Fart-Free Beans: Closer Than You Think

The sun rises in the East and sets in the West. The ocean tides ebb and flow. Beans make you fart. These are highly dependable, indisputable natural occurrences … until now.

Venezuelan researchers have identified two bacteria strains, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum, which reduce the GI distress—and subsequent flatulence—that afflicts bean lovers.

The researchers found that when they fermented black beans in the two bacteria, soluble fiber content decreased by more than 60 per cent, among other benefits. Better yet, the beans retained their full nutritional value after digestion was complete.

I know you regular readers are thinking, “But Bill! You always promote fiber on the blog!” Indeed I do, because fiber (soluble and insoluble) is incredibly important for proper GI function, and should be ingested regularly.

But soluble fiber is not broken down until it reaches the large intestine, where the digestive process tends to generate gas. Bacterial fermentation gives the intestines a leg-up, as it were, in breaking the fiber down, reducing gas without reducing nutrients.

Imagine the ‘bean’-eficial possibilities. People everywhere can enjoy the terrific health benefits of beans—fried, refried, baked, boiled, sautéed, or stewed—without the embarrassing, smelly side effects.

Indeed, beans are actually a superfood, encompassing essential nutrients, including low-fat protein, fiber, iron, and potassium. They’re also cheap and easy to prepare, and available in a wide array of size, flavors, and textures around the globe.

Beans can be a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle that will keep your GI tract running smoothly—if they didn’t cause so much GI distress.

If beans make YOU fart, and if you don’t feel like waiting for the Venezuelans to perfect their experimental fermented beans, try a free sample of something I recently perfected: a new natural, premium quality digestive supplement that might relieve or alleviate your farting or other GI discomfort.

Sued for Farting on TV

Beans, beans, they’re good for your heart.

Everyone knows what’s happens next, even though some people might not like to admit it—especially the Dry Beans Producers Organization (DBPO).

The DBPO in Johannesburg, South Africa, recently made a stink over the negative way beans were portrayed in a TV commercial for Wildeklawer sweet onions.

The DBPO complained to the Advertising Standards Authority that the commercial, which showed a rugby player eating beans and fouling the air, portrayed beans in an unfavorable light, and disparaged the producers’ organization.

The ASA dismissed the DBPO’s case as a load of hot (and perhaps even smelly) air, saying it’s a factual reality that beans cause gas, and the commercial was only playing on a harmless parody.When the partially digested beans pass into the large intestine, the bacteria there finish breaking down them down—and create foul-smelling methane in the process.

Bottom line: No amount of legal wrangling can change the fact that beans cause gas. Beans are loaded with carbohydrates that are not completely broken down in the small intestine.

Other foods with large amounts of carbs produce the same malodorous effect. Sugars, starches, fibers; all are carb-loaded stink bombs.

Other offenders include vegetables, certain fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, soft drinks and fruit drinks, and of course, any sugar-free food.

The easiest way to reduce your output of gas is to cut your intake of gassy foods. However, natural foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and milk have health benefits, so don’t eliminate them from your diet entirely.

Compromise instead. Don’t munch out on gas bombs. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Limit your intake of high-fat foods to reduce bloating and discomfort. And eat slowly during meals to cut how much air you suck into your digestive tract.

Passing gas is a normal, healthy, necessary—and even fun! (ask any 7 year old)—part of a the digestive system’s operation. Indeed, most people fart 6 to 20 times a day.

Excessive or painful gas, on the other hand, might be a symptom of a more serious disorder, like IBS or Crohn’s Disease. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing such symptoms.

And no matter what, bend over with care after eating a hearty helping of bean soup.

A Dog Fart's Best Friend

What’s good enough for humans is, apparently, good enough for their dogs. In fact, given the odious reputation of dog farts, what’s good for dogs might be even better for their owners.

I’ve reported (here and here) about research into charcoal-activated underwear that captures and cuts odor. Now owners of flatulent dogs (which means all dogs) can take advantage of this technology, thanks to the Dog Gas Neutralizing Pad. It’s a washable charcoal thong that eliminates odors, and makes life bearable again for pet-lovers everywhere, according to its manufacturer.

Of course, there are natural ways to curb Fido’s farts. But if all else fails, you can always fall back on the ‘boxer’ briefs.

A New Gas Mask for GIs

No, not military GIs. I am referring to gastrointestinal warriors. See this video for a new take on how to mask your uncontrollable gas.

And while the product in the video appears to be a premium quality solution, once again, it only masks the symptoms, and doesn't treat the root causes.