All about beans. Why do beans and any legumes cause gas in the intestines?

The first few months after surgery, until your body has recovered and become accustomed to the new physiological state, it is recommended to eat simple foods, gradually expanding your diet.

You should have a balanced diet containing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, potassium and sodium replacement products.

Meals should be regular - at least 3-4 times a day. Do not forget about balanced fluid intake - 1500-2000 ml of fluid per day.

What are the health benefits of beans and other legumes?

Beans may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol, and the antioxidants in beans help prevent some types of cancer. Available in many different sizes and colors, most beans are inexpensive and easy to find. Their mild flavor pairs well with other flavors, making it easy to add plenty of healthy beans to your diet.

Beans are a rich source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber can be dissolved in water. This type of fiber can actually lower cholesterol because it binds to cholesterol particles in the blood and removes them from the body. Insoluble fiber does not break down as it moves through the body. Instead, it adds bulk to the stool, a natural laxative effect that also helps relieve problems associated with hemorrhoids. Both types of fiber have been shown to provide significant health benefits.

Protein is another health benefit of beans. Beans are the richest source of plant protein available. Protein is vital for building strong muscles and repairing damaged tissue. Our body cannot produce or store protein, so we must get enough from our diet. Beans, when combined with whole grains such as rice, provide complete, healthy proteins for vegans or others who limit their intake of animal products.

Antioxidants are compounds that have been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, especially prostate and colorectal cancer. Beans are an excellent source of antioxidants. A 2004 study by the USDA ranked various foods based on their antioxidant content. Of the top four antioxidant-rich foods, beans held three positions: small red beans ranked first, followed by red kidney beans in third and pinto beans in 4th place.

If you suffer from diabetes, beans offer a source of complex carbohydrates that don't cause your blood sugar levels to rise quickly. Because the starches in beans take longer to break down, they have a low glycemic index. This means that sugar is released into the bloodstream more slowly, causing overall glucose levels to drop over a longer period of time. They're also low in calories, which is a great benefit if you're trying to watch your weight while still enjoying a rich, filling meal.

Adding beans to your diet is a great way to add iron, folic acid and magnesium, as well as fiber and antioxidants. With so many different types to choose from and so many different ways to serve them, you're sure to find plenty of ways to add the health benefits of beans to your diet.

Swallowing air with food

Imagine that you have just swallowed a bolus of food and are now chewing a new one. You chew slowly, thoughtfully, following the instructions of Ivan Petrovich Pavlov - and at this time your esophagus is gradually filled with air coming from the oral cavity. When you swallow the next lump, all the “esophageal” air will be in the stomach: the lump, moving down the esophagus, will push it in front of itself, like a bulldozer.

It is not so easy for this air to escape back: on the border between the esophagus and the stomach there is a constrictor muscle (cardiac sphincter), which, as soon as the swallowed lump has entered the stomach, “closes the door” so that no one can get back out. If this muscle works poorly, then heartburn occurs: the acidic contents of the stomach rise up the esophagus and irritate (“pinches”) the walls of the esophagus, which are accustomed to an alkaline environment.

The formation of carbon dioxide during digestion

Saliva secreted in the oral cavity has an alkaline environment, which is created due to the secretion of “bicarbonate” by the salivary glands, i.e. NaHCO3. When it reacts with water (hydrolysis), an alkali is formed.

NaHCO3 → CO2↑ + NaOH (1)

Then the food bolus, moistened with saliva, enters the stomach, and the bicarbonate reacts with the hydrochloric acid released there.

NaHCO3 + HCl → H2O + CO2↑ + NaCl (2)

When the bicarbonate coming from the mouth runs out, the acid necessary for the functioning of the main gastric enzyme pepsin will gradually begin to accumulate.

But that is not all. From the stomach, the acidic food bolus enters the intestines, and there the environment is alkaline, so the acid again meets bicarbonate, and reaction occurs (2). It continues until all the acid is gone, after which alkali begins to gradually accumulate, which is necessary for the functioning of intestinal enzymes. How does it accumulate? That's right, due to reaction (1). By the way, did you notice that both reactions produce carbon dioxide (CO2)?

Gas formation by intestinal bacteria

If you have ever seen vomiting, you know in what form food is in the stomach. If you have ever seen diarrhea, you know in what form food is in the small intestine.

