Are you tired of feeling like you just swallowed a volcano after eating eggs? Well, you are not alone. For many people, eggs can be an absolute nightmare for the gut. It's no wonder that "egg burps" is a common phrase when discussing this topic.
Why Are Eggs So Hard to Digest?
Eggs have been such a staple food in our diet that it might come as a surprise to know they haven't always been so popular. In fact, some ancient cultures saw them as unclean and unfit for consumption (yes, really).
But why exactly do eggs give us trouble? There are several reasons behind this:
1) Egg Whites Contain Antinutrients
Antinutrients???? What on earth does that mean? Don't worry; we've got you covered. Antinutrients are compounds found in certain foods that interfere with nutrient absorption when consumed (pretty much doing the exact opposite of what nutrients should do). Unfortunately, egg whites happen to contain one called avidin which works by binding to biotin (a type of vitamin) making it harder for your body to absorb this essential nutrient vital for healthy skin and hair.
The Toll Of Eating Poorly Cooked Eggs
Cooking or improper storage especially at room temperature could lead to contamination by bacteria such as Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes etc.. Such microorganisms cause ailments like stomach upset, diarrhea among others which could make one feel terrible within minutes after consuming undercooked / poorly stored eggs. Asides these discomforts there’s often accompanied nausea and vomiting 🙁
So sometimes saying "nah,I will pass” isn’t all that bad.
2) Protein Structure And IBS
The protein structure of egg yolks has also been known to trigger Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms in some individuals. IBS is a chronic condition that affects the digestive system and can cause stomach pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or both.
While not everyone who suffers from IBS will have trouble with egg yolks, it's conceivable that a good chunk of folks could find relief by avoiding them altogether… so break out the avocado toast instead!
3) Allergic reactions
Egg allergy , according to Mayo Clinic are more common among children than adults although episodes occur across all ages. The allergic reaction happens because your immune system perceives proteins present in eggs as harmful substances and then makes antibodies.Occasionally these antibodies mistake certain tissues for intruders which leads to an inappropriate response hence symptoms like hives , itching , crash etc..
Can You Prevent Egg-Related Digestive Distress?
Okay; we just spent several paragraphs making you feel terrible about something completely out of your control... oops (we may have gone too far without realizing it—sorry!) But never fear! There are ways to prevent egg-related issues:
1) Make sure eggs are cooked thoroughly
This one should be obvious after reading the potential dangers above, but seriously: make sure those little guys are cooked through appropriately. According to Park Nicollet Health Services
"Cook egg dishes until they reach at least 160°F."
It also be advisable to refrigerate leftovers promptly rather than leaving them siting on the countertop where bacteria can thrive .
2) Skip The Raw Eggs
Yeah yeah—we know—you're not three years old anymore and aren't likely drinking raw eggs Rocky-style before heading off for your morning jog. That being said though—other recipes requiring raw or undercooked eggs like homemade Caesar salad dressing require caution lest you expose yourself / loved ones playing Russian roulette with illness-causing bacteria such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli etc.
3) Egg alternatives
If all else fails, there are plenty of egg alternatives out there these days that you can use in your cooking for variety or eggs needed to hold baked goods together. Examples include tofu scramble or flaxseed "eggs" among others.
Conclusion
So there it is folks: the gut-wrenching truth behind why eggs aren't always crowds favorite (tasty but too dangerous). But remember—just because they give some people trouble doesn't mean everyone should avoid them all together (there’s such thing as moderation afteralll).
Make sure to cook them thoroughly and be mindful when using raw ingredients. If you're experiencing symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, bloating after an egg-heavy meal , contact a medical professional about next steps . Happy eating!