Do Eggs Make You Fart More? Here’s The Real Answer – Health Digest

Eggs are a great source of added protein for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Scrambled eggs with that whole wheat bagel can keep you full until lunch. Some hard-boiled eggs give you some protein for your spinach salad. A vegetable frittata makes a nutritious low-carb dinner (here’s what happens to your body when you eat eggs every day).

Ever notice that after you enjoy a deviled egg or two, your farts can clear a room? That could make you hesitant to eat eggs before a hot yoga class. But eggs don’t really make you fart more unless you have an egg allergy or have an intolerance for eggs. If you find yourself farting more after eating eggs, check the other foods you’re eating with them.

Eggs don’t have lactose, so they’re fine for people who get gassy when they consume dairy. Yet many people will enjoy an omelet with cheese, which does have lactose. Onions and garlic in your egg casseroles can contribute to flatulence. Beans, whole grains, and cruciferous vegetables have fiber and a complex sugar that can cause gas. You also should check your drinks, because carbonated sodas and beer could make you feel bloated. That sugar-free protein bar you snacked on? It more than likely had sugar alcohol that bloats your stomach. If you eat any of these foods that could give you gas, the methionine in eggs adds that sulfur-smelling “incense.”

You probably won’t find methionine-free eggs because methionine is an essential amino acid that your body can’t make on its own. You need to get this amino acid from food. Methionine supports energy production, immune health, and digestion, according to a 2017 review in Amino Acids. It also helps regulate fat processing and protects against oxidative stress that often leads to chronic disease. One egg provides 190 milligrams (26% of your daily value) of methionine, but animal protein sources such as chicken, turkey, and steak can give you twice the methionine you need in a day in a single serving.

When your body digests foods containing methionine, it can convert into sulfur-containing substances that help with your cell functioning and protecting your tissues. Your gut bacteria break down methionine into hydrogen sulfide, which can smell like rotten eggs. If you already have gas, that sulfur smell comes out with it. You could blame the eggs, but you could also get this smell if you eat a lot of animal protein.

Eggs are one of the foods that the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders says are less likely to cause gas. If you have a social engagement later on, you can have your eggs with tomatoes and zucchini so you’re not so flatulent later. Include gluten-free bread and maybe some berries or cantaloupe for a little bit of fiber that won’t overwhelm your digestive system. However, many carbs can cause gas, so keep your diet balanced by adding lean protein and healthy fat.

An occasional bout with gas is nothing to worry about, and let’s face it, it’s normal to fart every once in a while (you can try these movements to relieve trapped gas). Frequent bouts of gas could mean a few other things. You could be swallowing more air while you’re eating and drinking, which can be the case if you’re talking while eating or like to chew gum. Your digestive system might be a little more resistant to certain foods than others, so it’s a good idea to know how different foods and drinks affect your body. You could try eliminating certain foods from your diet to see which foods are the culprit. Taking digestive enzymes could also help your body better digest your food. If your gas and bloating interfere with your life, consult your doctor to see if you have a digestive issue such as irritable bowel syndrome.