In which, in which - in liquid. Only in the form of a very liquid pulp (chyme) can food be effectively digested (chemical reactions occur best when substances are dissolved in water), as well as mixed and moved through the intestines.

But. If you poop (defecate) with this same liquid chyme (this process will be called “diarrhea”), then the body will lose a lot of water. To avoid dehydration, it is necessary to remove all water from the stool before discarding it. This is what the one and a half meter thick intestine is for, which is why food spends almost a day in it. Well, since there is a nutrient medium, it is clear that bacteria simply have to live there.

That's where they live. Microbiologists have counted about 300 species of bacteria in our intestines. During their feeding, they emit carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, methane, etc. Since most of these gases are flammable, it is not recommended to set fire to the fart: a fire may occur. (You can set fire to burps quite calmly; it consists of air and carbon dioxide and will not burn.)

Peas secure their gas championship due to the third point – bacteria: when eating peas (beans, soybeans and other legumes), many of the food’s nutrients are not digested by humans and reach bacteria

large intestine.

Stachyose, raffinose, pectin

These carbohydrates are not digested in our stomach or small intestine, and pass untouched into the large intestine, where they are already waiting. The first two are especially highly anticipated - they are processed by bacteria very easily. All legumes contain these substances in large quantities.

However, cabbage and apples are not far behind legumes in this parameter. On the one hand, these three are precisely the main food causes of gas formation (flatulence). On the other hand, to explain the championship of legumes (as well as to explain why beets, from which they are industrially produced

stachyosis and raffinose, does not cause flatulence), something else is required. And we have it.

Protease blockers

Legume seeds are known to contain a lot of protein. The seeds need it to nourish the seedling during germination (in spring).
In order for the seedling to be able to feed, the reserve proteins will need to be transferred to a “nutritional” state - digested. For this purpose, digestive enzymes - proteases (mainly trypsin) are stored in the seed in advance.
Spare proteins should be digested in the spring, not earlier! Therefore, seeds contain a large number of protease blockers - substances that combine with digestive enzymes and prevent them from working.
When we eat legume seeds, protease blockers enter our stomach and intestines. They bind to our own digestive enzymes and stop them from working
(block them). Because of this, food proteins are digested less well, and some of the proteins reach the bacteria of the large intestine.
This is the reason for the special toxicity of “pea gas”: the breakdown of proteins by bacteria leads to the release of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
Protease blockers are found in the seeds of any plant, not just legumes. But legume blockers are the most stable: they are not destroyed during cooking/frying (and blockers of cereal grains and sunflower seeds are destroyed).

What to do?

1. Sprout or ferment

As soon as the seeds begin to germinate, all their blockers are immediately destroyed - that’s why soybean lovers (Japanese) eat it in the sprouted state. Another way to break down highly stable soy blockers is through prolonged fermentation. It is from fermented soybeans that most “soy products” are made (miso, natto, soy sauce, tempeh, tofu).

2. Relax

Why not pamper your little pets a little? Just think, gases. But intestinal bacteria secrete vitamin K (necessary for blood clotting) and a dozen different B vitamins. In addition, the “right” bacteria prevent other, much more dangerous microorganisms from settling in the intestines.

Which beans contain the most protein?

As many people know, beans and legumes are a high protein food source.
In addition to being rich in protein, they also have a high concentration of vitamins and minerals. These nutritional qualities make them a popular choice for vegetarians, although other people can also benefit from eating beans. Although only soybeans contain complete proteins on their own, all varieties contain adequate protein in each serving, although some contain more protein than others. Beans must be cooked thoroughly to avoid intestinal discomfort and its sometimes socially undesirable symptoms. The superpower of the legume world is soybeans, which contain 29 grams for every 1 cup (172 g) cooked serving. Edamame, green soybeans harvested before they are fully ripe, contain 22 grams of protein in every 1 cup (180 g) cooked. They can be added to salads, eaten as a snack, or made into foods such as tofu and tempeh. There are many ways to use soy in cooking, but cooks should be careful not to overdo it, as you may end up eating too much of the good stuff.

