How to Prevent Intestinal Gas or Flatulence

Intestinal gas or flatulence can cause abdominal pain and abdominal fullness or bloating. While this problem tends to resolve itself over time, you can take certain steps to prevent incidents of gas or flatulence.

Things You'll Need

• Digestive/enzyme supplements

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Instructions

• 1

  Spit out the gum. Gum-chewing can prompt the swallowing of extra air, which can create intestinal gas. Use breath mints instead of gum. Also, limit the use of drinking straws, which also creates extra air in your body.

• 2

  Skip sodas and carbonated drinks. Carbonation from drinks can trigger abdominal bloating and gas. Instead, drink non-carbonated drinks such as juice and water.

• 3

  Take a digestive enzyme before drinking milk or consuming foods with dairy. Ice cream, milk, cheese and foods prepared with dairy are common causes of intestinal gas and flatulence. You will generally want to reduce consumption of these foods.

• 4

  Exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes. This will help to increase intestinal contractions and alleviate constipation, which can encourage intestinal gas.

• 5

  Eat fewer carbohydrates and gaseous foods. Carbohydrates and gaseous foods like beans, lettuce and cabbage can promote intestinal gas and flatulence. Take supplements such as Beano before eating problem foods.

• 6

  Drink eight glasses of water daily. Dehydration or lack of fluids can harden stools and cause constipation and intestinal gas. Keep your stools soft and regular with plenty of water.