Apple Diet and Flatulence

The apple diet, a popular weight-loss method, involves eating an apple 15 minutes before each meal, according to a 2007 article in USA Today titled "Apple a Day Keeps the Calories at Bay." However, sometimes those following the apple diet experience something other than weight loss: flatulence. Fortunately, you can manage or avoid gas while on the apple diet.

The Fiber Factor

Apples are high in fiber, with one medium apple providing 3.3 g, according to the Fat Secret diet and nutrition information database. While fiber is good for you, and an essential part of a healthy diet, it can cause problems. If your body isn't used to it, it can cause gas, gas pain, and bloating, according to MayoClinic.com.

Sorbitol and Gas

Another reason apples can give you gas is they contain naturally occuring sorbitol, a sweetener also used in sugar-free candy and gum, according to Selene Yeager's book “The Doctor's Book of Food Remedies.” Yeager also reports that while doctors do not yet know why, they do know that sorbitol gives some people gas, while others can eat sorbitol-containing foods without any problems. If you've ever gotten gas after chewing gum, your body probably doesn't like sorbitol.

Lifestyle Factors

If apples give you gas, but you want to stay on the apple diet, you can take a few steps to reduce the problem. MayoClinic.com suggests eating slowly, not eating on the run, and trying to relax while eating, which will keeps stress from harming your digestion. The clinic also recommends taking a short walk after eating, which can also help your digestion and help prevent gas.

OTC Remedies

If lifestyle changes don't provide enough relief, over-the-counter remedies are available. MayoClinic.com recommends enzyme-based “gas prevention” products to combat the gas produced by high fiber foods such as apples. The clinic also recommends looking for a gas remedy containing simethicone, which breaks up gas bubbles and helps remove gas from your system.

Alternatives to Apples

If, after trying lifestyle and over-the-counter remedies, you're still experiencing too much gas, try alternatives to apples. Apples themselves don't contain any magic fat-fighting powers. Eating any low-calorie food before your main meal helps you eat less, according to Barbara Rolls, a professor of nutritional sciences at Pennslyvania State University, quoted by USA Today. Consider trying a low-fat, low-calorie soup, or a salad with low-calorie dressing.