Intestinal gas is the result of poor digestion or swallowing excess air, which can occur while eating, drinking or chewing gum. Gas is usually relieved by burping, belching or passing gas rectally. The Mayo Clinic states that excessive intestinal gas might be caused by fermentation of undigested food. Foods that are hard to digest can cause gas, such as legumes like beans and lentils. Some people are sensitive to the lactose in dairy products, and this can also cause gas, as does fructose or sorbital, according to the Mayo Clinic. They recommend consulting with a medical professional if symptoms are severe, or if they are accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss or blood in the stool.
Probiotics
Because intestinal gas can be caused by fermentation of undigested food, adding probiotics to the diet may help, according to the Mayo Clinic. Probiotics are the healthy bacteria that occur naturally in the gut and aid digestion. They are found in yogurt and other cultured products and are also sold as nutritional supplements.
Lactase
The digestive enzyme lactase helps digest milk sugar, or lactose. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends taking the nutrient before eating dairy products. This product is available over-the-counter and is included in some lactose-reduced milk products sold in the dairy aisle of grocery stores.
Peppermint
The herb peppermint, known by its Latin name Mentha piperita, may help reduce gas and indigestion.The University of Maryland advises drinking peppermint tea with a meal because the action of the mint relaxes the intestines. It also improves the flow of bile, a digestive enzyme created in the gallbladder that digests fats. Bile increases the speed at which food is digested, and this also reduces fermentation in the gut, which can lead to gas and bloating.
Foods to Avoid
In addition to legumes, other foods that can cause gas are carbonated drinks, such as soda and beer, as well as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and some fruits, such as peaches, pears and apples. Chewing gum can also cause gas, as can smoking cigarettes or chewing hard candy. Fatty foods can also aggravate gas in the intestines.
