Controlling Intestinal Gas
Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) |
In healthy individuals, where infectious diseases with parasites and other microbes has been ruled out, intestinal gas (belching, bloating and flatulence) comes from either swallowed air or the normal digestion of food by bacteria in the colon. This gas is made up of carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and, in one third of the population, methane. A healthy adult produces 1 to 3 pints of gas in 24 hours and passes gas an average of 14 times a day. Unpleasant gas odor is due to colonic bacterial production of indole, skatole, and, most commonly, hydrogen sulfide.
Causes of Excess Gas
~ Digestive enzyme deficiency (e.g. lactose intolerance due to lactase deficiency) - prevents the breakdown of sugars (lactose, fructose, sorbitol), starches other than rice (corn, pasta, wheat, potatoes legumes, beans, peas) and high fiber foods (Brussels sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, onions, cabbage, other vegetables, and whole grains)
~ Frequent intake of carbonated beverages
~ Excess air swallowing from nervousness, smoking, gum chewing, a chronic postnasal drip, rapid eating or improperly fitting dentures
Prevention and Treatment
~ Eat slowly, chew foods thoroughly, avoid sucking on candies, avoid chewing gum and check with dentist for proper fitting if you wear dentures
~ Reduce fat intake because this helps the stomach empty faster and reduce bloating
~ Reduce carbonated beverages and high sugar, starch and high fiber containing foods
~ Take digestive enzymes (lactase, pancreatin, glutamic acid, stomach bitters, Beano)
~ Use lactobacillus acidophilus supplements to improve digestive function
~ In severe cases, use activated charcoal tablets before and after meals
~ If the problem persists, see your doctor and a nutritionist for assessment and treatment
Dr. Rona
