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You are in an elevator, a conference room full of people, or a carpool with six other coworkers, and you have to pass gas. You try to hold it, but to no avail. How embarrassing, the sound, the smell, the humiliation! Gas, or flatulence, is a very big problem for most people, some, more than others.
What causes intestinal gas? There are many things that cause intestinal gas. One common cause is swallowed air. Air contains oxyegen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, (did you know that?). Each time we swallow, air enters the digestive tract. Smoking, eating too fast, poorly fitting dentures, hiccups, blocked nasal passages and chewing gum all contribute to the amount of air we swallow.
Gas is produced in our bodies everyday. Most people produce about half a gallon of gas a day! Gas has to be released either from the mouth or the rectum. Abdominal bloating and cramping or pain can occur when there is a build up of gas in the stomach, or intestines.
Certain foods can cause gas, as we probably all have heard. You may know some of them, but do you know all of these? Beans, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, high fiber grains, onions, and dairy products all produce gas. Can you think of any others? People who are lactose intolerant have a big problem with gas, because they lack the enzyme lactase to digest dairy products. People with gallbladder problems, hernias, anxiety problems, or colon disorders suffer more with gas.
Although most gases don't smell, the foul odor gas is caused by bacteria or hydrogen sulfide from decaying food in the colon.
Ways to prevent gas include:
-decrease or stop smoking, chewing gum
-eat slowly
-limit gas producing foods
-limit carbonated beverages
-take supplementary digestive enzymes
-make sure dentures are fitting properly
-exercise to stimulate digestion and the passing of gas
-eat less fatty food which doesn't necessarily cause gas, but slows digestion, allowing gas to build up
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