Yogurt is a very popular milk product. It is prepared by bacterial fermentation of milk. This dairy product is packed with nutrients and is widely used in several delicious dishes. In fact, yogurt is probably one of the most loved dairy products in our daily life.
However, some people are intolerant of milk products and face digestion problems. So, does yogurt cause gas, bloating, and constipation? Can yogurt upset your stomach?
The answer is no, yogurt does not cause gas, bloating, and constipation. However, in certain circumstances, yogurt can upset your stomach by causing gastrointestinal problems like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or heartburn.
Let’s check the details.
Does Yogurt Cause Gas?
Gas or vapor forms in the large intestine (colon) during indigestion. Dietary fiber is the main culprit behind gas production. Studies have shown that high fiber foods can trigger gas production in healthy adults (1).
Moreover, high-fat foods can also promote gastrointestinal problems(GI) (2). As gas is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems, fat-rich foods can indirectly promote gas.
On the other hand, yogurt contains 0 grams of fiber and only 1.55 grams of total fat gainst a serving size of 100 grams (3). That’s why yogurt does not cause gas as it is free from fiber and contains very little amount of fat.
So when does yogurt cause gas? Yogurt is a milk product that contains lactose. As lactose intolerance can trigger stomach disorders, yogurt can cause gas for people with lactose intolerance.
Does Yogurt Cause Bloating?
The main reason for bloating is the consumption of too many high-fiber foods. Also, there is another reason behind the occurrence of bloating problems. It is high FODMAP.
Studies have shown that consumption of a low FODMAP diet may reduce the risk of bloating (4). In fact, foods with a high FODMAP value can increase the risk of bloating, especially in patients with IBS.
So the question arises can fiberless yogurt cause bloating? The answer is yes yogurt can cause bloating as it contains a high FODMAP value.
Does Yogurt Cause Constipation?
Regular intake of high fiber can increase stool frequency, and soften the stool (5). Moreover, according to studies, consumption of fiber can improve the frequency of stool in patients with constipation (6).
That’s why fiber is the most essential nutrient for both prevention and cure of constipation. However, yogurt does not contain fiber. That’s why yogurt can cause constipation if you are not consuming adequate fiber from other foods.
On the other hand, yogurt contains very little amount of magnesium. Magnesium is another essential nutrient like fiber for constipation cure and smooth bowel movement. This is another reason for the occurrence of constipation from yogurt consumption.
However, yogurt contains probiotics. Probiotics are known as good bacteria which help to maintain a healthy digestive system and improve stool water levels. That’s why yogurt consumption with fiber and magnesium-rich foods may help to prevent constipation.
Does Yogurt Cause Constipation In Babies?
Yes, yogurt can cause constipation in babies as it is free from fiber and contains very little magnesium. Moreover, the lactose component of yogurt can increase the risk of constipation in babies.
Does Yogurt Cause Constipation In Toddlers?
Like babies, yogurt may trigger constipation in toddlers also. The zero fiber and presence of lactose are the two major reasons for constipation after consumption of yogurt.
Does Yogurt Cause Constipation For Infants?
Yogurt contains probiotics does not mean that yogurt can not cause constipation. The main reason for yogurt-related constipation in infants is due to the zero fiber component of yogurt.
Furthermore, several infants are prone to lactose intolerance which is another fact behind the occurrence of constipation.
Does Yogurt Make You Poop?
No yogurt does not make you poop because it lacks fiber and magnesium. As both fiber and magnesium help to achieve smooth stool frequency, zero fiber and very little magnesium density in yogurt can cause bowel obstructions.
However, the probiotics present in yogurt aid in softening stools a little. Because of this adding other fiber-dense foods with yogurt can trigger a smooth bowel movement in healthy adults.
Does Yogurt Cause Loose Stools?
Yogurt has a high FODMAP value. Moreover, it contains lactose. Both of these two factors are associated with loose stools. Furthermore, yogurt lacks fiber and magnesium.
Both these two nutrients help to maintain stool density. Because of these facts, yogurt can promote loose stools. However, the probiotics of yogurt help to reduce the chance of loose stools frequency.
Does Yogurt Cause Constipation Or Diarrhea?
Yogurt can cause both constipation and diarrhea. Fiber is the most important nutrient for healthy and regular stool frequency. Because of this foods that do not contain fiber or are little in fiber are prone to boost the chance of bowel disorders.
On the other hand, a high FODMAP diet is a leading cause of both constipation and diarrhea. As yogurt is considered among high FODMAP foods, it can trigger these two bowel disorders.
Moreover, several people are intolerant to lactose. Lactose intolerance can also lead to diarrhea and constipation problems. Considering all of these facts we can say that yogurt can cause constipation and diarrhea.
Is Yogurt Good In Constipation?
No yogurt is not good for constipation. It contains all nutrients which trigger constipation in healthy adults. Moreover, the high FODMAP value and presence of lactose can make it a leading factor of constipation.
However, yogurt also contains probiotics which are good for gut health. That’s why yogurt can not cause severe constipation problems. In fact, probiotics can help to reduce the risk of frequent constipation problems.
Final Thoughts
Yogurt is one of the most consumed dietary products around the globe. People often get constipated with buttermilk and tend to consume yogurt. However, the zero fiber, little magnesium, high FODMAP, and lactose of yogurt can promote constipation.
These nutrients also cause other stomach disorders like gas, bloating, loose stool and diarrhea. That’s why it is a wise idea to consume yogurt a little if you are suffering from any of these gastrointestinal problems.
