Anyone who has ever eaten a big bowl of pea and ham soup may have had the unpleasant side effect of gas.
While this classic comfort food is delicious and nutritious, it can also cause discomfort and embarrassment.
This article will talk about the science behind this common digestive problem and give you tips on how to enjoy this beloved dish without getting the bad effects.
Pea and ham soup is a hearty comforting dish that has long been a staple in many cultures. But like many legumes peas contain complex sugars that can lead to unwanted gas and bloating. If you’ve ever felt gassy after eating split pea and ham soup, there’s a scientific reason behind it.
Let’s take a closer look at why this classic soup is notorious for causing gas and how you can enjoy it without digestive distress.
It’s the Oligosaccharides in Peas
Peas contain a particular type of carbohydrate called oligosaccharides, which are sugar molecules made up of a relatively small number of component sugars.
Specifically, peas contain raffinose and stachyose, two types of oligosaccharides that are notorious for causing gas and bloating. This is because the human body lacks the enzymes needed to properly digest these sugars
When raffinose and stachyose reach the large intestine, the gut bacteria get to work fermenting them. This microbial fermentation releases hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane, which can lead to excessive and often smelly gas.
So the raffinose family of oligosaccharides is the primary culprit behind pea and ham soup’s gassy reputation. Other legumes like beans, lentils and soybeans also contain these difficult-to-digest sugars.
Fiber Plays a Role Too
In addition to oligosaccharides, split peas also contain a good amount of dietary fiber. One cup of cooked split peas provides about 16 grams of fiber, which is over half the recommended daily value.
Fiber is an important nutrient for digestive health. But too much fiber too fast can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to gas and bloating.
Soluble fibers like those found in peas dissolve into a gel-like consistency and are fermented by intestinal bacteria. This produces methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide, contributing to peas’ gas-producing effects.
Other Gas-Promoting Components
A few other aspects of split pea and ham soup can worsen gas and abdominal discomfort:
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Ham is high in fat and sodium, both of which can delay stomach emptying.
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Some recipes call for dairy like milk or cream, which many people are lactose intolerant to.
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Onions and garlic contain the sugar fructans, which can cause bloating.
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Not chewing thoroughly allows peas to reach the colon undigested.
So while oligosaccharides are the main culprit, other ingredients in the soup may intensify gas and bloating.
Tips to Reduce Gas from Pea and Ham Soup
Here are some helpful ways to enjoy this hearty soup without digestive woes:
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Soak dry split peas overnight, then rinse and drain – this reduces oligosaccharides by around 30%.
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Start with small servings like 1/2 cup and gradually increase over time.
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Add gas-relieving herbs like thyme, sage, parsley or fennel.
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Try digestive enzymes containing alpha-galactosidase to break down the oligosaccharides.
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Substitute lower-FODMAP veggies like carrots, celery or zucchini for onions.
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Use reduced-fat versions of milk and cream or omit dairy altogether.
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Opt for lower-sodium ham or add ham bone for flavor rather than big chunks.
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Chew each spoonful thoroughly – this aids digestion.
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Avoid eating large servings late at night when digestion slows.
When Gas and Bloating Become Problematic
It’s normal to experience some increased gas and belching after eating peas. But if you have severe discomfort like:
- Repeated attacks of painful bloating
- Constipation or diarrhea after eating peas
- Excessive flatulence with very foul odor
- Stomach cramps that disrupt sleep
- Inability to pass gas
…it could signify a more serious issue like:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Food intolerance
- Gastroparesis
- Bowel obstruction
Consult your doctor if your symptoms are persistent or disruptive to get proper testing and diagnosis. Treatment may involve dietary changes, probiotics, antibiotics, or medications to provide relief.
The bottom line is peas contain sugars that can be tough on digestion, but a few preparation tweaks can allow you to enjoy pea and ham soup without misery. Pay attention to your individual tolerance. And seek medical guidance if gas and bloating become debilitating.
Ham And Gas: The Connection
Even though ham may not cause gas by itself, it can make your digestive system make more gas overall. This is because ham has a lot of fat and protein, which can make digestion take longer and cause gas to build up in the intestines. Also, some kinds of ham, especially processed and cured kinds, may have additives that can help the gas production process.
Interestingly, there is a connection between ham and gas beyond just their individual effects on digestion. A new EDUX compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) refueling station has opened in Spain. It was opened by HAM Group, one of the biggest energy companies in Europe. This station is located on the AP-7, a major transportation route that connects the entire Spanish Mediterranean coast. The station was planned and built by HAM Criogénica. It has one CNG dispenser for cars, light trucks, and trucks, and two LNG dispensers for heavy vehicles and trucks.
At first glance, this link between ham and gas may not seem very strong, but it shows how important it is to find other fuel sources and use less fossil fuels. As we look for more environmentally friendly energy sources, it’s important to think about all of our choices, even the ones that don’t seem to have anything to do with each other at first.
To understand how split pea soup causes gas, it’s important to understand how digestion works. When we eat food, it travels down the esophagus and into the stomach. From there, it moves into the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.
However, some carbohydrates like oligosaccharides cannot be broken down by our bodies’ digestive enzymes. Instead, they travel to the large intestine where bacteria break them down through a process called fermentation. This process produces gas as a byproduct, which can cause bloating and discomfort.
Because split peas have a lot of fiber, there is more food for bacteria to ferment in the large intestine when you eat split pea soup. This can lead to increased gas production and bloating.
Besides that, ham has fat and protein that can slow down digestion and make food stay in the intestines longer. This can lead to further fermentation and gas production.
The Culprit: Sugars And Fibers In Peas
The main things that cause gas after eating pea and ham soup are the sugars and fibers in the peas. Peas contain a high amount of fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and maintaining steady glucose levels. However, this fiber can also cause bloating and gas when it reaches the large intestine.
Peas have oligosaccharides, a type of carbohydrate that our bodies can’t break down on their own, as well as fiber. Antibiotics break down these oligosaccharides when they get to the large intestine. This makes gas. This gas can cause discomfort and flatulence.
It is best to rinse peas several times or use the quick-soak method before cooking them to keep them from making gas. This can help remove some of the oligosaccharides that contribute to gas production.
How to Make Easy Split Pea and Ham Soup | Allrecipes
FAQ
Does pea soup make you gassy?
How do you make pea soup less gassy?
Is pea soup good for your bowels?
Is split pea soup hard to digest?
Can split pea soup cause gas?
While it’s true that split peas contain complex carbohydrates that can be more difficult for the body to digest, there are ways to mitigate the potential for gas and discomfort when enjoying this tasty and nutritious soup. One of the main reasons why split pea soup has a reputation for causing gas is due to its high fiber content.
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.
How do you reduce gas if you eat split pea soup?
**Add digestive aids:** Herbs and spices such as cumin, ginger, or fennel can help to reduce gas and aid in digestion when added to split pea soup. – **Gradually increase intake:** If you’re not used to eating foods high in fiber, it’s best to gradually increase your intake to allow your body to adjust.
What foods cause gas & bloating?
Some of these foods, such as asparagus, may cause particularly odorous gas. Wheat and other whole grains, except rice, all contain raffinose and large amounts of fiber. Both of these can lead to increased gas and bloating. Some whole grains also contain a protein called gluten.