How to Prevent Gas

Gas is caused by undigested food and liquid that has not been absorbed. The colon produces enzymes that break down remaining nutrients and produces gas. Gas is a common problem that nobody wants. It is uncomfortable and embarrassing. It causes belching, pain, bloating and flatulence. The good news is that you may be able to prevent gas.

Instructions

1. Determine your symptoms and eating habits. Note anything that may be causing your gas.

2. Reduce the amount of air you swallow while eating. Chew food slowly and eat smaller meals. Don't wash food down with liquid. Don't talk and chew food at the same time. Quit chewing gum and using tobacco. Avoid carbonated drinks and whipped desserts.

3. Improve bowel function by adding fiber to your diet. Take laxatives as needed to reduce constipation. Try products containing simethicone like Gas-X, Phazyme and Mylicon to break up collections of gas bubbles.

4. Stop or reduce your intake of foods that cause gas. Carbohydrates, sugars and fats cause most indigestion. Many healthful high-fiber foods like beans, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts cause gas, so introduce them into your diet slowly. Apples, bananas, grapes, raisins cabbage, corn, cucumbers, onions, garlic and turnips may also cause gas, so limit these. Avoid highly spiced foods.

5. Reduce intake of sugar, refined starches and wheat flour. Consider trying activated charcoal, which absorbs gas. Try eating brown rice, barley broth, papaya and pineapple.

Tips & Warnings

• Pepto-Bismol or peppermints may reduce odor.

• Some people have success in preventing gas by taking enzyme tablets like Beano before eating problem foods.

• Oats, nuts, milk, dairy products and wine also cause gas.

• Understand that adding fiber to your diet will initially result in more gas production, so add fiber slowly until your digestive system becomes regular.

• Don't take sodium bicarbonate because it increases carbon dioxide in the colon.

• Avoid the artificial sweetener sorbitol. Also known as glucitol, this sweetener is found in cough syrups and sugar free mints and chewing gum, diet drinks, diet ice cream and even some prescription medications.

• Antibiotics may increase gas production by changing acidity levels in the bowel.