Eggs are an excellent source of protein, suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A serving of scrambled eggs paired with a whole wheat bagel can keep you satisfied until lunchtime. Adding hard-boiled eggs to your spinach salad provides a protein boost, while a vegetable frittata makes a nutritious, low-carb dinner (here’s what happens to your body when you eat eggs every day).
Have you noticed that after enjoying a deviled egg or two, your flatulence can clear a room? This might make you wary of eating eggs before a hot yoga class. However, eggs typically don’t increase flatulence unless you have an egg allergy or intolerance. If you experience more gas after eating eggs, consider the other foods you are consuming alongside them.
Eggs are lactose-free, making them suitable for individuals who become gassy from dairy products. However, many people enjoy omelets with cheese, which contains lactose. Onions and garlic in egg casseroles can contribute to flatulence. Foods like beans, whole grains, and cruciferous vegetables have fiber and complex sugars that can cause gas. Additionally, carbonated drinks like sodas and beer may lead to bloating. That sugar-free protein bar you snacked on? It likely contained sugar alcohols that can cause stomach bloating. If you’re consuming foods that may cause gas, the methionine in eggs can add a sulfur-like odor.
What is methionine?
Methionine-free eggs are unlikely to exist because methionine is an essential amino acid that the human body cannot produce independently. You need to obtain this amino acid from your diet. Methionine supports energy production, immune health, and digestion, as noted in a 2017 review published in Amino Acids. It also helps regulate fat processing and protects against oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic disease. One egg contains 190 milligrams (26% of your daily value) of methionine, but animal protein sources such as chicken, turkey, and steak can provide double the daily requirement of methionine in a single serving.
When your body digests foods containing methionine, it can transform into sulfur-containing compounds that aid in cell function and tissue protection. Your gut bacteria break down methionine into hydrogen sulfide, which can emit a smell similar to rotten eggs. If you already have gas, this sulfur smell can accompany it. While you might blame the eggs, similar odors can occur if you consume a lot of animal protein.
How to prevent gas
Eggs are one of the foods that the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders identifies as less likely to cause gas. If you have a social event later, try combining your eggs with tomatoes and zucchini to reduce flatulence. Add gluten-free bread and perhaps some berries or cantaloupe for a touch of fiber that won’t overwhelm your digestive system. However, many carbohydrates can cause gas, so balance your diet by incorporating lean protein and healthy fats.
Occasional gas is usually not a concern, and it’s normal to pass gas occasionally (consider these movements to relieve trapped gas). Frequent gas could indicate other issues. You might be swallowing more air while eating and drinking, especially if you talk while eating or frequently chew gum. Your digestive system may react differently to certain foods, so it’s beneficial to understand how different foods and beverages affect you. Consider eliminating specific foods from your diet to identify the culprits. Digestive enzymes could also assist in better food digestion. If gas and bloating impact your life significantly, consult a doctor to determine if you have a digestive condition such as irritable bowel syndrome.
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