About Stomach Gas

People don't discuss stomach gas too often. This often silent medical condition is either hidden or the subject of ridicule. But we all have it. According to the National Institute of Health, our bodies produce one to four pints of gas every day. We also pass gas an average of 14 times a day. Unfortunately, some may feel discomfort from the gas. Several causes, remedies and habit changes can reduce gas and the annoying effects.

Types

• Several conditions can result from excessive stomach gas. Belching involves the passage of gas through the mouth. With flatulence, the passage of gas exits from the other end, the anus. When stomach gas gives your stomach a feeling of fullness and discomfort, it's abdominal bloating.

Cause

• Most things that involve your stomach may cause excessive stomach gas. You can swallow too much air from drinking out of straw, chewing gum and eating too fast. Diets also play a role. When food sits too long in the stomach, the bacteria feast on that food causing excess stomach gas. Oddly, the healthier the food is, the more likely it is to cause gas. Fruits, beans and whole grains are common culprits. Lactose intolerance, the inability to digest milk sugars, also may likely cause gas problems.

Considerations

• Gas is embarrassing but normal. Although normal, excessive amounts of stomach gas could be symptoms of other problems like irritable bowel syndrome. If you have stomach gas, check to see if you have other symptoms. For example, excessive stress may cause irritable bowel syndrome symptoms to flare.

Diet Changes

• To reduce gassiness, change your diet. Eat low-fat foods. Foods higher in fat sit in your stomach longer, causing more stomach gas. Don't forgo high-fiber foods; slowly incorporate fiber into the diet. This gives your body time to adjust. Stay away from sugar substitutes. Substitutes like sorbitol and mannitol causes side effects like gas and diarrhea.

Habit Changes

• Changing your habits can reduce stomach gas as well. Avoid swallowing air. Do this by eating slowly. Avoid drinking through straws and chewing gum. Light exercise for 10 to 15 minutes after eating can also help.

Medication

• Simethicone, the active ingredient in Gas-x and antacids like Mylanta, reduces the pressure of stomach gas, allowing easier passage of gas. If you're lactose intolerant, take lactase supplement, an enzyme that'll help your body digest lactose. If beans or vegetables cause your gas, try Beano. Remember that you must take it before eating.