Dealing with Bloating and Gas

Everyone has gas. Burping or passing gas through the rectum is normal but because it is embarrassing to burp or pass gas, many people believe they pass gas "too often" or have "too much" gas.

Bloating is a common symptom and can be alleviated through a variety of lifestyle changes such as diet.

Most of the time gas is odorless. The odor comes from sulfur made by bacteria in the large intestine. Sometimes gas causes bloating and pain. Not everyone has these symptoms.

A variety of gastrointestinal complaints or symptoms are caused by gas. Normally you can pass gas or flatus up to12 to 25 times per day. Depending on your dietary schedule, passing gas can happen frequently at different times of the day as it most commonly occurs after meals.

Burping, abdominal bloating, and flatus (passing gas through the rectum) is normal. We all do it.

Gas and bloating are perfectly healthy and is our body's response to our diets.

What is gas, and flatus or flatulence?

Gas is formed in the intestines by the action of bacteria as food is being digested. Gas is passed through the intestine and out the body through the rectum.

Excessive gas occurs due to excessive air swallowing or increased intraluminal production from malabsorbed nutrients (such as lactose, fructose, or sucrose, for example). This is where there is a benefit in trying the low-FODMAP diet. You can read my other blogs for more information about the low-FODMAP diet.

How does gas form?

When foods are not digested in the small intestine, such as carbohydrates like lactose, fructose, or sucrose, then pass into the large intestine (colon). The bacteria, yeast, and fungi in the colon cause fermentation of the undigested carbohydrates that lead to gas production.

Let's get right into how to treat it...

Remedies For Gas

Before trying anything, always consult with your physician.

Some remedies for gas are:

• Ginger

• Coriander

• Peppermint

• Peaches

• Watermelon

Low-sugar fruits are great for fixing gas

Over-the-counter remedies for gas include:

• Lactase (found in Dairy Ease and Lactaid as examples, is an enzyme needed to break down the carbohydrate lactose found in dairy products

• Beano (helps digest the indigestible carbohydrate in beans and other gas-producing vegetables)

• Pepto-Bismol

• Activated charcoal

• Simethicone

Here's a video "Stomach Bloating: causes, symptoms and cures" by Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Key Points on Gas

• Having gas is normal

• Our diet can affect gas.

Make sure to stay hydrated to help alleviate gas

• Drink plenty of water. Try not to drink soda, beer, and other drinks with carbonation.

• Eat slower and chew more to swallow less air.

• Avoid chewing gum and smoking.

• Make sure your dentures fit properly.

• Keep a log of what you eat.

Some Common Gas-Producing Foods

• Broccoli, beans, brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, artichokes, and asparagus

• Pears, apples, peaches

• Whole grains, whole wheat, bran

• Soft drinks, fruit drinks

• Milk, milk products, cheese, ice cream

• Packaged foods that have lactose in them (bread, cereal, salad dressing)

• Dietetic foods, sugar-free candies, and gums