Does Pork Cause Gas? The Science Behind Farting After Eating Pork

Pork is a common meat that is enjoyed around the world in many different cuisines and dishes. However, some people experience digestive issues like bloating and gas after eating pork. So what causes pork to make some people gassy? Let’s take a closer look.

What Causes Gas After Eating In General?

There are a few main culprits that can lead to gas production in the gut after eating

• Swallowing Excess Air – Eating or drinking too fast can cause you to swallow more air, which then gets trapped in the digestive system and leads to gas and bloating. Carbonated drinks and chewing gum can also increase swallowed air.

• Poor Digestion of Certain Foods – Some foods are more difficult for the body to break down and digest fully These include foods high in fiber, fat, starches, sugars, and complex carbs When not digested properly, these foods ferment in the gut and produce gas.

• Food Intolerances – An intolerance to certain foods like dairy, wheat, or others can make it difficult to digest properly, leading to excessive gas production. This is different than a food allergy, which causes an immune system reaction.

• Health Conditions – Certain health conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), celiac disease, and others can contribute to increased gas and bloating.

• Stress and Anxiety – When stressed, the body releases hormones that can negatively impact digestion. This can slow things down, leading to buildup of gas and bloating.

Why Does Pork Cause Gas for Some People?

Now that we know some of the general causes of gas, what is it specifically about pork that leads to gas and bloating for some people? There are a few factors at play:

• High Fat Content – Pork contains more fat than many other meats. Fat takes longer to digest, meaning it can sit in the intestines and colon longer, allowing more time for gas-producing bacteria to act on it.

• Type of Fat – Pork contains high amounts of saturated fats. Some research shows saturated fats might be more difficult to digest than unsaturated fats found in fish and plant oils.

• Tough Connective Tissue – Pork contains collagen and elastin, which are tough, fibrous proteins. These proteins can be difficult to fully break down during digestion.

• Cooking Method – Grilling and barbecuing pork can cause it to become dried out and tough. This makes it even harder to digest.

• Spices and Marinades – The way pork is flavored can also play a role. Spices, marinades and rubs might contain problematic ingredients for some people.

• Food Sensitivities – Some individuals may have a sensitivity to pork specifically. This can cause difficulty digesting it properly.

• Fat Exceeds Digestive Capacity – Eating a very large portion of fatty pork in one sitting could simply overwhelm someone’s digestive system capacity.

Signs and Symptoms of Pork Causing Gas

If pork is giving you gassiness or other digestive troubles, here are some of the common symptoms you might experience:

• Bloating, fullness, abdominal discomfort
• Excess flatulence, belching, burping
• Stomach cramps, pains or aches
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea
• Stomach gurgling, rumbling noises
• General lethargy, fatigue, weakness

These symptoms tend to occur during or shortly after consuming pork. They result from the body struggling to digest the components of pork properly.

Tips to Prevent Gas When Eating Pork

If you enjoy pork but want to avoid the gas, bloating and other symptoms, here are some helpful tips:

• Choose Lean Cuts – Opt for loin, tenderloin and center cuts which have less fat and connective tissue. Avoid rib and shoulder cuts.

• Moderate Portion Sizes – Don’t overload your digestive system with huge portions. Stay within 3-4 oz serving sizes of pork.

• Cook Thoroughly – Use moist cooking methods like braising, stewing or slow cooking to fully break down pork’s proteins.

• Avoid Charring – Prevent the pork from becoming overcooked, dried out or burnt, which makes it tougher to digest.

• Pair with Digestion-Friendly Foods – Serve pork with gut-friendly sides like cooked vegetables, salad, rice or potatoes.

• Use Gas-Reducing Spices – Flavor pork with carminative spices like ginger, fennel, oregano, peppermint and sage.

• Take Digestive Enzymes – Consider taking a broad-spectrum enzyme supplement with pork meals to support digestion.

• Get Moving – Go for a short walk after eating to stimulate digestion and help expel any gas buildup.

Foods to Avoid With Pork to Prevent Gas

There are certain foods that when combined with pork can exacerbate gas, bloating and other symptoms. Here are some of the top items to avoid:

• Fatty and fried foods – These further slow digestion.

• Heavy cream or butter-based sauces – Very high in saturated fat.

• Cruciferous veggies – Broccoli, cabbage, kale contain raffinose sugars.

• Carbonated beverages – These increase swallowed air.

• Dairy products – Lactose can be difficult to digest for some.

• High fiber foods – Insoluble fiber from bran, nuts, seeds, whole grains.

• Sugary foods – High sugar foods ferment in the gut.

• Alcohol – Can irritate the digestive tract.

When to See a Doctor About Gas and Bloating

Occasional gas and bloating after eating pork is normal. But if your symptoms are excessive, persistent, or impacting your daily life, it’s a good idea to seek medical guidance. A doctor can evaluate you for potential underlying issues and provide targeted treatment options.

See a doctor promptly if you experience severe symptoms like:

• Intense or sharp abdominal pains
• Vomiting
• Constipation lasting over 3 days
• Diarrhea persisting more than 2 days
• Blood in stool
• Unintended weight loss
• Severe cramping

The Bottom Line

Pork is a tasty and protein-rich meat enjoyed around the world. However, it’s high fat content, type of fat, and tough connective tissues mean some people’s digestive systems struggle to handle it well, resulting in gas, bloating and other symptoms. Using lean cuts, proper cooking methods, gas-reducing ingredients, and avoiding fatty side dishes can help minimize unwanted gas when including pork in your diet.