Gas typically occurs in the digestive tract from swallowing air and the normal breakdown of food. The digestive tract encompasses the stomach, esophagus, small intestines and large intestines. Most people generally pass gas 12 times or more per day and may have pain associated with it. Certain foods cause gas as a normal byproduct of undigested foods and because of the properties contained in some food items. Although some foods are known to cause gas, eating certain foods can affect people differently.
Beans
Beans and other vegetables in the class of legumes often cause gas as a side effect of eating them. Beans contain a complex sugar called raffinose. This relatively indigestible sugar is one of the major causes of intestinal gas. Humans lack the enzymes to breakdown raffinose for digestion. Undigested raffinose passes through the small intestines into the large intestines where they are broken down by intestinal bacteria. As a result of this process, gasses accumulate in the intestines and causes bloating and flatulence.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal and other foods containing soluble fiber such as barley and kidney beans can cause gas. There are two kinds of dietary fiber, soluble and insoluble. The body can't digest either of these two fibers, but soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquids and only breaks down when it reaches the large intestines where digestion causes gas. Although the gas from soluble fibers can be irritating, many benefits come from this form of fiber such as promoting regular bowel movements, controlling the acidity in the intestines and lowering blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Insoluble fibers, on the other hand, promote movement in the digestive tract and add bulk to the stool.
Milk
Milk and other dairy products can also cause gas because of lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. Lactase is an enzyme produced by the lining of the small intestines that breaks down lactose for digestion. Some people have deficiencies in this enzyme that cause an inability to digest lactose. Deficiencies in lactase can begin at birth, occur from injury or result as a normal part of aging. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse also notes that African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians and Asian Americans are more susceptible to lactose intolerance. Common symptoms of lactase deficiencies include gas, nausea, diarrhea, bloating and pain after consuming milk and milk products.
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