Gas
There are a few reasons why turkey is known for triggering gas and bloating
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High Fat Content – Turkey contains more fat than chicken or other lean meats. Fat takes longer to digest, allowing more time for gases to build up.
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Sulfur-Containing Amino Acids – Turkey is high in amino acids like cysteine and methionine which contain sulfur. Sulfur produces smelly gases like hydrogen sulfide and mercaptan when broken down in the large intestine.
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Tryptophan – Turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that can cause intestinal gas as a side effect.
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Cooking Method – Fried and breaded turkey tends to cause more gas and bloating than roasted plain turkey. Frying makes food harder to digest.
Tips to Prevent Turkey Gas
Luckily, there are some simple tricks to keep turkey-related gas and bloating at bay:
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Choose white meat over dark meat turkey, since dark meat is fattier.
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Roast, bake or grill turkey instead of frying or breading it.
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Avoid stuffing, gravy, mayo and fatty sides which make gas worse.
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Eat turkey in moderation – large portions are harder to digest.
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Take a probiotic supplement to support healthy digestion of turkey.
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Drink plenty of water with turkey to prevent constipation and gas buildup.
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Limit sugar, carbonation and alcohol which can amplify gas.
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Take a walk after eating turkey to spur digestion and gas relief.
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Use Beano or another anti-gas supplement when eating turkey.
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Try digestive enzymes like bromelain to help break down turkey protein.
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Avoid eating turkey with other gas-causing foods like beans, dairy, etc.
Foods That Reduce Turkey Gas
Certain foods can actually help alleviate turkey-related gas when paired together. Some examples include:
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Ginger – A natural anti-gas food that relaxes the intestines. Add fresh ginger to turkey dishes.
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Fennel – Contains compounds that relax intestinal muscles to relieve gas.
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Peppermint – A soothing herb that reduces intestinal spasms and gas production. Drink peppermint tea after eating turkey.
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Cinnamon – Helps improve digestion and prevent bloating and gas pain after meals.
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Yogurt – Provides probiotics to support digestion. Non-dairy yogurt is best for gas relief.
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Chamomile Tea – A traditional remedy for reducing gas, indigestion and inflammation in the gut.
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Papaya – Contains the enzyme papain which aids protein digestion to prevent gas.
When to See a Doctor
Occasional gas and bloating after eating turkey is normal. However, if you experience very frequent, severe or painful gas after turkey meals, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor.
Symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting could signify an intolerance, allergy or digestive disorder that requires treatment. Your doctor can help get to the root cause and suggest dietary changes or medications to allow you to enjoy turkey without discomfort.
The Bottom Line
Turkey is notorious for causing post-meal gas, but there are many ways to outsmart turkey-induced flatulence. Stick to white meat, avoid fried turkey, pair it with gas-fighting foods and make sure to drink plenty of fluids. With some simple precautions, you can continue to enjoy the delicious taste and nutritional benefits of turkey without the unwanted side effects.
Wheat and wholegrains
Grain products like oats and wheat have farty fiber and fructans that make you gassy. This means that bread, pasta, and wholegrains can make you windy. On top of this, some wholegrains, such as wheat, barley and rye, contain gluten. If you have a gluten intolerance you may experience gas and bloating after eating foods containing it.
Fatty foods, including pork and beef
Fatty foods slow down digestion, which can leave them festering in your gut, fermenting and getting pongy. Fatty meats are doubly tricky because they are rich in the amino acid methionine, which contains sulphur. Bacteria in your gut turn sulfur into hydrogen sulfide, which gives rotten eggs their wonderful smell. This gas also “enhances” the smell of gas from other foods you eat, not just meat.
There is a lot of fiber in beans and lentils, but they also have raffinose, a complex sugar that our bodies don’t handle well. When these sugars reach the intestine, they are used for energy by the gut, which makes hydrogen, methane, and even smelly sulfur.
Contrary to popular belief, eggs dont make most of us fart. But they do contain sulphur-packed methionine. So, if you don’t want stinky farts, don’t eat eggs with foods that make you fart, like beans or fatty meats. You may not be able to handle eggs or have an allergy if they make you gassy and wastey.
Onions, artichokes, garlic and leeks all contain fructans â carbs that can cause gas and bloating.
Dairy from cows and goats contains lactose, a sugar that can cause gas to build up. Also, about 65% of adults around the world are somewhat intolerant of lactose, which means that dairy can make them feel bloated and gassy.
10 Foods That Will Make You Fart or Pass Gas Like Crazy
FAQ
Does turkey make you gassy?
What meat makes you gassy?
What Thanksgiving food makes you gassy?
Is turkey bad for your digestive system?
Can eating turkey cause flatulence?
This may curb post-meal flatulence while still delivering a flavorful bird. In some cases, digesting meat proteins like turkey simply doesn’t agree with people. Consuming turkey could trigger an inflammatory reaction that causes gas and GI upset. Food intolerances or even rarer meat allergies may be the culprit.
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.
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.
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.
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?
What happens if you eat a Turkey?
Some people may experience only mild discomfort, while others may have more severe symptoms, such as abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea. If you are sensitive to gas, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing symptoms after eating turkey.