Gas and bloating result from the breakdown of food in the digestive tract or simply because of swallowing air. Many people experience gas occasionally throughout the day. When gas and bloating occur often enough to interfere with daily activities or seem unusual, a visit to the doctor can determine underlying causes.
Effects
Bloating occurs when gas does not pass through the body from belching or flatulence, Mayoclinic.com notes. Sometimes abdominal pain may accompany bloating. Mild or intense pain can result, but the pain usually subsides through flatulence or a bowel movement.
Function
Food residue in the colon leads to intestinal gas. Certain medications change intestinal bacteria and can cause gas. Swallowed air leads to gas. People normally swallow air when eating and drinking. Larger amounts of air get taken in when eating food rapidly, gulping liquids, chewing gum or smoking, according to the Uptodate website. Sitting up allows people to belch to relieve the excess air. Lying down settles the air in the intestine, where it causes gas. Constipation also allows food to remain in the colon and results in flatulence.
Digestion
Fatty foods can cause gas and bloating because the stomach has a lot to empty, which brings on a sensation of fullness. Stress, anxiety or smoking can contribute to bloating. More serious causes may include gastrointestinal infections or blockages, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease or lactose intolerance. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include abdominal pain or cramping and bowel function changes. Celiac disease and lactose intolerance make it difficult for the intestines to digest and absorb certain elements in food.
Dietary Considerations
Certain foods contribute to gas and bloating. Common offenders to consider avoiding include baked beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, apples, peaches, pears, bananas, whole-wheat breads and carbonated drinks. Hard candy and chewing gum increase the amount of swallowed air, which can lead to flatulence. Belching is the body's way of expelling excess air and avoiding gas or bloating. But too much belching also causes problems. People can reduce belching by eating and drinking slowly, avoiding carbonated drinks and eliminating chewing gum or hard candy.
Prevention
To reduce gas and bloating, increase physical activity during the day, sit up straight after eating and take a walk following a meal, according to Brigham and Women's Hospital. Chewing foods thoroughly and drinking beverages at room temperature may also help. Many high-fiber foods provide a healthy source of carbohydrates, but can cause gas. People can consume these foods in smaller quantities to reduce gas buildup. Remedies to reduce gas and bloating include products that contain enzymes to break down carbohydrates. Some products can be added to foods to reduce gas effects. People who are lactose intolerant can benefit from gas remedies with lactase enzymes. Natural remedies include peppermint or chamomile tea, caraway, fennel, turmeric and anise.