Fava beans are another protein-rich bean, with 13 grams of protein per serving (170 g). Lentils are also high in protein, with most lentils having about 17 grams per cup (198 g). Next comes red kidney beans, with about 16 grams in 1 cup (177 g). Black beans and navy or kidney beans contain 15 grams of protein per cup (172 g and 182 g), while peas, garbanzos and black-eyed lima have about 14 grams per cup (170 g, 164 g and 170 g each) ,

Most beans do not provide complete proteins on their own. A complete protein is one that contains all nine essential amino acids in the correct proportions. They are usually combined with other foods to make a complete protein, such as in the popular beans and rice combination.

People's protein needs depend on their weight. There are two ways to think about protein needs; in one case, protein should make up about 20% of your total caloric intake. One gram of protein contains four calories, so to determine protein needs this way, a person must figure out what 20% of his or her calories should be and divide by four for the number of grams of protein needed. In general, healthy adults need between 1,800 and 2,000 calories per day, although individual needs may vary based on health and activity levels. People should ask a health care professional about their diet if they have questions.

Interested people with a desire for accuracy can determine its required protein using its weight. Each person needs about 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram (2.2 pounds) of weight. A person can multiply their weight in kilograms by 0.8 to see how many grams of protein they need; some people may need as much as 1.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, especially if they are physically active, so it's best to ask your doctor about exact requirements. The weight in pounds can be divided by 2.2 to get the weight in kilograms.

Why do beans cause flatulence?

For many, beans often top the list of offensive foods that lead to gas and bloating.
Every person passes a certain amount of gas every day. Gas is part of the natural digestion process and cannot be avoided. Unless the gas is bothersome for any reason, there is usually nothing to worry about. However, many people find gas embarrassing or even painful and would like to have less gas. Other people think they have excess gas (even though passing too much gas is rare).

Very strong flatulence

It is true that some foods may tend to cause a person to produce more gas than other foods. In particular, foods that are high in fiber are often the culprits when it comes to gas and bloating symptoms. It is true, however, that most people (especially in the United States) do not get enough fiber in their diet and should eat more fibrous foods. One food that has a particularly notorious reputation when it comes to gas is beans. Beans are well known for their ability to cause flatulence (there's even a little rhyme that kids love to talk about).

Why do beans cause gas, and for those who love them, is there anything that can be done to reduce the possibility of gas when eating beans?

Flatulence

Excessive

the accumulation of gases in the intestines is called “flatulence”, and here is a parting list of foods that can lead to it (and we’ll talk about the darker – medical – causes of flatulence some other time).

Carbonated drinks - lemonades, beer, champagne - they themselves contain a lot of gases (see above “Ingesting gases with food”).
Foods that are poorly digested and therefore reach the intestinal bacteria almost intact (see above “Gas formation by intestinal bacteria”).
Milk (specifically milk sugar, lactose) is not digested by many adults.

Source: https://bio-faq.ru/why/why052.html

What does gas consist of?

Intestinal gas is primarily made up of hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide—all gases that are essentially odorless. However, in about a third of people, intestinal gas contains another ingredient: methane.

It is not clear why some people produce methane and others do not. One way to tell if you have methane in your gas is to look at your stool: people who produce methane will usually have stool that floats in water.

Sulfur is a substance that causes the characteristic smell of gas. Thus, eating foods high in sulfur, such as garlic, onions, leeks, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, can cause a person to smell gas.

Diet for people with ileostomy

Why do you need to drink more fluid?

It is important to drink at least 10-12 glasses of fluid per day (unless your doctor advises otherwise). Absorption of fluid occurs in the colon. Since it is removed, the body loses a large amount of fluid excreted in stool through the stoma. Therefore, it is important to drink more to replace fluid loss. Otherwise, there will be a violation of the water-electrolyte balance and dehydration (dehydration) of the body.

Diarrhea is frequent, profuse, looser stool than usual, requiring frequent drainage of the colostomy bag. Diarrhea may be accompanied by fever and dizziness. Diarrhea can be caused by food and certain medications, such as antibiotics. During diarrhea, the body loses a large amount of fluid, salts and trace elements, which can lead to dehydration. If you have diarrhea, you need to drink plenty of fluids (at least a glass of water after each bowel movement). If you experience frequent attacks of diarrhea (more than 3 times in a row), consult your doctor.

