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?.
Beef jerky is a popular high-protein snack that many people love to munch on. With its smoky, salty flavor and chewy texture, it’s easy to go overboard and eat more beef jerky than you should. But what happens if you eat too much of this tasty treat? One common side effect that people report is increased flatulence or farting. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the link between beef jerky and farts, and provide some tips for enjoying this snack without the unwanted gas.
Why Beef Jerky Causes Gas
There are a few reasons why noshing on beef jerky may lead to farting for some people:
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High Protein Content – Beef jerky is very high in protein, providing about 9 grams in a 1-ounce serving Eating large amounts of protein can increase gas production in the digestive system. As proteins are broken down, gases like hydrogen sulfide are produced, which can lead to bloating, burping, and of course, farting
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High Sodium Levels—Most beef jerky has around 600 to 800 mg of sodium per ounce, which is a very high amount. Too much sodium can make the body hold on to water, which can lead to a swollen belly and lots of gas.
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High-Fiber Spices – Many types of beef jerky contain garlic powder onion powder, black pepper and other pungent spices. These spices are rich in fermentable fibers called FODMAPs, which can trigger gas and bloating issues in some people.
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Hard to Digest – The tough, chewy texture of beef jerky makes it more difficult for your body to break down and digest. This can lead to incomplete digestion, causing undigested proteins and fibers to ferment in the colon, forming gas.
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Dehydration – Beef jerky contains little moisture Eating a lot of it without drinking enough fluids can lead to mild dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, your body’s digestion slows down, causing excess gas buildup
How Much Gas is Too Much?
Passing gas up to 20 times per day is considered normal. But if you suddenly find yourself plagued with excessive flatulence after eating beef jerky, especially if it’s smelly or accompanied by abdominal pain or bloating, it likely means you’re eating too much.
Many people think that eating more than 2 to 3 ounces of beef jerky at once is too much. The large amounts of protein, sodium, and spices can be too much for your digestive system, causing cramps, diarrhea, and of course, loud, frequent farts.
Tips to Prevent Beef Jerky Gas
Here are some tips to enjoy beef jerky without the unwanted side effects:
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Drink More Fluids – Stay well hydrated by sipping water, herbal tea, or non-carbonated beverages as you snack on jerky. This will help digestion and minimize gas issues.
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Look for Low-Sodium Varieties – Seek out beef jerkys with lower amounts of sodium, under 500mg per serving. Too much salt exacerbates gas and bloating.
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Eat Smaller Portions – Stick to 1 to 2 ounces of jerky at a time. This is a reasonable serving that provides protein without overloading your system.
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Chew Thoroughly – Take your time eating jerky and chew each piece very well to make it easier on your stomach. The more finely ground up it is, the less gas it’ll produce.
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Avoid Excess Spices – Opt for plainer beef jerkys without fiery spices that can irritate your gut. Onion and garlic powders are common gas-inducing culprits.
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Take Digestive Enzymes – Consider taking an over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplement when eating jerky to improve protein and fiber breakdown and reduce gas.
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Cut Back if Needed – Notice when beef jerky seems to affect you and cut back on portion sizes or frequency until your body adjusts. Don’t overdo it.
The Beef Jerky and Airplane Etiquette Debate
Beef jerky is a beloved snack for travelers thanks to its light weight, protein punch, and non-perishable nature. But should airplane passengers think twice before cracking open a bag of beef jerky at 30,000 feet?
Some argue that bringing pungent beef jerky aboard planes is inconsiderate because of the potential for odor and excessive chewing noises in tight quarters. They claim the spicy smells and loud chewing can nauseate passengers with sensitive stomachs or headaches.
However, most agree that as long as you’re discreet, beef jerky is fine to eat on airplanes in moderation. Follow basic airplane etiquette like keeping noises to a minimum, covering your mouth when chewing, and avoiding overly messy snacks.
If you do experience gas from jerky at altitude, be sure to turn on the air vent above your seat to circulate fresh air rather than subjecting your row-mates to the smells. With some courtesy and common sense, you can satisfy your beef jerky cravings without ruffling feathers during air travel.
The Takeaway on Beef Jerky and Flatulence
While beef jerky is perfectly healthy in moderation, eating too much can definitely make you gassy. To enjoy its protein benefits without unpleasant side effects, stick to 1-2 ounce portions, drink plenty of fluids, choose low-sodium options, and chew thoroughly. If jerky continues to cause excessive gas, try limiting consumption or take a digestive enzyme. With some care and awareness of your own tolerance levels, you can still indulge in moderate amounts of tasty beef jerky without the flatulence you never asked for.
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.
I ONLY ate Beef Jerky for an entire Month (Results + Blood Tests)
FAQ
Why does beef jerky make me gassy?
Why does beef make me gassy?
What are the side effects of beef jerky?
Is beef jerky bad for your colon?
What happens if you eat too much beef jerky?
Eating too much beef jerky may lead to a slew of side effects, such as rapid weight gain and increased risk of heart disease. But it may also prevent you from eating other foods with adequate amounts of important nutrients you won’t get from beef jerky. Beef jerky nutrition is diverse, supplying protein, iron and vitamin B12, for example.
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.
Does beef jerky need to be fermented?
Be sure to follow directions strictly for food safety. Some types of beef jerky are naturally fermented. They are marinated in a live culture of “good” acid-producing bacteria rather than using encapsulated citric acid or lactic acid to increase meat acidity and inhibit growth of unwanted bacteria. Fermentation can add flavor to the jerky.
Does beef jerky make you gain weight?
Rapid Calorie Gain: For every ounce of beef jerky you consume, you will be gaining about 116 calories. Too many beef jerky calories without enough exercise almost inevitably leads to weight gain.