Do Cucumbers Cause Gas?

Who doesn’t love eating cucumbers! They are juicy, crunchy, nutritious, refreshing, and perhaps tasty. One can eat them in various ways: raw, in a veggie salad, or even as garnishing in a meal. But even with all the pros that come with eating cucumbers, there’s one con that can be a problem, gas.

Do cucumbers cause gas?

Cucumbers can cause gas and various other gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms commonly occur in people with sensitive digestive systems and are triggered by a substance called cucurbitacin. This compound is also responsible for the bitter taste of some parts of a cucumber.

man with mud mask biting two slices cucumber

If you experience symptoms like gas, indigestion, and stomach pain after eating cucumber, you should read this article. We will explain why cucumbers cause gas and what you can do to stop or reduce the gas.

Table of Contents

Do Cucumbers Cause Gas?

Packed with cucurbitacin B and C, cucumbers are often the cause of gas. Cucurbitacin irritates the stomach and triggers various symptoms in the digestive system, including gas.

Besides cucurbitacin, the fiber content of cucumbers may also contribute to the formation of gas. Dietary fiber promotes the activities of microbial bacteria, and as the bacteria act, they produce gas as a by-product.

The gas-producing effects of cucumber are particularly pronounced in people with sensitive digestive systems.

Do They Also Cause Burping?

Yes, cucumber can cause burping, especially when eaten in excessive amounts. If you have a sensitive stomach or digestive issues, you may experience burping more than the average person.

As already mentioned, cucumber contains cucurbitacin. Cucurbitacin causes the accumulation of gas in the stomach, and this, in turn, causes burping.

There are many varieties of cucumbers, and each one contains varying levels of cucurbitacin. The more cucurbitacin the cucumber has, the higher your chances of burping after consuming it.

It is advisable for people with sensitive stomachs to reduce their cucumber intake to aid their digestion and reduce gas. Such people may also opt for burpless cucumber varieties.

Do They Cause Farting?

Do cucumbers make you fart? Yes, they do.

Cucumbers have high fiber content. The fiber fills the gut, slows the rate of digestion, and promotes the activity of beneficial gut bacteria. A combination of the effects, especially the promotion of gut bacterial activity, can cause farting.

Do They Cause Gas Pains?

Coupled with gas production and indigestion, cucumbers can also cause gas pains. The cucumber seeds are the major culprits of gas pains.

The gas can be a piercing or stabbing pain in the abdomen and can make stooling difficult and painful. If you notice this after eating cucumbers, try eating seedless cucumbers. You can also try removing the seeds from cucumbers before eating them.

Do They Make You Bloated?

Yes, cucumbers can make you bloated. Cucumbers contain a good volume of water and fiber.

A medium-sized cucumber contains about 95% water and 2 grams of fiber.

Both of these contents contribute to bloating.

Also, as we have emphasized a few times already, cucurbitacin can cause bloating since it promotes gas production.

Why Do Cucumbers Cause Gas?

The main cause of gas in cucumbers is cucurbitacin. It contributes to stomach upset, bloating, and indigestion.

Cucurbitacin is not the only factor responsible for having gas. Cucumber seeds can also cause gas, particularly in people with diverticular disease.

Besides cucurbitacin and cucumber seeds, the presence of water and fiber in cucumber contributes to the production of gas.

How to Get Rid of Cucumber Burps or Farts

When any part of the gut is filled with gas, you will get uncomfortable. The easiest way to feel relief in such conditions is to burp or fart. But sometimes, frequently farting or burping can be disturbing and embarrassing.

fresh cucumber salad with onions and sesame seeds

The good news is you can reduce the frequency, prevent, or get rid of burps and farts with the following tips:

Using ginger as a supplement, seasoning, or marinade can help to reduce burps. Taking ginger supplements after eating cucumbers will help prevent excessive gas production. You can also drink a cup of warm ginger tea to reduce burping. Ginger tea helps to keep belching symptoms at bay and soothes your digestive system.
Asafoetida is a spice that can help reduce excessive gas production and burps. Add a pinch into a glass of warm water to help reduce excessive gas production. You can also add ginger powder and a little salt into the glass.
Drink a glass of chamomile tea after eating cucumbers will help release trapped gas more quickly and aid digestion.
Take garlic can help reduce burps. Swallow a bud of garlic with a glass of water. Make sure you use this remedy on an empty stomach.
Fresh clove leaves can also relax your digestive system and reduce gas production. Chew a clove leaf after eating cucumbers to prevent burps and indigestion.
Drink a glass of water mixed with two teaspoons of baking soda.
Mix one teaspoon of lime juice and one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water as a tonic. Drink it after having cucumbers to prevent excessive gas production and indigestion.
Put some drops of mint essence into a glass of water and drink. Do this every day for two weeks, and your burps should stop.
Drinking peppermint tea can also help to reduce gas spasms and painful bowel movements.

In most cases, burping is harmless. However, if you notice that your condition does not improve despite all efforts, you should see your doctor immediately. This could be a sign that you have a completely different condition that requires proper medical attention.

How to Prevent Getting Gas From Cucumbers

To prevent getting gas from cucumbers, here are a few handy tips that you could try:

Wash the cucumber properly under running water.
Remove the peels of the cucumber before you eat. Higher levels of cucurbitacin are found in the skin of cucumbers.
Try sautéing or grilling them to break down the cucurbitacin.
Growing or buying burpless cucumbers can also help prevent getting gas.
Before eating a cucumber, slice it open and remove the seeds.
If you notice you get gas from consuming cucumbers, try reducing your serving portions.
Also, try to avoid eating too quickly, so you don’t swallow too much air.

If cucumbers still bother your gut after all your efforts, you should consider avoiding them altogether. Exposing yourself to the irritation it causes may not be the best for your health. Besides, there are other vegetables you can use in place of cucumbers.

You may also seek advice from your doctor and nutritionist on the best alternatives to cucumbers.

Summary

Cucumbers can produce gas largely due to the presence of cucurbitacin. They can make you fart, burp, and feel bloated, especially if you have a sensitive gut.

Fortunately, you can take some measures to reduce or get rid of the gas. In case your efforts are ineffective in controlling the gas, you should consult a doctor immediately.

Do Cucumbers Cause Gas?

Do They Also Cause Burping?

Do They Cause Farting?

Do They Cause Gas Pains?

Do They Make You Bloated?

Why Do Cucumbers Cause Gas?

How to Get Rid of Cucumber Burps or Farts

How to Prevent Getting Gas From Cucumbers

Summary

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