Why Do Beans Give You Flatulence?

Baked beans.

Of all the flatulence-producing foodstuffs, such as lentils, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, turnips, radishes and sweet potatoes, easily the most notorious is the humble bean. Indeed, it is even immortalized in schoolyard rhyme.

Flatulence

Flatulence is gaseous matter expelled from the body. It is a by-product of the digestive process and affects all mammals; while seldom a health risk, flatulence is generally seen as embarrassing in most cultures.

Carbohydrates

Most beans contain carbohydrates called oligosaccharides. The human body lacks the required enzymes to digest these, so it must use bacteria and flora in the large intestine to do so.

Intestinal Bacteria

Mixed beans.

The bacteria in the gut feed on the oligosaccharides, breaking them down for energy and producing -- as a by-product of this -- gas. The majority of the gas produced is removed by other bacteria but, unfortunately, not all is removed.

Prevention

An anti-oligosaccharide dietary supplement can be purchased from most pharmacies. Alternatively, beans can be cooked along with cumin, caraway or coriander seeds -- all of which help to prevent gas formation. A simpler solution is to soak the beans before use for several hours, thus removing the sugars. Also, probiotics, such as live yogurt, can be used to restore balance to the intestinal flora.

References

• Virtual Medical Centre
• NHS Choices

Resources

• Home Remedies