[tamaralynn]

As some of you are very well aware of the side effects of beans, I have a question.

Is there a secret to eating beans and not ending up with embarassingly gassy side effects?

I've tried beano before and it does NOTHING for me.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[cbmare]

How many Beano are you taking? Our dr told us we can take 10 at a time if need be. I do that whenever I eat beans, cabbage or anything that will do that to me. Also, I keep an antigas pill in my desk. After I eat those foods, even with Beano, I'll take an antigas pill.

Maybe someone else can answer another question along those lines. Beans are high in fiber. Most foods I've found that are high in fiber cause gas. As we add more fiber to our diet, does it get easier to handle so that gas isn't built up as quickly or painfully?

[zenor77]

I believe your body will get used to the extra fiber over time and then it shouldn't be as much of a problem. That said, I'd start in by eating black beans more then other kinds first (they produce the least amount of gas.)

If you cook your own beans, make sure you cook them in fresh water (drain the soaking water off then fill the pot again.) This is supposed to help with the gassiness.

I know it can be embarrassing in certain situations, but, hey, at least you know your colon works!

Also, drink lots of water! When you up your fiber intake it's really important to get enough water or you have other problems too.

I hope this helps! I love beans, they are so versatile.

[tamaralynn]

Mmmm black beans. I found a recipe for black bean quesillas...
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 (10 ounce) package frozen corn
12 (12 inch) flour tortillas
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat, and saute the onion and garlic until soft. Mix in beans, bell pepper, tomatoes, and corn; cook until heated through.
Spread 6 tortillas with equal amounts of the bean and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with equal amounts of the Cheddar cheese, and top with the remaining tortillas to form quesadillas.
Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place quesadillas in the skillet and cook, turning once, until cheese is melted and both sides are lightly browned.

[zenor77]

That does sound yummy!

[cbmare]

I used to love love love Pedro's black bean soup. I would love to recreate that and lighten it up.