Although commonly thought of as nuts, almonds are actually the seed of the almond tree's fruit. MayoClinic.com reports that almonds are an important source of protein, vitamin E and minerals, including magnesium, iron and calcium. Almonds also contain soluble fiber, which might help lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Soluble fiber is important for your health, but it is also the key component in almonds that contributes to intestinal gas.
Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber is harder to digest than insoluble fiber, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. That makes it harder for the digestive system to absorb cholesterol as well as some nutrients. Any food that remains undigested when it arrives in the large intestines gets broken down further by bacteria, producing intestinal gas. According to a 1999 report from the Linus Pauling Institute, 85 percent of the fiber in almonds is soluble, which means it ranks right along with whole wheat and brown rice in that respect. Not everyone reacts the same, so almonds can cause gas in some but not in others.
Sulfates and Odor
The gas produced by almonds can also have a rotten-egg odor. Researchers fed 16 people pinto beans in a study published in the July 1998 issue of Gut. They collected and analyzed the flatus for its chemical content. Judges were also present to evaluate how noxious the odors were. The study concluded that hydrogen sulfide was primarily responsible for the rotten-egg smell, and the researchers mentioned that the sulfate content in foods and beverages are the most probable cause of foul-smelling intestinal gas. They specifically named cabbage, broccoli and nuts as foods that naturally contain sulfates. The U.S. Institute of Medicine reports that almonds also contain sulfates.
Remedies for Gas
Many healthful foods cause gas, and the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says that it's normal to pass gas up to 23 times a day. If you experience abnormal amounts of gas, changing your diet and focusing on better digestion might alleviate your symptoms. Eating too quickly without thoroughly chewing contributes to poor digestion and swallowed air, which are the two leading causes of intestinal gas. You may be able to further improve your digestion with digestive enzymes, which you can find in many health food stores. Check the label because some supplements don't help with gas caused by fiber.
Serious Causes of Gas
If changing your diet and other treatments don't alleviate your symptoms, contact your doctor. Some medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, may lead to abnormal amounts of gas and discomfort. Other symptoms to watch out for are bloating, stomach pain, vomiting, weight loss, chest pain and bloody stools.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Want a Quick, Healthy Snack? Try Almonds; Mayo Clinic Staff; February 2010
- The University of Maryland Medical Center: Fiber
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Gas in the Digestive Tract
- The Linus Pauling Institute; Fiber Facts; Gilberto Santana-Rios; May 1999
- "Gut"; Identification of Gases Responsible for the Odour of ...; F. L. Suarez, et al.; July 1998
- "DRI, Dietary Reference Intakes"; U.S. Institute of Medicine; 2005
