Farting is normal â the average person does it 5-15 times a day. In fact, having a lot of gas on a particular day might actually be a sign of good health, if you forget about any discomfort or embarrassment caused. Thats because the foods that create farts tend to be heart-healthy, fibre-packed complex carbs, which your body cant break 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?
Ground turkey has risen in popularity as a leaner alternative to ground beef However, some people report increased gas and bloating after eating dishes made with ground turkey What’s the reason behind this gastrointestinal reaction? Let’s explore the connection between ground turkey and gas.
Causes of Gas From Ground Turkey
There are a few reasons why ground turkey may lead to gas bloating and other digestive discomfort in some individuals
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High Protein Content – Ground turkey is generally a higher protein food compared to some other meats. While protein is great for health, it can be more difficult to break down and digest. If your body isn’t accustomed to digesting high amounts of protein, it may respond with gas and bloating.
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Overcooking – Cooking ground turkey until it is very well done or dry can make it tougher and more difficult to digest, leading to an uptick in gas. The meat can become harder to break down.
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Food Sensitivities – Some people may have sensitivities to ingredients commonly added to ground turkey, like onion or garlic powder, spices, etc. These sensitivities can manifest with digestive issues like gas and cramps when consuming the seasoned meat.
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Lactose Intolerance – Pre-packaged ground turkey often contains additives like milk powder. This lactose content can cause gas in those with lactose intolerance.
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FODMAPs – Some people are sensitive to FODMAPs (fermentable carbs) naturally present in turkey meat, which can contribute to gas.
So in many cases, it’s not the turkey meat itself but rather the way it’s prepared, cooked, and seasoned that leads to gas.
Tips to Prevent Gas From Ground Turkey
If you experience gassiness after eating ground turkey, try these troubleshooting tips:
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Don’t overcook – Cook just until no longer pink, not dry or tough. Use a meat thermometer to prevent over-baking.
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Eat smaller portions – Gradually increase portion sizes to allow your body to adjust to the higher protein amount.
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Have with easy-to-digest sides – Pairing turkey with gentle sides like roasted veggies can ease digestion.
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Use plain turkey – Opt for simple ground turkey without seasonings until you know how you tolerate it.
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Try digestive enzymes – Supplements can help break down protein, carbs, fats, and lactose.
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Check for food sensitivities – Eliminate ingredients individually to pinpoint sensitivities if needed.
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Go for 93% lean turkey – Choosing extra lean cuts avoids excess fat, which can cause gas.
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Drink plenty of water – Staying hydrated aids digestion and prevents constipation, a cause of gas pain.
Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes Less Likely to Cause Gas
Here are some healthy ground turkey recipes less prone to cause tummy troubles:
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Greek turkey lettuce wraps with cucumber, tomato, feta, and yogurt sauce
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Simple baked turkey meatballs flavored with basil and Parmesan
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Turkey-zucchini skillet with fresh garlic and diced zucchini
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Turkey taco bowls with brown rice, black beans, salsa, and avocado
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Turkey-quinoa stuffed peppers with reduced gas-causing ingredients
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Mediterranean turkey burgers with hummus and roasted red peppers
Focus on not overcooking the ground turkey and pair it with vegetable sides for easy digestion. Start with smaller 3-4 oz portions if increasing fiber intake.
Tips for Preventing Gas From Other Foods
Some other tips to prevent gas with any meal include:
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Having smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions
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Drinking water with meals to aid digestion
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Avoiding chewing gum which causes swallowing excess air
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Reducing high FODMAP foods if you have IBS (beans, milk, wheat, onions, etc)
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Taking a short walk after eating to stimulate digestion
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Limiting fried and fatty foods which sit heavily
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Introducing high fiber foods gradually to allow adjustment
When to See a Doctor
Occasional gas and bloating after eating ground turkey is normal, especially if you don’t consume a lot of protein. However, if you experience severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation, it’s best to see a doctor to rule out potential food allergies or intolerances and other medical conditions.
For most people, ground turkey can remain a healthy part of their diet. Start slowly and use preparation methods that make it easier on your digestive system. Observe how your body responds and avoid triggers to prevent unwanted gas. With some simple adjustments, you can still reap the nutritional benefits of ground turkey without the unwanted side effect of gas.
Wheat and wholegrains
Gas-making fructans and farty fibre are found in grains, such as oats and wheat products, so bread, pasta and wholegrains can lead to wind. 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. Sulphur is broken down by your gut bacteria into hydrogen sulphide â that lovely rotten egg smell â and âenhancesâ the odour of gas produced by other foods you eat as well as the meat.
Beans and lentils contain lots of fibre, but they also contain raffinose, a complex sugar that we donât process well. These sugars make their way to the intestine, where your gut goes to town using them for energy, resulting in hydrogen, methane and even smelly sulphur.
Contrary to popular belief, eggs dont make most of us fart. But they do contain sulphur-packed methionine. So if you dont want smelly farts, dont 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.
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. On top of that, about 65 percent of the worlds adult population has a degree of intolerance to lactose, and eating dairy can leave them feeling bloated and gassy.
10 Foods That Will Make You Fart or Pass Gas Like Crazy
FAQ
Is ground turkey hard to digest?
Does ground meat cause gas?
Is ground turkey bad for IBS?
What does ground turkey do to your body?
Can Turkey cause gas or stomach upset?
If turkey causes gas or stomach upset frequently, a food intolerance may be to blame. This is when you have difficulty digesting certain foods, per the National Health Service, and can lead to symptoms like: According to the Mayo Clinic, you may have a food intolerance for the following reasons: The fix?
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
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. The fix?
Can eating turkey cause digestive problems?
An isolated instance where you develop digestive issues several hours after eating turkey may be related to food poisoning. Foodborne illness occurs when you eat something contaminated with an infectious organism like a parasite, bacteria or virus, according to the Mayo Clinic.