Signs of dehydration (dehydration):

Dry mouth
Reduced frequency and volume of urine excreted
Dark color of urine
Dizziness
Weakness
Convulsions

To compensate for the loss of electrolytes (sodium and potassium), you must eat:

Meat broths
Tea
Orange juice
Bananas
Apricots
Potato
Congee
Crackers, salty cookies
Products with a fixing effect:
Potato
Bakery products
Rice
Baked apples
Pears
Cheese

What foods to avoid and why?

Before surgery, large particles of food passed from the small intestine into the large intestine, where it was digested. For the first 6-8 weeks after surgery, try not to eat foods high in plant fibers that absorb liquid: oatmeal, citrus fruits, apples, peas and legumes. Such food is difficult to digest and can cause intestinal obstruction. Gradually increase your intake of plant fibers that are difficult to digest.

Foods that may cause intestinal obstruction:

Carrots, cabbage, turnips, radishes, radishes and other root vegetables
Nuts
Celery
Dried fruits
Mushrooms
Corn
Some fruits with small seeds
Orange or grapefruit zest
Coconut

To avoid intestinal obstruction, eat slowly, chew food thoroughly, and drink liquid. During a food blockade, if you do not feel nauseous and stool comes out through the stoma under pressure in small portions, try to gradually increase your fluid intake. Drink hot tea or take a hot shower. Point the shower at your back to relax your abdominal muscles.

Important: If you feel nauseous and stool does not pass through the stoma, do not drink liquids, consult a doctor immediately

Why do beans cause gas?

Beans (legumes) cause gas because they contain a specific sugar called an oligosaccharide, which the human body cannot completely break down. Oligosaccharides are large molecules and are not broken down or absorbed in the same way as other sugars: by the normal digestive process that occurs in the small intestine. This is because the human body does not actually produce the enzyme that breaks down oligosaccharides.

Oligosaccharides pass through the digestive tract into the colon, still unbroken and not yet digested. It is the bacteria that live in the colon that finally break down the oligosaccharides. This process is the one that produces gas that should eventually come out of the rectum as flatulence.

By the same principle, other foods that enter the colon without being properly absorbed in the small intestine will cause gas. For example, stress can cause food to move through the digestive tract too quickly instead of being properly digested, causing more gas to form in the colon.

Why do peas cause gas?

Gases enter the intestines in three ways: 1. swallowed with food; 2. formed during the digestion process; 3. secreted by bacteria living in the large intestine. (You can read more about this in the article “Why People Fart.”)

large intestine.

Stachyose, raffinose, pectin

stachyosis and raffinose, does not cause flatulence), something else is required. And we have it.

Protease blockers

Legume seeds are known to contain a lot of protein. The seeds need it to nourish the seedling during germination (in spring).
In order for the seedling to be able to feed, the reserve proteins will need to be transferred to a “nutritional” state - digested. For this purpose, digestive enzymes - proteases (mainly trypsin) are stored in the seed in advance.
Spare proteins should be digested in the spring, not earlier! Therefore, seeds contain a large number of protease blockers - substances that combine with digestive enzymes and prevent them from working.
When we eat legume seeds, protease blockers enter our stomach and intestines. They bind to our own digestive enzymes and prevent them from working
(block them). Because of this, food proteins are digested less well, and some of the proteins reach the bacteria of the large intestine.

This is additional food for bacteria - so more gas is produced than usual.
This is the reason for the special toxicity of “pea gas”: the breakdown of proteins by bacteria leads to the release of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.

Protease blockers are found in the seeds of any plant, not just legumes. But legume blockers are the most stable: they are not destroyed during cooking/frying (and blockers of cereal grains and sunflower seeds are destroyed).

What to do?

1. Sprout or ferment

2. Relax

You can also read

Why do people fart Song about intestinal bacteria
© D.V. Pozdnyakov, 2009-2020

How to Prevent Gas from Beans

To prevent gas that is caused by eating beans or other foods, the oligosaccharides must be broken down before they reach the colon and become food for the resident bacteria that live there.

There is an enzyme that breaks down oligosaccharides called alpha-galactosidase. This enzyme (which the human body does not produce) is derived from the fungus Aspergillus niger and is available for purchase under the Beano brand and others.

