Gas (flatulence) is air that forms in the intestine and passed via the rectum. Gas is a potentially embarrassing and uncomfortable condition that can cause abdominal pain and bloating. Intestinal gas is usually caused by the fermentation of undigested food in the colon, according to the Mayo Clinic. In some instances, gas is a sign of a digestive condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In many cases, you may be able to reduce the amount of gas you emit with dietary precautions and by following a few home remedies.
Avoid Common Culprits
Certain foods are more apt to cause gas than others. Gas-producing foods include onions, broccoli, bananas, peas, raisins, whole wheat bread and carbonated beverages. Fatty foods in particular slow the digestion process. Limiting your consumption of baked goods, French fries and the like may help ward off gas.
Stay Away From Sulfur
The foul smell of gas is due to gases from foods that contain sulfur. Foods high in sulfur include eggs, meat and cauliflower. You may be able to reduce or eliminate gas and its displeasing odor by reducing your intake of these foods.
Limit Fiber
Decreasing your fiber intake for a time may reduce gas. The Mayo Clinic says foods high in fiber include raspberries, bran flakes, lentils and black beans. While fiber helps your body digest food, many fiber-rich food items tend to cause excess gas. Give your body a break from fiber and then gradually reintroduce it into your diet.
Boil Beans
If you boil beans before eating them you may be able to reduce excess gas. When bacteria in the colon feeds on the sugars contained in beans, they generate gas. Boiling beans for a few minutes, allowing them to sit and then cooking them in fresh water may diminish their gas-producing potential.
Slow Down
Gulping down food while on the go or when you are under stress can wreak havoc on your digestive process. Harvard Health Publication says every time you swallow, a small amount of air goes down with your food. When you thoroughly chew your food and drink slowly, less air gets into your digestive tract and reduces the likelihood of gas.
Get Moving
You may be able to minimize or eliminate gas entirely by getting a little exercise after you eat. Taking a 10 or 15 minute walk may do the trick to help prevent gas, bloating and belching.
