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?.
Turkey is a lean, protein-packed poultry that’s a popular choice year-round not just during the holidays. But some people find that eating turkey leads to increased gas bloating, and foul-smelling flatulence. What is it about turkey that causes farting in some folks? Let’s take a closer look at the science behind gassy turkey.
Why Does Turkey Cause Gas?
There are a few reasons why turkey may lead to gas and flatulence
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Sulfur-Containing Amino Acids: Turkey contains higher amounts of the sulfuric amino acids methionine and cysteine compared to other meats. Our gut bacteria produce smelly hydrogen sulfide gas as they digest these amino acids.
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Fat Content: While leaner than red meat, turkey does contain a moderate amount of fat. High-fat foods take longer to digest, allowing more time for fermentation by gut bacteria which results in gas.
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FODMAPs: Turkey contains some FODMAPs (fermentable carbs) like fructans that can cause bloating and gas in sensitive folks.
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Seasonings: Spices in sausage, seasoned deli meat, and rubs may irritate the gut in some people. Stick to plain roasted or grilled turkey.
Other Gas-Causing Foods
Turkey isn’t the only culprit when it comes to increased flatulence. Other common foods that may cause gas include:
- Beans, lentils, soybeans
- Dairy products
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Onions, garlic, leeks
- Whole grains
- Eggs
- Carbonated beverages
- Artificial sweeteners
For most people, the gas and bloating from these foods is temporary and not a cause for concern. But those with chronic intestinal issues may need to avoid triggers.
Tips to Prevent Turkey Farts
If turkey consistently leaves you gassy and bloated, try these preventive tips:
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Choose white meat turkey, which is lower in fat than dark meat. Remove the skin before cooking.
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Opt for ground turkey breast instead of full ground turkey, which has more fat.
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Don’t overeat turkey. Excessive portions lead to more fermentation and gas.
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Limit high-fiber foods at the same meal as turkey to prevent compounding gas effects.
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Take digestive enzymes containing alpha-galactosidase to break down gas-causing sugars in turkey.
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Use simethicone anti-gas products to help absorb and dissipate gas bubbles.
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Stay hydrated and exercise to prevent constipation, which exacerbates gas.
When to See a Doctor
Occasional gas and bloating after eating turkey is normal. But if you experience:
- Severe pain or cramps
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Gas and bloating after eating any food
Talk to your doctor to rule out a food intolerance, IBS, or other medical condition. Chronic intestinal gas can significantly impact quality of life. Getting an accurate diagnosis is key.
Enjoy Turkey without the Tooting
For most people, turkey makes a healthy, slimming protein choice that doesn’t have to come with unwanted gas or bloating. Following a few simple tips and taking gas-relief products can allow you to reap the nutritional benefits of turkey without the trumpeting consequences. Stay tuned for more insights into gassy foods and digestive health tricks.
turkey: 22
gas/flatulence: 16
fart: 7
bloating: 5
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.