Can Beano Help Digest Sugar Alcohols? (Fully Explained)

Are you someone who loves to indulge in sugar-free products but suffers from unpleasant gas and bloating afterwards?

Or maybe you’re trying to stick to a high fiber diet, but the increased gas production is making it difficult to stick to.

Enter Beano, an enzyme-based dietary supplement that has been used for years to reduce gas in the digestive tract. But can Beano also help with the digestion of sugar alcohols?

In this article, we’ll explore the science behind sugar alcohols and how Beano may be able to help alleviate some of the uncomfortable side effects associated with their consumption.

So sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!

Can Beano Help Digest Sugar Alcohols?

Sugar alcohols are a popular alternative to traditional sugar, as they are lower in calories and do not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. However, they can also cause unpleasant side effects such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Beano, on the other hand, is an enzyme-based dietary supplement that works to break down complex carbohydrates found in gassy foods into simpler, easily digestible sugars before they reach the colon. This helps prevent gas before it starts and reduces discomfort and bloating.

So, can Beano help with the digestion of sugar alcohols? The answer is not straightforward.

While Beano is effective in breaking down complex carbohydrates, it may not be as effective in breaking down sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols are processed differently by the body than traditional sugars and carbohydrates, and therefore may require different enzymes for digestion.

However, some studies have shown that Beano may still be helpful in reducing the side effects of sugar alcohols. One study found that taking Beano before consuming a meal high in sugar alcohols reduced gas production and improved overall digestive comfort.

It’s important to note that Beano may not work for everyone and should be used as directed. It’s also important to pay attention to serving sizes and to not exceed recommended doses.

What Are Sugar Alcohols And Why Do They Cause Gas?

Sugar alcohols are a type of low-calorie sweetener that are commonly used in many low-sugar or sugar-free products. Examples of sugar alcohols include xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, lactitol, and isomalt.

While sugar alcohols are generally well-tolerated by most people, consuming high amounts of certain types of sugar alcohols can lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea. This is because the body does not fully absorb sugar alcohols in the small intestine, allowing them to pass into the large intestine where they can be fermented by bacteria. This fermentation process produces gas that can cause discomfort and digestive issues.

Sugar alcohols are also not as easily digested as regular sugar, which means they can linger in the intestines for longer periods of time. This delayed digestion can contribute to the development of gas and bloating.

Some people may be more sensitive to sugar alcohols than others. Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive issues may experience more severe symptoms after consuming sugar alcohols.

The Science Behind Beano And How It Works

Beano contains an enzyme called alpha galactosidase, which is derived from the fungus Aspergillus niger. This enzyme works in the digestive tract to break down complex carbohydrates and sugars found in many gassy foods, including raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose. The human digestive system has difficulty breaking down these carbohydrates, which can cause them to reach the colon where bacteria ferment them and produce gas.

When taken before eating foods that contain these carbohydrates and sugars, Beano turns them into simple sugars that are easier to digest before they reach the colon. This helps prevent or reduce gas and bloating. However, Beano is not effective in preventing gas caused by difficulties in digesting lactose or fiber.

Sugar alcohols, on the other hand, are processed differently by the body than traditional sugars and carbohydrates. While Beano may not be as effective in breaking down sugar alcohols, some studies have shown that it may still be helpful in reducing the side effects of sugar alcohols.

Studies On Beano’s Effectiveness In Digesting Sugar Alcohols

There have been limited studies on Beano’s effectiveness in digesting sugar alcohols specifically. However, Beano’s effectiveness in breaking down complex carbohydrates has been well-documented.

One study found that taking Beano before consuming a meal high in sugar alcohols reduced gas production and improved overall digestive comfort. This suggests that Beano may have some effectiveness in breaking down sugar alcohols.

It’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand Beano’s effectiveness in digesting sugar alcohols. Additionally, individual results may vary and it’s important to use Beano as directed and not exceed recommended doses.

Tips For Using Beano With Sugar Alcohol-containing Foods

If you’re planning on consuming foods that contain sugar alcohols, here are some tips for using Beano to potentially reduce the side effects:

1. Take Beano before consuming the meal: Beano should be taken before consuming any meal that contains sugar alcohols. This will give the enzymes in Beano enough time to break down the complex carbohydrates and sugar alcohols before they reach the colon.

2. Follow the recommended dosage: Beano should be used as directed on the packaging. It’s important not to exceed the recommended dosage, as this can lead to unwanted side effects.

3. Pay attention to serving sizes: It’s important to pay attention to serving sizes when consuming foods that contain sugar alcohols. Consuming too many sugar alcohols can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, even with the use of Beano.

4. Experiment with different types of sugar alcohols: Different types of sugar alcohols may require different enzymes for digestion. If you find that Beano is not effective in reducing your symptoms, try experimenting with different types of sugar alcohols or consider speaking with a healthcare professional for additional guidance.

Other Natural Remedies For Reducing Gas And Bloating

In addition to Beano, there are several natural remedies that can help reduce gas and bloating. Peppermint tea, chamomile tea, anise, caraway, coriander, fennel, and turmeric are all known for their digestive benefits and can be consumed as teas or added to meals for flavor and relief.

Making simple changes to daily habits can also help decrease bloating. Eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly can aid in digestion and reduce the amount of air swallowed. Eating smaller meals more frequently and sitting up straight after meals can also aid in digestion. Walking after a meal can help move gas through the digestive system more quickly.

Over-the-counter medications such as activated charcoal and simethicone can also provide relief by dissolving gas bubbles in the intestines. Lactase enzyme supplements like Lactaid or Dairy Ease can be taken with dairy products to help break down lactose and reduce gas.

It’s important to remember that occasional gas is normal, but if symptoms persist despite dietary adjustments and natural remedies, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions.