THE MAGICAL FRUIT
Because some of the short-chain
carbohydrates (sugars) found in legumes
aren’t properly absorbed in the small
intestine, they can then act as food for
bacteria living in both the small and large
intestines. The bacteria then “ferment”
(digest) these carbohydrates (called
galactans), which can create many unpleasant
symptoms, including gas and bloating.
We suspect that you’ve experienced this
effect.
In addition, if you have an imbalance or
overgrowth of gut bacteria, large amounts of
this specific type of carbohydrate may feed
the “bad” bacteria, thus promoting ongoing
gut dysbiosis. The significance of this concern
is largely determined by the health of your gut
microbiota. Given the kind of foods you used
to eat and their cumulative effects on your gut
bacteria, dysbiosis is, unfortunately, all too