Eating raisins may cause intestinal gas because they are rich in carbohydrates and dietary fiber. If you develop troublesome or painful intestinal gas, gas pains, bloating or belching after consuming raisins, call your doctor for an evaluation. In most cases, intestinal gas is a harmless result of the digestive process, and you can treat it over-the-counter medications and lifestyle choices.
Intestinal Gas
Intestinal gas is a normal part of digestion. The average person passes gas about 14 times daily, according to the National Digestion Diseases Information Clearinghouse. When you eat raisins, enzymes in your digestive tract break down the proteins, sugars and carbohydrates in the dried fruit. Certain carbohydrates in raisins may not fully digest. Undigested carbohydrates pass to the large intestine, where bacteria consume them and create gaseous byproducts. These mostly odorless vapors may become trapped in the intestines, causing gas pains and bloating. Certain bacteria in the rectum may produce sulfur, which creates the unpleasant odor associated with gas.
Gas Pains and Bloating
Eating raisins may result in gas pains and bloating, a common effect of developing intestinal gas. You may feel gas pains anywhere in the abdomen. They feel like a sharp, jabbing pain that comes and goes. MayoClinic.com states that severe abdominal pain that occurs frequently or continuously may be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Bloating causes your abdomen to visually swell as trapped gas exerts pressure throughout your digestive system. Most gas pains and bloating are alleviated by a bowel movement or passing gas.
Fiber Content
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that soluble fiber isn't broken down during digestion until it reaches the colon. In the colon, most gas forms, leading to pain, flatulence and bloating. Raisins are rich in dietary fiber and contain 0.4 g fiber per 2 tbsp. Half of the fiber found in raisins is soluble and the other half is insoluble. If you eat more fiber in a day than your body is accustomed to, you may experience increased intestinal gas, bloating and diarrhea.
Treatment
Most cases of intestinal gas do not require treatment. If you have severe gas pains or the symptoms of intestinal gas are preventing you from accomplishing your daily tasks, talk with your doctor about using simethicone. This medication does not alleviate gas, but instead causes smaller gas bubbles to form into larger bubbles, making it easier to pass, according to MayoClinc.com.
