Why Does Pork Make Me Gassy?

As a lover of barbecue I’ve always enjoyed a nice juicy pork shoulder or some fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs. But recently I’ve noticed that eating pork, especially fatty cuts like bacon or sausage, leaves me feeling uncomfortably bloated and gassy afterward. If you’ve ever wondered “why does pork make me gassy?” you’re not alone. Let’s get to bottom of this stinky issue.

The Culprits Behind Pork’s Gassy Effects

There are a few compounds found in pork that can lead to gas and bloating in some people:

• Fatty Acids – Pork contains high levels of saturated fats and medium-chain fatty acids that can be difficult for some people to break down, allowing them to ferment in the digestive tract.

• Ring Structures – Some of the fats in pork contain what are called ring structures. Our bodies can’t absorb these, so they get passed to the bacteria in our guts who feast on them, producing gas.

• Hormones – Pork often contains higher levels of hormones like androgen and estrogen. These can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria.

• Sodium – Processed pork products are frequently very high in added sodium which can also impact healthy gut flora.

So in essence, compounds like fats, hormones, and sodium found in a lot of pork can essentially “feed” the bad bacteria in your gut, causing them to proliferate and produce smelly, uncomfortable gas as a byproduct.

Tips to Limit Pork’s Gassy Effects

While pork might be to blame for your gas issues, you don’t necessarily have to say goodbye to bacon and pulled pork sandwiches forever. Here are some tips to help minimize pork’s gassy effects:

• Opt for Lean Cuts – Stick to leaner, lower-fat pork options like pork tenderloin or boneless chops Avoid fatty cuts like ribs, belly, or shoulder

• Limit Processed Pork – Skip the bacon, ham, sausage, and deli meats which are loaded with fat, salt, and preservatives.

• Eat Fermented Foods – Fuel your gut with probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, or kombucha to support healthy digestion.

• Stay Hydrated – Drinking enough water helps move things smoothly through your system. Aim for 64+ ounces per day.

• Add Digestive Enzymes – Consider taking a supplement with enzymes to help properly break down pork’s fats and proteins.

• Balance with Veggies – Eat plenty of high-fiber vegetables, greens, beans, and legumes to feed the good gut bacteria.

Tips for Dealing with Pork-Induced Gas

Even if you follow all the right precautions, pork might still lead to some gassiness. Here are a few tips for dealing with it:

• Take a short walk after eating to get your digestive system moving.

• Drink ginger or fennel tea to relax the gut and relieve bloating.

• Avoid eating too quickly or talking while chewing pork, which leads to excess air swallowing.

• Apply a warm compress on your stomach to provide relief from gas pains.

• Take activated charcoal capsules to trap gas-causing compounds in your gut.

• Use Beano or other enzyme supplements when eating foods that cause gas.

• Avoid chewing gum, drinking through straws, or using antacids which can worsen gas.

Should I Avoid Pork Entirely?

If you find that pork causes severe reactions, even when consuming leaner cuts or small portions, it may be best to avoid it. Some find that their systems just can’t properly digest pork.

However, you can still reap pork’s savory, satisfying flavor by choosing alternative red meats like grass-fed beef, bison, or lamb. All provide a similar hearty, meaty flavor.

For a pork-like taste, you can use turkey or chicken, seasoned with lots of barbeque-style spices and sauces. Jackfruit is amazing as a plant-based pulled pork substitute as well. With a little creativity, you can definitely still fulfill those pork cravings!