The holiday season is upon us, and with all that calorie abandonment comes some serious bubbly dares.
Gas is caused by swallowing air and breaking down 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 farts are stink bombs and some don’t even make a sound.e.
A host of factors contribute to the rise of offensive holiday butt fumes, including an increase 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. “Relaxing allows stomach acid to back up into the throat, causing discomfort. Not only does it do this, but greasy and fatty foods also slow down gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach longer, leading to a longer period of discomfort.“
In addition to rich dishes, we tend to eat without stopping 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 the treat, people often fast before a large feast, which leads to overeating and general discomfort. To help ease digestion, don’t skip breakfast, consider eating slowly and carefully, staying hydrated, and going for a fart walk after your meal.
Read on to learn more about the dishes that are most likely to cause gas.
Mac and cheese
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 dirty farts.
Starches like pasta produce gas as they break down in the colon. Mac and cheese is also high in fat and dairy, a combination that aids and abets bad gas—especially for those who are lactose intolerant or lactose sensitive.
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are nutrient-dense and high in fiber and antioxidants.
However, these mini members of the brassica family are thus filled with fiber that can cause gastrointestinal upset.
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 lot of this enzyme, and when we consume a lot of raffinose… our body has to adapt,” she said.
“Although our gut 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 bloating and want to enjoy Brussels sprouts, consider these recipes from NYC chefs.
Broccoli Casserole
Besides smelling like a hot fart, broccoli causes gas.
Like Brussels sprouts, broccoli is a proud member of the brassica family and also contains the hard-to-digest complex sugar raffinose, which is easy to convert into harmful gas.
Add to the mix — or the pan — high-fat, dairy-rich ingredients like heavy cream, condensed soup, and cheese, and you’ve baked a real fart bomb.
If you can’t say no to the little green trees, make sure the broccoli is fully cooked, as it aids digestion, and consider indulging in a smaller portion to tame the stench.
Sweet Potatoes and Candy Canes
Sweet potatoes contain mannitol, a sugar alcohol that is rapidly fermented in the gut by gut bacteria, resulting in gas and bloating.
Both sweet potatoes and yams are starchy vegetables known to produce gas as they break down in the body. Both vegetables contain fructose, a type of FODMAP (short-chain carbohydrate) that can cause bloating, gas and constipation.
Adding inflammatory sugar and marshmallows to these dishes intensifies their intestinal irritation. As with all things, moderation is key, and since these items are naturally sweet, consider skipping the high-calorie gas boosters.
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Image Source : nypost.com