Bloating and flatulence are often unavoidable bodily functions--with adults producing about one to three pints of gas daily, and actually passing the gas up to 23 times per day. What and how a person eats may reduce symptoms. When gas doesn't exit the body through belching or flatulence, it builds up in the stomach and results in bloating, which can lead to abdominal pain, the Mayo Clinic says. Many foods that cause bloating and flatulence are needed for a healthy diet. Eating properly and avoiding foods likely to produce gas can help decrease episodes.
Swallowing Air
A certain amount of air is swallowed when eating and drinking. Some actions can take in more air and lead to gas production. Eating or drinking too fast, chewing gum or smoking causes people to take in more air. Sometimes belching gets rid of swallowed air, but some air moves into the small intestine and is partially absorbed, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) explains. A small amount of gas then goes into the large intestine and exits through the rectum to produce flatulence.
Foods
Certain foods are not completely digested due to a shortage or absence of enzymes that help with digestion, according to the NDDIC. The undigested food passes from the small intestine to the large intestine and breaks down into gases that exit the rectum. Different foods may cause gas in different people. Some vegetables and whole grains contain raffinose, carbohydrates that are not well digested, the medical information website UpToDate says. Cabbage, Brussels spouts, broccoli, asparagus and beans cause bloating and flatulence. Onions, artichokes, pears and wheat contain fructose, which causes gas. Lactose, found in milk products, causes gas in some people. Sorbitol, a sugar found in apples, pears, peaches and prunes, can produce gas. Sorbitol is also found in sugar-free candies and gums. Potatoes, corn, pasta and wheat are starches that produce gas. Fiber results in slow digestion that can lead to gas. Some fiber foods that cause gas include oat bran, beans, peas and most fruits. Fatty foods slow digestion and delay stomach emptying, causing bloating and a feeling of fullness, the Mayo Clinic says.
Intestinal Disorders
Gastrointestinal infections, blockage or disease can lead to bloating and gas, according to the Mayo Clinic. Irritable bowel syndrome results in abdominal pain, cramping and bowel changes. Celiac disease involves sensitivity to the protein gluten, found in cereals and wheat, making it difficult for a person to digest fat. Lactose intolerance causes gas and bloating in people who lack the enzyme lactase. Stress and anxiety result in intestinal problems and cause bloating or flatulence.
