Abdominal distention and bloating are common signs of gas in your digestive tract. Although certain medical disorders can cause these symptoms, the most likely culprits are the foods you consume in your diet. Apples are among the many foods that can increase your risk of abdominal discomfort due to gas.
Bloating
Bloating can occur when air builds up in your stomach and intestines. The breakdown of food in your digestive system, as well as swallowing air when you eat, can lead to bloating and distention. Pain often accompanies the abdominal distention. Gas pains from bloating may range in intensity from mild to sharp. Burping or passing gas can help relieve the bloating and pain. Having a bowel movement can also provide relief.
Sorbitol
Certain sugars, such as fructose, lactose and sorbitol, can cause gas. Apples contain sorbitol, a type of sugar in many fruits, including peaches, pears and prunes. Some fruit drinks, sugar-free candies and dietetic foods also contain added amounts of sorbitol as a sweetener.
Fiber
Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. One medium apple has about 4 g of fiber, an amount equal to about 15 percent of the daily recommended amount of dietary fiber for adults. While fiber plays an important role in dietary health, too much soluble fiber may increase your risk of bloating. This type of fiber breaks down in the large intestine, where it can create gas and cause flatulence. Unlike soluble fiber, insoluble fiber produces minimal gas and passes through your body relatively unchanged.
Considerations
Occasional gas that causes belching, flatulence and bloating is normal, especially after eating certain foods. In addition to high-fiber foods that contain sorbitol, other foods that are likely to cause gas include broccoli, lettuce, baked beans, cabbage and cauliflower. Drinking carbonated beverages and chewing gum may also cause gas. Avoiding the suspect foods, as well as eating slowly and walking after meals, may help reduce gas and bloating. Chronic gas may indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or peptic ulcer disease. Irritable bowel syndrome can increase your risk of abdominal bloating and create a higher level of sensitivity within your intestines.
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