Salmon is well known as a nutritious and flavorful fish. However, you might have noticed that eating salmon often causes you to burp and experience unpleasant digestive symptoms like gas and bloating. So why does salmon in particular seem to cause burping compared to other types of fish or protein sources? Let’s dive into the science behind salmon digestion and explain the potential reasons for salmon causing smelly burps.
The Nutritional Composition of Salmon
To understand why salmon may cause burping, it’s helpful to first look at what makes up this fish nutritionally. Salmon is rich in healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids and protein A 3 ounce portion of salmon contains about
- 22 grams of protein
- 175 calories
- 2-4 grams of healthy fats
Salmon is also a great source of vitamins like vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, iron and potassium.
The high protein and fat content of salmon makes it more difficult for your body to break down and digest compared to sources of lean protein or plant-based proteins. The increased digestion time allows more gas production and leads to burping and bloating.
High Purine Levels Can Lead to Burping
Purines are natural chemical compounds found in many foods like salmon. When you eat foods high in purines, your body breaks purines down into uric acid as a byproduct. Too much uric acid buildup can contribute to gout.
During the purine breakdown process, your body also produces gas which can lead to burping, flatulence or bloating. Salmon contains above average levels of purines compared to white fish or plant proteins.
Preparation Methods Affect Digestibility
How you cook your salmon also impacts how much burping and gas it creates. Fried or heavily seasoned salmon is harder to digest than plain baked or grilled salmon. Frying also adds more fat, while seasonings containing onion or garlic can contribute to gas production.
Opt for simple preparation using minimal added oils or sauces. Baking, grilling, poaching or steaming salmon allows the healthy fats to cook through while keeping the fish easy to digest.
Oils and Fats Require More Digestion
Compared to white fish or lean proteins like chicken breast, salmon has a higher overall fat content. The omega-3 fats found in salmon provide important health benefits, but all fats require more digestion time which slows down gastric emptying.
When food remains in your stomach longer, your body has more time to produce gas as a byproduct of digestion. The longer transit time coupled with difficult to break down fats is why you’re more likely to get gassy or burp after eating salmon compared to digesting a lean protein source.
Histamines in Some Fish Lead to Burping
Histamines are inflammatory compounds released by your immune system during an allergic reaction. Salmon and some other fish like tuna or mackerel contain higher levels of histamines than other types of seafood.
Eating foods with histamines can trigger indigestion, gas, bloating, burping or other allergy-like symptoms in sensitive individuals, even if you do not have a true seafood allergy. Your body releases gas and causes burping as it reacts to the histamines present in certain fish.
Tips to Prevent Burping When Eating Salmon
If you want to keep enjoying salmon but without the unpleasant gas and burping, here are some tips to stop fishy burps:
- Opt for wild caught salmon over farmed – it contains lower histamine levels
- Bake, grill, steam or poach instead of frying
- Avoid heavy seasonings and marinades containing onion or garlic
- Pair with ginger, fennel, parsley or lemon – these aids digestion
- Take a fish oil supplement instead of eating salmon to get omega-3s
- Limit portion size to 3-4 ounces per meal
- Slow down eating and chew each bite thoroughly
- Stay hydrated with water to aid digestion
- Take probiotics to improve gut bacteria
- Limit consumption to 2-3 times per week maximum
Key Takeaways on Salmon Burping
While salmon burping can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, you don’t have to cut it from your diet completely. Understanding what causes gas production and burping after eating salmon gives you the knowledge to prevent issues.
Stick to wild caught salmon prepared simply via baking, grilling or steaming. Pair it with digestion-friendly foods and limit your portion sizes. Proper food combining can allow you to continue reaping the nutritional benefits of salmon without the fishy burps and bloating side effects.
What Eating Salmon Every Day Does To Your Body
FAQ
How do you get rid of salmon burps?
Why does salmon make me gassy?
Why does salmon upset my stomach?
Can salmon burp?
Are fish burps a problem?
If fish burps are a problem for you, avoid popping your supplement alongside a big meal, alcohol, or your favorite carbonated beverage (all of which, slow gastric motility and increase the chances of burping). A quality fish oil supplement that includes antioxidants is one way to prevent fish burps.
Does fish oil cause burps?
When fish oil sits in the stomach for too long, you can notice these fishy burps occurring. That’s why it’s important to make sure you are hydrated and drink plenty of fluids when taking a fish oil supplement. Ready to start your personalized routine? Choosing the right fish oil can help to minimize fish oil burps and provide the most benefits.
Can eating a lot of food cause burping?
There’s a possibility that eating a lot of food in one sitting could lead to excessive burping. Eating large meals can contribute to the gas in your digestive tract. 9. Rumination Syndrome You could have rumination syndrome if you burp and regurgitate some undigested food into your mouth.
What causes a burping episode?
Foods high in starch, sugar, or fiber and issues with digestion or heartburn could also be to blame. You can treat a burping episode with a few simple tricks. If gas, bloating, and burping interfere with your day often, though, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Burping usually starts after you eat or drink.