1. Control Flatulence Through Diet
Many foods with the artificial sweetener sorbitol, as well as a form of sugar called fructose, can produce intestinal gas, so limiting processed foods and sweets can help calm your digestive system. Raffinose, another type of natural sugar that can give you gas, is found in vegetables such as beans, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus and Brussel sprouts and should be eaten in moderation. Avoid foods that are high in fat and carbonated beverages that can also lead to intestinal discomfort. Eat your meals slowly to reduce the amount of air that you swallow.
2. Take Supplements Before Eating
If you are lactose intolerant or know that beans and other foods make you especially flatulent, treat the problem with enzyme supplements before it has a chance to take effect. Lactase supplements provide you with the enzymes you need (and lack) for normal digestion if you are lactose intolerant. Another supplement called alpha-galactosidase can reduce or completely eliminate bouts of flatulence when you eat beans and other vegetables. Some doctors suggest taking medications that contain activated charcoal as a remedy for intestinal gas. There has not been enough research on these medications to know how effectively they can treat flatulence.
3. Increase Fiber Slowly
Dietary fiber helps keep your digestive system moving smoothly and regularly with less gas and constipation. The irony about fiber is that if you increase the amount of fiber that you eat too quickly, you risk experiencing more bloating and gas than you had before, because your body is not used to it. Whether you've switched to whole grain bread and brown rice or have started taking a fiber supplement, do it gradually to prevent your body from rebelling in an uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing way. Speak to your doctor to develop a plan for increasing the fiber in your diet in a healthy way.
