Methods To Reduce Flatulence

Overview
Flatulence refers to the passing of gas from the digestive system via the back passage, also known as passing wind or farting. Flatus is generated by swallowed air, digestion, high-fiber foods and the by-products of intestinal bacteria.

It occurs when gas collects inside the digestive system and is part of a normal biological process. An average person passes wind around fifteen times a day. Farting is often laughed about, but excessive flatulence can be embarrassing and make you feel uncomfortable around others.

Causes of flatulence
According to Gastroenterologists in Jaipur , flatulence can be the result of normal bodily processes, or it may occur from a condition that affects the digestive system.
When food, water or saliva is swallowed, small amounts of air are also swallowed and collect in the digestive system. Furthermore, endogenous sources are inside the gut. Gas may arise as a by-product of digestion of certain foods, or when foods are not completely digested.

Excessive flatulence can be caused by swallowing more air than usual or eating food that's difficult to digest. It can also be related to an underlying health problem affecting the digestive system, such as recurring indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

ALSO READ: Dietary & Lifestyle Changes For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Foods that cause flatulence
Foods that cause flatulence tend to be those high in certain polysaccharides, particularly oligosaccharides, such as inulin.
Being aware of foods that cause excess flatulence can help reduce the problem.

Following are some foods that can cause more gas.
- Beans:
Carbohydrates make up a large proportion of our food intake. Complex carbohydrates in beans are difficult for humans to digest. When the complex carbohydrates reach the lower intestine, bacteria feed on them and produce gas.

- Lactose intolerance:
When people consume food that contains lactose, such as milk, and lack the enzymes to break it down, the bacteria feed on the lactose and produce large amounts of gas.

- Celiac disease:
Some people have excessive flatulence when they consume barley, wheat, and rye.

- Artificial sweeteners:
Sorbitol and mannitol are found in candies, chewing-gums, and sugar-free sweet foods. Some people develop diarrhea, gas or both when they consume these substances.

- Fiber supplements:
Adding these too rapidly to the diet can cause flatulence, especially if they contain psyllium.

- Carbonated drinks:
Fizzy drinks and beer may cause a build-up of gas in the intestinal tract.

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Treatment
Flatulence is not usually a serious problem. Gastroenterologists in C-Scheme suggests that in most cases, a change in lifestyle and diet is all that is needed.
There are a number of ways to treat flatulence, depending on the cause of the problem. To treat flatulence at home, try the following:

- Look at your diet
If it contains a large number of carbohydrates that are difficult to digest, try to replace them. Carbohydrates that are easier to digests, such as potatoes, rice, and bananas, are good substitutes.

- Keep a food diary
This will help you can identify any triggers. After you identify some foods that cause you excessive flatulence, you can learn to avoid them or to eat less of them.

- Eat smaller meals
Try to eat around five to six small meals a day instead of three larger ones to help your digestive process.

- Chew properly
Avoid doing anything that may increase the amount of air that you swallow. This includes making sure that you are chewing your food properly, and avoiding chewing gum or smoking.

- Exercise
Some people find that exercising helps to promote digestion and can prevent flatulence.

- Try over-the-counter medications
These include charcoal tablets that absorb gas through the digestive system, antacids, dietary supplements such as alpha-galactosidase (Beano).

Other ways to reduce flatulence include:
- Not smoking
Smoking causes people to swallow more air, and it can also irritate the digestive system.

- Choosing beans that are fermented before cooking
These have less soluble fiber and higher nutritional content and may decrease flatulence.

- Charcoal pads
Placed inside clothing, these absorb released gas and reduce the impact of foul-smelling gas.

There are no long-term consequences for not treating flatulence. Some digestive system disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can produce a sensation of excessive flatus. Consult your doctor if you experience unusual flatulence, abdominal pain, changes to toilet habits, or any other uncomfortable symptom associated with digestion.