Why flatulence

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Symptoms Intestinal gas. Definition Causes When to see a doctor. Products and services. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

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Some of the gas is absorbed into the bloodstream and breathed out by the lungs. The remainder is pushed along the bowel. High fibre foods — fibre is essential to the health of the digestive system, but it can create excessive gas. The small intestine can't break down certain compounds, which means extra work for the gas-producing intestinal bacteria, and accompanying flatus.

High-fibre diets should be introduced slowly to allow the bowel sufficient time to adjust. Lactose intolerance — the body's inability to digest the particular sugars found in cows milk will produce excessive amounts of intestinal gas.

This is because the bacteria of the gut digest the sugars by fermentation, a gas-creating process. Intolerance of short-chain carbohydrates other than lactose — certain people may be susceptible to gas production from fermentation of other carbohydrates such as fructose, present in many foods including honey, corn syrup and some fruits.

Common complaints with flatulence Some of the more unpleasant or embarrassing problems with flatulence include: Loud flatus — this is caused by the muscles of the bowel forcing air through the tight ring of muscle at the anus. Suggestions include passing the air with less power, and reducing the amount of intestinal gas by making dietary adjustments.

Smelly flatus — the gas produced by bacterial fermentation can smell, depending on the food eaten. Suggestions include limiting common culprits such as garlic, onions, spicy foods and beer. Excessive flatus — this is caused by swallowing air, eating high-fibre foods, lactose intolerance or some digestive disorders. Suggestions include reducing the amount of intestinal gas by making dietary adjustments and seeking medical advice.

Foods to limit to reduce flatulence A healthy diet requires plenty of variety. Foods that tend to produce large amounts of flatus also contain essential nutrients and shouldn't be eliminated. Limiting their consumption is a better option.

Examples of foods that commonly cause flatulence include: dairy products — such as milk, if lactose intolerance is present dried fruit — raisins and prunes fruit — apple, apricot, peach and pear foods high in insoluble fibre — particularly seeds and husks legumes — beans, peas, chickpeas, soybeans and nuts vegetables — carrot, eggplant, onion, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. Laxatives and flatulence Many laxatives, including lactulose, sorbitol and some fibre preparations, also cause flatulence and should not be used regularly, except with medical advice.

Reducing intestinal gas Suggestions to reduce the amount of flatus include: Limit common food culprits. Don't suddenly increase the amount of fibre in your diet. Reduce milk consumption if lactose intolerance is a problem. Consider taking charcoal products or other over-the-counter preparations.

Seek medical advice for excessive flatulence Some digestive system disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can produce a sensation of excessive flatus.