Although many people believe they experience too much gas, producing one to four pints daily is normal, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Gas consists mainly of odorless vapors, such as hydrogen and oxygen. Bacteria in the large intestine add trace amounts of sulfur, which can cause an unpleasant smell. Changing your dietary habits and addressing any medical problem underlying your symptoms can help reduce them. For best results, seek guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Primary Causes
The two main causes of gas, according to the NDDIC, include the digestion of particular foods and swallowed air. Most carbohydrate-containing foods, including breads, pasta, sweets, fruits and vegetables, stimulate gas production. Eating high-fat foods and overeating can delay stomach emptying, which can trigger gas pains and bloating. Eating quickly and consuming carbonated beverages cause gas by allowing for swallowed air. Eating while experiencing stress and anxiety can also trigger gas symptoms.
Medical Conditions
Illnesses that affect your digestive system, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, colitis and food intolerances, can also trigger gas and bloating after eating. If you're intolerant to lactose, the naturally occuring sugar in dairy products, for example, you may experience gas and other symptoms, such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea and nausea, after consuming milk. Gas may also be associated with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition characterized by frequent acid reflux, or the regurgitation of stomach acid after eating, and heartburn.
Diet Remedies
If your gas symptoms are caused by eating certain foods, emphasizing foods less likely to stimulate gas can help. Fruits and vegetables unlikely to cause excessive gas production include cherries, citrus fruits, melons, tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, celery, cucumbers and lettuce. If starches, such as breads, cereals and wheat products, worsen your symptoms, eat rice, the only starch that does not trigger gas production, more often. Healthy bacteria known as probiotics, prevalent in yogurt and kefir, can help restore digestive balance and help manage symptoms of GERD, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Slowing your eating pace and sticking to appropriate portion sizes at your meals may help prevent your symptoms.
Medical Treatment
If your symptoms are severe or unfixable through dietary and lifestyle changes, your doctor may suggest digestive enzymes, which help your body better digest carbohydrates. The enzyme lactase helps people with lactose intolerance consume dairy products without experiencing gas. Beano is an over-the-counter digestive aid. Although it has no effect on gas caused by fiber or lactose, according to the NDDIC, it may help break down other gas-producing substances. Various prescription medications may help manage symptoms of IBS.
