You may not be able to avoid passing gas on a daily basis, but you can prevent excessive gas by modifying your diet. Eating high-fiber foods is one of most common causes of gas pains, according to MayoClinic.com. Gas pain may be felt throughout your abdomen, including the lower section of your ribcage. Gas pains may be confused with heartburn, which is a different symptom that should be assessed by your doctor.
Gas Pains rom Fiber
Passing gas is a common occurrence. Most people pass gas about 12 times daily, but when gas gets trapped in your digestive system it can lead to severe pains throughout your abdomen, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Gas is created during digestion by portions of foods that the body does not digest. Fiber is indigestible portions of plant-based foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans. Consuming too much fiber too quickly can cause upset stomach, gas and bloating, according to MedlinePlus. Talk with your doctor about dietary modifications to reduce the amount of gas your body is creating.
High-Fiber Foods
While fiber doesn't provide any nutritional value, the role it plays in digestion is important. Without enough fiber you can become constipated, having fewer than three bowel movements in a week. Fiber also helps lower cholesterol and may help prevent certain cancers. Slowly introducing more fiber into your diet may help prevent gas pains from developing in your ribcage. Common high-fiber foods include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, apples, pears, carrots, wheat bran, oats, whole-wheat flour products and baked beans.
Treating Gas Pains
Most gas pains are naturally alleviated through belching, passing gas or having a bowel movement. If your gas pains are not subsiding, talk with your doctor about medications that may help prevent and treat gas. Over-the-counter enzyme supplements are sold to help the body digest certain carbohydrates in plant-based foods. Simethicone is a medication that helps break up small gas bubbles to help move the trapped gas out of the body.
Heartburn Consideration
Gas pains come and go and do not create consistent pain. Consistent pain felt in your ribcage may be heartburn, not gas pains. Heartburn is a painful, burning sensation that develops behind your breastbone shortly after eating certain foods. High-fiber foods can trigger heartburn, along with spicy and acidic foods. If you develop heartburn on a regular basis, talk with your doctor about testing for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
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