Does Greens Powders Cause Flatulence?

Flatulence and bloating can sometimes occur after consuming a greens powder. The reasons could be related to the ingredients or an existing digestive issue. If flatulence does occur it is mostly temporary and goes away. Let’s look at whether consuming greens powders cause flatulence.

We all experience flatulence from time to time, and this is only natural. Causes are many and include the natural process of digestion, high-fiber diets, and the by-products of intestinal bacteria that are vital to the digestive process and good health in general.

Sometimes flatulence can become a problem due to health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. As the name suggests, an irritable bowel causes the digestive system to become over-sensitized. This can change how the bowel muscles contract, leading to stomach cramps and excessive flatulence. (Source)

Aside from any medical conditions, the main causes of flatulence are eating certain foods, especially vegetables such as sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli. These contain a compound called raffinose that is broken down by gut bacteria. This fermentation process creates extra gas that needs to be expelled.

These cruciferous vegetables are often the main ingredients in green powders because they are rich in nutrients. But does this mean that taking green powders can cause extra flatulence in those who use them regularly?

Should Flatulence Be Expected When Drinking Greens Powders?

Green powders do contain ingredients that can increase flatulence and even bloating. However, they contain enzymes that can counteract these side effects by improving digestion over time, and some also contain probiotics, which are crucial in aiding the digestive process.

However, it is common to experience so-called ‘powder farts’ and bloating when first taking these green powders. These side effects are usually minor and do not last long either. (Source)

Why Would A Green Powder Cause Flatulence?

The best way to avoid any green powder side effects like flatulence is by starting on a small dose and slowly building up to the recommended amount over time.

But why would green powder products cause things like flatulence in the first place? As already mentioned, it is all about how individuals react to what is in the specific powder supplement that is being taken.

1. Ingredients

The leading cause of flatulence when taking green powders is the vegetable extracts and the inclusion of probiotics, which are gut-friendly bacteria.

As these friendly bacteria multiply and colonize the gut, they will eventually keep any unfriendly bugs in check. Still, this process of inhibiting unfriendly gut bacteria also increases the amount of gas produced in the intestines.

These intestinal florae can produce flatulence when they break down hard-to-digest substances, such as some of the compounds in certain green powders.

2. Digestive Irritation

Minor digestive irritation is common when taking green powder formulas, mostly because the average person does not regularly consume what is in green powders before taking the supplement. Therefore, green powders may cause flatulence, diarrhea, and even stomach ache.

For most individuals, these symptoms are temporary and only last a few days until the body adjusts to the powders. However, if they do not ease, it may be wise to stop the powder completely.

3. Over Dosing

Always stick to the dosage instructions on the bottle and do not take more than the recommended amount in 24 hours. Taking more powder than stated on the bottle can produce a digestive upset, including an increased risk of flatulence.

It is not the vitamins that cause gas and bloating when too much powder is taken; the whole foods that make up the powder itself are the main culprits. However, consumers of these powder supplements can also overdose on certain vitamins if they do not stick to dosage instructions.

Can Greens Powders Reduce Bloating?

While an initial side effect of taking green powders for the first time might include bloating, over time, green powders can help ease it instead. This is why some individuals take green powders for bloating and other digestive problems.

Green powders contain vitamins, minerals, probiotics, adaptogens, other disease-fighting micronutrients, and anti-inflammatories. In addition, including whole foods containing enzymes benefits overall health.

These nutrients all help to calm the digestive system and keep it healthy. Bloating is usually a sign of an unhealthy digestive system that may be inflamed or lacking in good bacteria. Green powders address both of these issues.

Furthermore, green powders help prevent constipation, another leading cause of bloating. The fiber content of green powders is not high, but what insoluble fiber there is does help to promote regular bowel movements.

This can be enhanced further if a healthy, balanced diet is consumed while taking the green powder. A healthy diet containing fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean meats, whole grains, and fish can ensure that the rest of the fiber intake comes directly from food and that daily fiber requirements are met, as green powders are supplements and not meal replacements.

How To Pick A Greens Powder That Doesn’t Cause Flatulence

Whether consumers pick greens for bloating or green powders to boost energy, it would be ideal to use a product that doesn’t cause flatulence. This means that green powders with added sugar should be avoided.

It is also advisable to only take green powders where every ingredient is organically sourced, as pesticides can harm the digestive system and overall health. They can also kill the good bacteria in the gut, which can lead to the overgrowth of unfriendly bugs that could cause illness.

Finally, if you suffer from flatulence, you may want to take a powder with more fruit and berry extracts than vegetable ones, as these are less likely to create excessive gas while being digested.

For most people, bloating and flatulence are temporary side effects.

This means that consumers can concentrate on the most important aspect of green powders: getting the product that meets each individual’s nutritional needs to obtain the maximum benefit from these powders.