As a food blogger and home chef, I make all kinds of soups to keep things interesting. However, there’s one classic combination that often leads to some unwanted side effects – pea and ham soup! I noticed it gives me gas frequently, so I decided to investigate why this hearty soup is such a gas-producer.
Turns out there are a few key ingredients in pea and ham soup that can trigger gas for many people. Below I’ll explain what they are why they cause issues, and some ways you can still enjoy this cozy soup without discomfort!
The Main Culprit: Peas and Their Complex Carbs
The biggest gas-producing factor in pea and ham soup is definitely the peas themselves. Peas contain complex carbohydrates such as oligosaccharides that can be tough for our bodies to break down fully.
When these carbs reach the large intestine undigested our gut bacteria end up fermenting them. This fermentation process releases gasses, leading to bloating and flatulence.
So essentially, the high fiber and carb content of peas are hard for our digestive systems to handle, and the result is excessive gas!
Fiber – Important but Gassy!
Along with complex carbs peas are also packed with dietary fiber. Fiber promotes good digestion and heart health, but too much at once can lead to gas and bloating.
Peas contain around 7 grams of fiber per cooked cup. For comparison, the daily recommended fiber intake for adults is 25-30 grams. So just one bowl of pea soup can provide almost a third of your daily value!
While fiber is super beneficial, ramping up your intake too quickly can definitely cause some musical side effects. Our guts need time to adjust to high fiber foods like peas.
The Ham Factor: Salt and Fat
The ham in pea and ham soup contributes to gas in a more indirect way. Ham is quite high in sodium and also provides fatty meat.
Too much sodium can cause our bodies to retain more fluid, potentially leading to bloating. The fat content makes the soup richer and slower to digest, giving more time for gasses to build up.
So while the ham isn’t the primary culprit, its saltiness and fattiness do help create the perfect gas-producing storm in combination with the peas!
Tips to Reduce Gas From Your Pea and Ham Soup
Now that we know why this classic soup leads to gas, here are some useful tips to minimize the side effects:
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Use low-sodium ham to cut back on bloat-inducing salt.
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Gradually increase your fiber intake from the peas to give your body time to acclimate.
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Add gas-reducing spices like ginger, fennel, rosemary or turmeric.
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Swap out half the peas for lower-fiber veggies like carrots, celery or potatoes.
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Try pre-soaking your peas before cooking to increase digestibility.
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Take digestive enzyme supplements containing alpha-galactosidase to break down the peas’ oligosaccharides.
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Limit portion size and enjoy pea soup moderately as part of a balanced diet.
Should You Avoid Pea and Ham Soup Entirely?
Now, while pea and ham soup may produce some extra gas, it does have some great health benefits that are worth dealing with a little flatulence!
Peas are packed with vitamins, minerals, plant-based protein and antioxidants. The ham also provides lean protein.
So rather than avoiding this classic soup, try the gas-minimizing tricks and enjoy pea and ham soup in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. Pay attention to how your body responds and adjust your portion sizes accordingly.
With some small tweaks, you can still reap the nutritional benefits of pea and ham soup without suffering too many smelly consequences!
And if you do overdo it on the soup and experience some musical side effects, don’t stress. The gas will pass eventually. Just blame it on the peas and ham!
Reader Questions About Pea and Ham Soup
I often get questions from readers about pea and ham soup, gas and digestion. Here are some frequent queries:
Q: Why do some people experience more gas from pea and ham soup than others?
A: Individual digestive differences affect gas production. Factors like gut microbiome, fiber tolerance and digestive sensitivities vary among people, causing different responses.
Q: Are there any herbs that reduce gas specifically from peas?
A: Yes, herbs containing essential oils like parsley, sage, peppermint and thyme have carminative properties shown to decrease gas production from peas and other legumes.
Q: Can canned peas cause less gas than dried split peas?
A: Yes, canned peas tend to be lower in oligosaccharides than split peas, so they generally cause less gas. But they still contain dietary fiber that can lead to gas if intake is too high.
Q: If I take a gas relief medication, can I eat as much pea soup as I want?
A: Gas relief medications like simethicone can help reduce symptoms, but it’s still best to enjoy pea soup in moderation as part of a varied diet to prevent excessive gas.
Q: Are there any health risks associated with frequent gas from pea soup?
A: Occasional gas is normal and not concerning. But if you experience very frequent, severe or persistent gas after eating peas, see your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.
How to Make Easy Split Pea and Ham Soup | Allrecipes
FAQ
Does pea soup make you gassy?
How do you make pea soup less gassy?
Is pea soup good for your bowels?
Is split pea soup bad for digestion?
Can split pea soup cause gas?
While it’s true that split peas contain complex carbohydrates that can be more difficult for the body to digest, there are ways to mitigate the potential for gas and discomfort when enjoying this tasty and nutritious soup. One of the main reasons why split pea soup has a reputation for causing gas is due to its high fiber content.
What food causes gas?
The production of gas is related to different causes. It can be due to hormonal issues or poor digestion that can be caused by dysbiosis, which is the imbalance of the intestinal microbiota, or it can also be caused by enzyme deficiency, when digestive enzymes are not produced or are produced insufficiently. The ideal is to go through a medical evaluation or with a dietitian to investigate the cause. But it is known that foods such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, cabbage and beans can cause gas production.
How do you reduce gas if you eat split pea soup?
**Add digestive aids:** Herbs and spices such as cumin, ginger, or fennel can help to reduce gas and aid in digestion when added to split pea soup. – **Gradually increase intake:** If you’re not used to eating foods high in fiber, it’s best to gradually increase your intake to allow your body to adjust.
What foods cause gas & bloating?
Some of these foods, such as asparagus, may cause particularly odorous gas. Wheat and other whole grains, except rice, all contain raffinose and large amounts of fiber. Both of these can lead to increased gas and bloating. Some whole grains also contain a protein called gluten.
