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Why
Do I Have Gas?
Everyone has gas.
Burping or passing gas through the rectum is normal. Because
it is embarrassing to burp or pass gas, many people believe
they pass gas too often or have too much gas. They do not realize
that passing gas 14 to 23 times a day is normal. An occasional
burp during or after meals is normal, too. It is rare for a
person to have too much gas.
Most of the time
gas is odorless. The odor comes from sulfur made by bacteria
in the large intestine. Sometimes gas causes bloating and pain.
Not everyone has these symptoms. It probably depends on how
much gas the body makes and how sensitive a person is to gas
in the large intestine.
Changing what you eat
and drink can help prevent or relieve gas. If you feel like you
have too much gas, you might want to try these things before going
to the doctor.
- Cut down on
foods that cause gas.
The amount of
gas caused by certain foods varies from person to person.
The only way to know your own limits is through trial and
error. These are some foods that cause gas:
- Beans.
- Vegetables
such as broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, onions, artichokes,
and asparagus.
- Fruits such
as pears, apples, and peaches.
- Whole grains
such as whole wheat and bran.
- Soft drinks
and fruit drinks.
- Milk and milk
products, such as cheese and ice cream.
- Packaged foods
that have lactose in them, such as bread, cereal, and
salad dressing.
- Dietetic foods
and sugarfree candies and gums.
- Drink plenty
of water, non-"fizzy" liquids, and clear soup.
- Try not to
drink liquids that cause gas, like soda and beer. If you
do drink these liquids, pour them into a glass first to
let some of the "fizz" out.
- Reduce the
amount of air you swallow. Here are some ways to avoid swallowing
air:
- Eat slower
and chew more. This will cut down on the amount of air
you swallow when you eat.
- Avoid chewing
gum and eating hard candy.
- If you smoke,
try to cut down or quit.
- If you have
false teeth, see your dentist to make sure they fit right.
- Keep a diary.
Write down the
foods (and the amounts) that seem to cause you the most
problems. Also keep track of the number of times you pass
gas. You may be surprised to find that it is within the
14 to 23 times a day that is considered normal.
If you are troubled
by gas, you may want to see your doctor. Take your diary
with you to help you answer the doctor's questions about
eating habits and symptoms.
1. Everyone has gas
in the digestive tract.
2. People often think they pass too much gas when they don't.
3. Passing gas 14 to 23 times a day is normal.
4. Two ways to reduce the amount of gas you have are the following:
- Cut down on the
foods that cause gas.
- Reduce the amount
of air you swallow.
National Digestive
Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
E-mail: mailto:nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
NIH Publication
No. 97-4156
March 1997
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