Excessive gas, also known as flatulence, can be an embarrassing and painful problem. Getting to the root of intestinal gas problems can be important, especially if there is an underlying cause that can affect nutrition and overall health. The cause can be the result of eating the wrong foods. Some foods naturally promote excessive gas. Gas is caused by bacteria in the intestine that work to digest sugars and polysaccharides. Intestinal blockages, tumors, diseased abdominal organs and malabsorption can all cause intestinal gas problems.
Air Swallowing (Aerophagia)
Intestinal gas problems can occur by swallowing air, medically known as aerophagia. You can unconsciously swallow too much air while eating, by drinking too fast, chewing gum, inhaling tobacco or drinking carbonated beverages. Burping will relieve the problem. Air that is not belched lands in the intestine and can cause bloating, discomfort or expulsion through the rectum. Some swallowed gas is absorbed.
Foods that Cause Intestinal Gas Problems
One of the most prevalent causes of intestinal gas problems is lactose intolerance. Bacteria in the intestines break down food. How well that happens depends on a balance of healthy intestinal bacteria and the presence of key enzymes. Fats and proteins do not produce much intestinal gas. Carbohydrates are big gas producers. Beans, fiber, red wine, dark beer, onions, corn, noodles, rice and the artificial sweetener sorbitol are gas producing. A simple change in diet can help cure the problem.
Decreased Bowel Function
Intestinal gas problems can occur from decreased bowel function. Anything that slows down the action (peristalsis) in the intestines can allow food to sit longer, producing methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases. Causes include not eating enough fiber, tumors (cancer) that cause blockage, medications such as narcotics that slow bowel function, inflammatory bowel disease, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and diverticulitis (inflammation of a portion of the bowel) or diverticulosis (pockets or pouches in the bowel where food can become lodged).
Malabsorption and Enzyme Deficiency
Enzymes produced in the pancreas that help digest food can result in intestinal gas problems. Dysfunction in the lining of the intestines and gallbladder disease can cause malapsorption because enzymes to digest food cannot be released. The result if fermentation of food in the intestine leading to pain, bloating and flatulence. In addition to intestinal gas problems, symptoms of malapsorption can include failure to gain weight or weight loss, diarrhea, frequent large stools, cramping and bloating and abdominal pain. Intestinal gas problems from malapsorption include celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, Whipple disease, zinc malapsorption (acrodermatitis enteropathica) and parasites and worms (giardiasis, threadworm, hookworm).
