Yes, eating a vegan diet often leads to more farting. Plant-based foods are rich in fiber, which gut bacteria ferment, producing extra gas. Foods like beans, lentils, onions, and whole grains can increase flatulence, especially when you first go vegan. Increased gas is usually a sign of healthy digestion and active gut bacteria. Want to know why this happens and how to handle it? Keep reading to learn more.
Ever wondered if vegans really do fart more? You’re not alone. It’s a common question whenever someone talks about switching to a plant-based diet. People often joke about beans, broccoli, and lentils, but there’s real science behind why vegan diets might cause more gas.
When you eat mostly plants, you likely get much more fiber than those who eat animal products. Fiber is great for your health—it keeps your digestion regular, helps control blood sugar, and lowers cholesterol. However, your body can’t break down fiber by itself. Instead, it passes to your large intestine, where gut bacteria feed on it.
These bacteria break down fiber through fermentation, which naturally produces gas. If you’ve just added more plants to your meals, you may notice increased flatulence. That’s because your gut bacteria are adjusting to the extra fiber and plant compounds, like oligosaccharides found in beans and cruciferous veggies.
With time, your digestive system adapts, and you might experience less gas, but you’ll likely still pass more than someone eating mainly animal-based foods.
There’s no need to worry—this simply means your vegan digestion is functioning well. Most of the gas is nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide, with small amounts of methane and sulfur. Sulfur is what gives farts their distinctive smell. Eating a range of plant foods boosts your gut microbiome’s diversity, which benefits your overall health.
You might find that certain foods affect how much gas you produce. Onions, garlic, legumes, and whole grains tend to cause more. If you’re new to plant-based eating, add these foods slowly so your digestive system can adjust.
Drinking enough water and staying active can also help your digestion. If you’re concerned about too much gas, try soaking beans before cooking or eating fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, which are gentler on digestion.
In general, a bit of extra flatulence just means your gut bacteria are thriving and your vegan digestion is on the right track.
Conclusion
So, do you fart more as a vegan? Most likely, yes—you may experience increased gas because of the extra fiber and plant foods. This isn’t necessarily negative! Your digestive system is simply adapting as you nourish it with beneficial nutrients. Usually, your body adjusts after a while. Ultimately, a bit more flatulence is a small trade-off for improved health, a smaller environmental impact, and some lighthearted moments.
