Vegan Poop Question

[bouchiemama]

Okay, I guess it's not really about poop, but sort of. . . We became vegan in October due to DH reading some scary stuff and basically learning that we won't be missing any of the nutrients many people assume. We eat a very healthy diet - lots of veggies, whole grains, nuts, etc. DH has researched this to death and I am confident that we are not missing out on any nutrients. Anyway, since being vegan the gas I pass is unbelievably stinky. I thought at first that it was just the toxins getting out of my system - we went from eating conventional food & meat to organic vegans! It's not just that it's stinky, but I have to fart all the time! I own a store and this is not good for business! Pre-vegan they were stinky only before I had to use the bathroom. Now this is just how they are and I really can't stand it and like I said - potentially bad for business. Is there anything that I can add to my diet to help with this. DH said his has gotten better, so maybe I just have a bad colon? I know this seems like a gross/funny/weird question, but it is very serious to me!

[vgnmama2keller]

I think this is a great question. We have been vegan for over 2 years and veggie before that our farts are still as stinky! I blame it on DNA. Actually, we go through periods of really smelly and not so smelly. You might want to add some probiotics to your daily diet and see if that helps. And soak your beans and cook them all the way. That's all I have, good luck.




Kari
www.veganparenting.com

[kokonutmama]

My farts only stink during the day before AF. I dunno man, try some bean-o.

[SageR]

I have only been eating a vegan diet since the new year, and I went from being lacto vegetarian, but I have noticed kind of the oppposite - not only do I rarely have gas anymore, but nothing coming out that end smells bad. I think there are a few things helping this. One, drink lots of water - up to a gallon some days! You need to drink a lot more water than you may have been in the past when you eat a whole foods diet. I would introduce some fermented foods into your diet, like sauerkraut or unpastuerized miso, so you can get some good probiotics into your digestive system. Also, soak, soak, soak! Grains, beans, nuts, and seeds before eating or using to cook, in fresh water with some kombu.

[Panserbjorne]

nak-probiotics are a great suggestion.

[amyleigh33]

i have no idea ... my farts always smell like roses



seriously, though, mine never stink and dp's ALWAYS do and we eat the exact same food... so, who knows.

[Anna06]

laughup (amyleigh33) Me too, my dp who is not veg, says it's cause i eat so much fiber????

Gas ex works.

[Panserbjorne]

It's basically a bacterial imbalance. Something you are eating is not being digested properly and is fermenting causing the gas. IF you reinstate beneficial bacteria you will improve digestive funtion and eliminate not only the gas, but the stinkiness.

Many things can help, probiotics, enzymes, different dietary choices etc. At the very least I would start with probiotics or fermented foods (kimchi, saurkraut)

from www.enzymestuff.com:

Source of enzymes
All digestive enzymes come from two living sources: plants or animals. The plant group includes both those enzymes derived from plant sources (pineapple, papaya, kiwi) and microbial (fungal) sources. In general, plant enzymes are preferable when possible. They offer several advantages over enzymes from animal sources. Plant and microbial enzymes are much more effective in the pH and temperature ranges of the body.

Our pancreas, when working properly, secretes a number of enzymes to digest food as it enters the small intestine. But as we age, or in some disease states, this enzyme secretion may not be adequate to completely digest the food we eat. This can result in pain, cramping, excessive gas, certain food intolerances, and inflammation. Pancreatic enzymes are available by prescription (Creon, Viokase) or over the counter. However, pancreatic enzymes are not stable to the acid conditions found in the stomach, so a good portion of them may be destroyed unless the preparation is treated in such a way, like being enterically coated, so that the enzymes will not be released until they arrive in the small intestine.

Plant and microbial enzymes, however, are stable in acidic conditions. They help digest the cooked and raw foods in the higher pH of the upper part of the stomach, the acidic lower part of the stomach as well as in the alkaline intestines. Digestion in the upper stomach actually mimics the natural process of eating raw foods, which contain some amount of the enzymes needed to break down the food itself. The additional ‘pre-digestion’ provided by plant and microbial enzymes leaves the pancreas to provide the ‘finishing touches’ to the digestive process in a less stressful manner. The intestinal tract will be better able to absorb and assimilate the nutrients and vitamins in the meal.

[catnip]

Originally Posted by kokonutmama

My farts only stink during the day before AF. I dunno man, try some bean-o.

Beano, while wonderfully effective, is NOT vegetarian.

[chanale]

Rainbow Light's Advanced Enzyme System is vegan and effective. I've been amazed by how much less gas I've had since I started taking them last November. The label says:

GUARANTEE: 100% natural and VegeGuard screened for vegans: no trace animal ingredients. Free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and other objectionable additives often found in supplements. Contains no sugar, lactose, wheat, or allergenic yeasts."

[amyleigh33]

Originally Posted by catnip

Beano, while wonderfully effective, is NOT vegetarian.

not that i would really buy the stuff anyway (i'm like, so, totally, like, not self-conscious about farting; however, that might be part of being home alone most of the day hehe)...but what, out of curiousity, is not veg about bean-o? what do they put in it?

[eepster]

After a major diet change the bacteria living in your intestines are probaly a little confused. Given time your bacteria may sort themselves out.

I third the probiotics suggestion to speed up the rebalancing.

[wildtigercubs]

Err I'm frequently gassy (have Irritable Bowel Syndrome) however I think I'm more gassy too since becoming veg and I know it's not beans cause I'm not eating very many of them! As for the probiotics I already take those and I'm too scared to try digestive enzymes as one of the repercussions for the first 3 or 4 weeks can be diarrhea (already suffer enough of that one thanks!!). Guess I'll just have to stick to charcoal and gas x

[catnip]

Originally Posted by amyleigh33

not that i would really buy the stuff anyway (i'm like, so, totally, like, not self-conscious about farting; however, that might be part of being home alone most of the day hehe)...but what, out of curiousity, is not veg about bean-o? what do they put in it?

It has gelatin, at least the liquid does. I suspect fish gelatin, because it says "May contain flounder, snapper or redfish" DH gets very uncomfortable indigestion if he eats anything with bell peppers, unless he takes beano. I still buy it; we sometimes fudge a little bit on gelatin, especially when it comes to pharmacuticals, and my once-a-year camping trip S'more. The vegetarian marshmallows just aren't the same.

[Dakota's Mom]

When we were actively helping to heal DS's digestive system (He was immunization damaged from the Prevnar immunization.) we gave him an organic herbal remedy called Iberogast. We bought it at Whole Foods. It is a German product that is the number one remedy in germany. It did wonders for him. He was on Zantac twice a day at eight months old just so he could hold any food down. Within 24 hours of starting the Iberogast, we threw the Zantac away and he hasn't taken it since. He is now 4.5 years old and totally healthy. It is good for adults as well as children. You might try that along with the probiotics. We used them as well.

Kathi

[bouchiemama]

Thanks! This has all been really good information. I'm wondering if anyone can recommend some Vegan probiotics. I have some acidophilus in the fridge from pre-vegan days when DS had a stomach bug which produced and aweful yeast rash on his butt. Worked great, but that's beside the point. Anyway, I remember reading each bottle and they all seemed to be dairy based. Do Vegan ones exists - can you give me any brand names. And what is this about fermented foods? What foods are fermented and how does that help? Sorry if I sound ignorant, but I am!

[Panserbjorne]

Saurkraut is, but only has the good bugs if you find it raw and unpasteurized....or you can make it yourself.

Pharmax has vegan probiotics, I believe that Natren also has one grown on chickpeas.

[PikkuMyy]

I am currently taking New Chapter's All-Flora.