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Gas/ Flatulence

Flatulence or "breaking wind” almost always occurs at the most inappropriate times! Passing abdominal gas, especially in a social gathering, leads to an embarrassing situation despite the fact that there is nothing abnormal or outrageous about it. Flatulence is a common problem and affects everyone at some point. Most people pass gas 15 times each day, on average, but a maximum of 40 times in one day is also considered normal.


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Causes and Risk Factors

The production of intestinal gas is a normal by-product of digestive process. The food we eat is digested and absorbed in the small intestine. As the digestive enzymes and bacteria break down the carbohydrates and proteins from food, stomach acid is neutralized by pancreatic secretions. This interaction creates gas (carbon dioxide) as a by-product. As mentioned earlier, passing gas is a normal bodily function and is hardly unusual. Here are some of the common causes of flatulence:

Swallowed air: The most common cause of flatulence is swallowing air. This is because air is sucked into the stomach each time we swallow. Eating too fast, drinking with meals, drinking carbonated beverages, chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, smoking, wearing loose dentures, or hyperventilation in anxious people can all lead to swallowing excess air. Normally, this excess air is expelled through belching or burping, but it sometimes travels further into the intestine and can only be released through the anus.
Eating foods that produce gas: Usually, foods containing carbohydrates can cause gas and fats and proteins do not cause gas. Some common foods whose natural composition may create gas are beans, crucifers such as cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and broccoli, asparagus, onions, artichokes, potatoes, corn, and whole grains. Sorbitol, a type of sugar, can also cause flatulence. This sugar occurs naturally in fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, and prunes and is used as an artificial sweetener in sugar-free chewing gums, candies, and other diet products. Insoluble fiber found in seeds and husks also causes gas.
Lactose intolerance: People with lactose intolerance have a decreased ability to digest lactose, a natural sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Intestinal bacteria feeding on lactose can cause excessive flatulence when milk or lactose-containing substances are consumed.

Other causes: Digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis, diverticulosis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, parasites, substance abuse, and side effects of antibiotics or laxatives also cause flatulence.

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