Alpha galactosidase is not suitable for people with diabetes as it may cause high blood sugar levels. People who have allergic reactions to mold may have an allergic reaction to alpha-galactosidase, so it may not be an option in these cases. Alpha-galactosidase may increase galactose levels and should therefore not be used by those who have the genetic disease galactosemia.

Can gas from beans be harmful?

As long as it doesn't cause pain or excessive bloating, gas is a normal and expected part of the digestive process. In fact, gas is an indicator that things are going as they should in the intestines. The gas itself will not cause any real harm, but steps can be taken to minimize the gas if it is causing too much trouble. People who feel that they do have too much gas or discomfort from gas should talk to a doctor about how best to manage it.

Beans contain protein, which helps build strong muscles.

Sea beans, which have about 15 grams of protein per cup.

Tofu is an excellent source of protein.

Lentils are high in protein.

Beans contain about 16 grams of protein per cup.

Garbanzo beans are rich in protein.

Assorted beans.

Black beans have 15 grams of protein per cup.

A cooked cup of edamame contains 22 grams of protein.

Baked beans, commonly used to make chili, are not only rich in protein but also rich in antioxidants.

Soybeans contain the most protein of any other type of bean.

Fava beans contain about 13 grams of protein per serving.

Diet for people with colostomy

Some foods may cause gas and discomfort. In this case, try not to consume them temporarily; later you can reintroduce them into your diet and observe the body’s reaction. You need to try introducing these foods into your diet at least three times, this is the only way you can make sure that this particular product really causes discomfort.

A balanced diet containing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and foods that replace the loss of potassium and sodium is important. Gradually increase your intake of plant fibers (1-2 months after surgery), which are difficult to digest.

Meals should be regular - at least 3 times a day. Don't forget about balanced fluid intake - 1500-2000 ml of fluid per day.

Gas formation

The natural process of gas formation occurs in the intestines. Gas is produced when carbohydrates (sugars, starches, fibers found in food) are digested in the colon. Between eating and the release of gas through the stoma, 5-6 hours usually pass. With an ileostomy, such gases are not produced because the colon is removed. However, air enters the body during eating, and gas can also form during eating, so you need to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Try not to chew gum or drink through a straw.

Some foods cause increased gas formation, so in public places, pay attention to what products are used in the preparation of dishes. Also consider using a colostomy bag with a filter, which removes excess air from the bag without allowing the bag to bloat and neutralizes odor. In addition, you can use some medications that reduce gas formation. To do this, consult a specialist.

Remember that the same foods contribute to excessive gas formation in some people, but not in others.

Products that promote gas formation:

White cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli
Spinach
cucumbers
Beans
Peas
Onion garlic
Corn
Carbonated drinks/beer
Products that reduce gas formation:
Peppermint oil
Tea with mint
Activated carbon

Sounds (rumbling) from the stoma

To muffle the rumbling from the stoma, place your hands on the colostomy bag (on the stoma).

Smell

If you change your colostomy bags regularly, if your colostomy bag doesn't leak, no one will notice the smell. You may only smell it when you change your colostomy bag.

To combat the unpleasant odor that accompanies the release of gas, use colostomy bags with a carbon filter.

If you are using a draining colostomy bag without a filter, you can use an odor neutralizer. Place 5-6 drops into the bag after draining or into a new bag after replacing (read the instructions for using the neutralizer).

Products that increase the release of unpleasant odors during digestion:

Fish
Eggs
Cheese
Garlic, onion
Beans
Cabbage
Products that reduce the release of unpleasant odors:
Yogurt
Cottage cheese
Kefir, fermented baked milk
Cowberry
Spinach
Green salad
Parsley

Constipation

Constipation is a delay in the passage of intestinal contents through a stoma. To avoid it, eat more foods containing plant fiber: fruits, vegetables and cereals, as well as at least 6-8 glasses of liquid per day. Sometimes, with prolonged constipation, you should resort to laxatives, but be sure to consult your doctor before doing so.

Products that have a laxative effect:

Raw vegetables and fruits
Prunes, figs, plums
Beans
Fresh juices
Dairy products
Products with a fixing effect:
Potato
Bakery products
Pasta
Rice
Baked apples
Pears
Cheese