Experiencing frequent intestinal gas can quickly become a daily nuisance. While there is no cure for excessive flatulence, it is possible to modify your diet.
Intestinal gas can have several causes. However, excessive gas is generally linked to diet. What are the possible symptoms and complications? Let’s take a look.
“Why do I have so much gas and what can I do?”: definition and meaning of flatulence
Gas is naturally present in our bodies. When a person eats or drinks, the digestion of food produces gas in the intestines. This gas can be expelled through the mouth (belching) or the anus (flatulence). Flatulence consists of hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. It is produced by bacteria living in the large intestine.
How to stop flatulence? Foods to avoid
On average, a person passes gas 13 to 21 times a day. In most cases, flatulence is not a medical emergency. Excessive gas production is mainly due to the consumption of carbohydrate-rich (sugar) foods, which leads to…
To relieve these intestinal discomforts, it is therefore recommended to avoid:
- Fruits: When consumed in large quantities, some fruits cause flatulence. When an apple, banana, or apricot is poorly digested, it reaches the large intestine where it ferments with bacteria.
- Milk and dairy products: many people are intolerant because their body does not produce enough lactase, an enzyme that allows for the proper digestion of dairy products.
- Whole grains, such as rice, are also sources of flatulence, as they are sometimes poorly digested by the body.
- Sodas and sparkling waters: the air contained in these drinks accumulates in the intestines. It also has difficulty being eliminated afterwards.
- Chewing gum: Frequently chewing gum causes us to swallow large quantities of air. This can lead to problems.
- Legumes, such as beans, lentils, and broad beans, are beneficial for digestion because they are rich in fiber. However, excessive consumption can slow digestion, leading to flatulence.
- Fatty foods, such as red meat or processed meats, are heavy on the body. They slow down digestion and can cause bloating.
- Onions: this vegetable contains fructose, a sugar, which can disrupt its absorption by the body.
- Cabbage: it contains carbohydrates, which makes it difficult to digest.
