Does Eating Turkey Really Cause Gas and Bloating?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sweet potatoes and candied yams

Sweet potatoes contain mannitol, a sugar alcohol that is rapidly fermented in the intestines by gut bacteria, resulting in gas and bloating.

Both sweet potatoes and yams are starchy vegetables, notorious for producing gas as they are broken down in the body. Both veggies contain fructose, a type of FODMAP (short-chain carb) that can trigger bloating, gas and constipation.

By adding inflammatory sugar and marshmallows to these dishes intensifies their intestinal wrath. As with all things, moderation is key and as these items are naturally sweet, consider skipping the high cal, gas amplifying additions.

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?

• Bacteria concerns:

  Raw or undercooked turkey can harbor bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter, leading to food poisoning with symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and fever. 

• Skin and fat issues:

  Consuming too much turkey skin with high fat content can contribute to indigestion and heartburn. 

• Allergic reactions:

  Some people may experience allergic reactions to turkey, manifesting as rashes or other symptoms. 

• Digestive discomfort:

  Overeating turkey, especially with large quantities of stuffing, can lead to bloating and discomfort. 

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.

Is turkey hard on your digestive system?

Meat products and protein are essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. However, not all types of meat are easy to digest. Lean cuts of meat like skinless chicken, turkey, and fish are easier to digest than red meats due to their low fat and fiber content.

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.