Beans, beans, the magical fruit

missiontofitness · March 2014

If any jokes are made in this thread, they will be appreciated.

But serious question.

I love hummus.
I mean, I really love hummus.
I really, REALLY love hummus.
Don't even get me started on my homemade three bean southwest veggie soup either.

But we all know what happens when you consume a decent amount of legumes. The result is generally not pretty, and can sometimes clear a room.

Now, I enjoy my legumes. I think they're an awesome addition to my diet. But I could really do without the side effects. Does anyone have any good tips to reduce the unpleasantness that come with this delicious dietary addition?

suppakana · March 2014

Bump! I would also appreciate suggestions in this area! ^_^

krawhitham · March 2014

I like this too, but have no solutions. Fortunately I live with a very forgiving boyfriend

I have tupperware with 5-bean salad, and hummus, in the fridge at all times.

missiontofitness · March 2014

I like this too, but have no solutions. Fortunately I live with a very forgiving boyfriend

I have tupperware with 5-bean salad, and hummus, in the fridge at all times.

.....
Why is that salad not in my fridge right now?!

tapirfrog · March 2014

Beano.

Shuuma · March 2014

A dose of Ginger in the beans helps neutralize future methane leaks. Also, I understand that soaking overnight from dry, thoroughly rinsing, and cooking until very tender eliminates the need to toot.

Happy beaning. :smokin:

LKuderna · March 2014

I have been pleasantly surprised that thorough rinsing after soaking, or using the quick-soak method, seems to be the secret. I would like to try the ginger suggestion as well. I have heard that if you gradually increase the amount you eat, it can also help (instead of just chowing down when you're not used to eating beans). Also, if you can get Anasazi beans, they seem to be less gas-forming than some of the other ones. Hope this helps!!

lindseyas1 · March 2014

I eat obscene amounts of beans. I've found that if you eat them pretty regularly (or a lot of fiber in general) your system gets used to them and has less effects. I don't know, maybe just me. I live alone too, so maybe I just don't notice

lindseyas1 · March 2014

Oh, and what people above said-cooking your own instead of canned seems to be a bit less gassy (and cheaper!).

missiontofitness · March 2014

I have been pleasantly surprised that thorough rinsing after soaking, or using the quick-soak method, seems to be the secret. I would like to try the ginger suggestion as well. I have heard that if you gradually increase the amount you eat, it can also help (instead of just chowing down when you're not used to eating beans). Also, if you can get Anasazi beans, they seem to be less gas-forming than some of the other ones. Hope this helps!!

Thanks a bunch! I was hoping to get some non-pill responses.

I think I jumped back onto the hummus train a little too quickly, because my digestive tract is feeling pretty wonky tonight. Nothing happened as of yet...but I think it's warning me of impeding doom.

Are Anasazi beans a specialty bean, or can you find them in any store? I actually was perusing the dried bean section tonight,, and didn't see those!

FitterBody · March 2014

I eat obscene amounts of beans. I've found that if you eat them pretty regularly (or a lot of fiber in general) your system gets used to them and has less effects. I don't know, maybe just me. I live alone too, so maybe I just don't notice

Not just you. Regularly? At least once and sometimes up to three times a day. I eat obscene amounts of beans too, often 250 g (raw weight) or more a day. I have a minimum of 44 g of fiber but often more than double that daily. Eat them regularly and build up slowly and your system gets used to them and you have no risk of injury if you happen to walk past a naked flame. :explode: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Sunbrooke · March 2014

I eat obscene amounts of beans. I've found that if you eat them pretty regularly (or a lot of fiber in general) your system gets used to them and has less effects. I don't know, maybe just me. I live alone too, so maybe I just don't notice

I also noticed that after eating them regularly for awhile, your system gets used to them.

knutsk · March 2014

I second the person who said gradual introduction minimizes the digestive issues from beans. You need to have a certain type of bacteria in your intestines to properly digest beans. If you don't eat beans regularly, there aren't enough of the bacteria, and that causes the unpleasantness. So, if your body is slowly conditioned to beans, you will slowly increase the number of bacteria that break down beans, which will make for a more pleasant bean-eating experience!
My husband and I eat beans fairly frequently and never have trouble with them...

missiontofitness · March 2014

I second the person who said gradual introduction minimizes the digestive issues from beans. You need to have a certain type of bacteria in your intestines to properly digest beans. If you don't eat beans regularly, there aren't enough of the bacteria, and that causes the unpleasantness. So, if your body is slowly conditioned to beans, you will slowly increase the number of bacteria that break down beans, which will make for a more pleasant bean-eating experience!
My husband and I eat beans fairly frequently and never have trouble with them...

Wellll, I guess I can slow down my hummus intake...but only a little! ;D