Why Are Bananas Causing Gas to Form in My Stomach?
The digestive cycle produces intestinal gas naturally, but gas may cause discomfort when it accumulates in excess. Bananas contain high levels of carbohydrates that can produce larger than normal amounts of methane gas when digested.
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Carbohydrates
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Bananas store their carbohydrate energy in high concentrations of natural fruit sugars called sucrose, fructose, and glucose. When the body has consumed more fructose than it can rapidly digest, the remainder often ferments in the large intestine. This fermentation causes a gas buildup in the large intestine that forces gas into the stomach.
Eating Habits
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When you gulp bananas quickly, you may swallow large amounts of air. The oxygen in the air can cause pressure and gas pain when it accumulates in the stomach. Chewing each bite carefully and swallowing with the mouth closed can help prevent this unwanted air from entering the body.
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Fiber
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High levels of dietary fiber may be difficult for the digestive system to handle without increasing gas in the stomach. Limiting intake to one banana a day or waiting for a bowel movement before having more may help.
Allergic Reactions
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Allergic reactions to bananas can include intestinal gas and upper intestinal pain. Consult your medical provider to get an allergy screening, and consider limiting or eliminating bananas from your diet.
Exercise
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Limiting exercise and movement will slow or stall the digestion of carbohydrates such as those contained in bananas. You can help relieve gas pressure in the stomach with moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, which jump starts the body's metabolism.
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