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How Can I Get Rid of Gas on a Raw Diet?

Some people who are concerned about health and longevity adopt a raw food diet. They believe that much of the nutrition in food is cooked away, along with vital enzymes from which the body could benefit. But a raw food diet carries with it at least one big unwelcome complication: gas. Raw food adherents need to learn strategies to prevent this problem as much as possible.

  1. Change May Shock the System

    • If you're considering a raw food diet but haven't made the switch yet, don't make the switch all at once, Colorado State University Extension nutrition specialists J. Anderson, S. Perryman, L.Young and S. Prior advise. The radical change could jolt your system into diarrhea, as well as cause a great deal of gas that is embarrassing and painful. A rapid switch is also more likely to cause bloating.

      If you have already made the switch and are already suffering with gas, cut back, let your system adjust, then start over gradually.

    Pace Yourself

    • To pace your introduction to eating raw food, start with one food group a day, then graduate to a full-fledged raw food diet in increments. Your body is probably already well-acquainted with raw fruits and nuts, but watch your quantities of fruit. Some fruits, such as apples, can cause gas and diarrea when eaten in large quantities.

      To start, choose one group of foods. For example, introduce yellow vegetables, such as squash, first, and see how you do. If you do well, add other yellow vegetables. Next, begin to introduce green vegetables.

    Cruciferous Vegetables

    • Avoid raw cruciferous foods that often cause gas. These include raw cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards and brussels sprouts. If you want to eat them, Donna Gates, author of the book "Body Ecology," recommends a compromise: eat them lightly steamed or sauteed or in fermented form, such as sauerkraut.

    Your body needs water

    • The Colorado State University Extension also advises drinking plenty of water, which helps to minimize intestinal gas..

    Over-the-counter and prescription remedies

    • You can take over-the-counter remedies, digestive enzymes, that are sold in supermarkets, health food stores, and drug stores. The enzymes come in pill and liquid forms. Take the recommended number of pills prior to eating. If you purchase it in liquid form, you will add a few drops to your food.

      There are also prescription medications available for serious gas and bloating, so if the problem is severe and you don't want to give up a raw-food diet, consult your doctor.

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