Flatulence refers to building up of gas in the digestive system, which results in abdominal discomfort. It is commonly known as passing wind, having gas or farting, and it is a normal procedure. Excessive flatulence often causes distress and discomfort, and it mainly occurs due to consuming certain foods. It is normal to experience gas after consuming foods, and it is also normal to release it by means of flatulence or bleching. Nevertheless, excessive flatulence can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Now you must be wondering how to reduce flatulence? Here is everything you need to know about flatulence treatment, flatulence causes, and gas-producing foods.
Flatulence occurs when gas collects in the digestive system, and it happens mainly in two ways. First, when you swallow air during the process of drinking or eating, it can lead to the collection of nitrogen and oxygen in the digestive tract. Second, gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen collect when you digest food. Any of these two methods can lead to a collection of gas and result in flatulence.
Read – Home remedies to get rid of flatulence
What are Flatulence Causes?
Flatulence is a common issue and is a result of normal body procedures. It is also caused by other conditions that affect the digestive system. Most of the people pass gas or wind approximately ten times a day. If you are experiencing excessive flatulence, then it could be due to various reasons. Here is a list of common flatulence causes .
- Diet
Your diet and foods that you include in your meal can lead you to excessive flatulence. Here is a list of some gas-producing foods.
- apples
- cabbage
- beans
- lentils
- raisins
- prunes
- foods loaded with fructose
These gas-producing foods take a longer time to digest, which in turn leads to unpleasant smell related to flatulence. Moreover, there are certain foods that cannot be digested completely. These foods go to the colon without getting digested. A large amount of bacteria is present in the colon, which breaks down the foods while releasing gases. This factor also contributes to the gas that causes flatulence.
- Swallowing Air
It is normal to swallow air during drinking and eating. Mostly, people swallow a small amount of air, but if you swallow air more frequently, then you might experience excessive flatulence. It also leads to burping. Most of the reasons due that leads to swallowing excess air include-
- smoking
- eating quickly
- consuming carbonated drinks
- chewing gum
What are the Causes of Excessive Flatulence?
Excessive flatulence can be caused due to medical conditions. Below mentioned are some of the medical conditions that can result in excessive flatulence.
- gastroenteritis
- food intolerances
- constipation
- diabetes
- peptic ulcers
- eating disorder
- ulcerative colitis
- celiac disease
- irritable bowel syndrome
How to Reduce Flatulence?
Flatulence is not a serious issue. Most of the time, change in eating habits, diet, and lifestyle are all you need to relieve gas fast or to reduce flatulence. You can also avoid eating gas-producing foods in order to reduce flatulence.
- Diet
It is easy to reduce flatulence by avoiding gas-producing foods. It is better not to consume foods containing a higher amount of carbohydrates, which cannot be absorbed. Foods like citrus fruits, rice, banana, lettuce, grapes, and yogurt are loaded with carbohydrates that are easy to digest. Always remember that if you are eliminating certain foods to avoid flatulence, then it is essential to consume other nutritional foods to meet daily nutritional requirements.
- Eat Slowly
The procedure of digestion begins in the mouth, so try to chew the food appropriately before swallowing by eating slow. It is one of the best flatulence treatments to reduce the passing of gas.
- Eat Smaller Meals
It is easy to get rid of flatulence if you opt for eating smaller meals at different times in a day rather then consuming larger meals.
- Opt for Low-Lactose Dairy Products
Eliminating dairy foods higher in lactose would also help in reducing the flatulence symptoms.
- Quit Smoking
If you are a smoker, then trust me, quitting smoking is one of the best flatulence treatment. Smoking leads to swallowing more amount of air, which results in irritation in the digestive system.
- Exercise Regularly
Exercising helps in improving the functioning of the digestive system, which in turn helps in reducing excessive flatulence and bloating.
- Choose Fermented Beans
Fermented beans contain less soluble fiber, and they have higher nutritional content, which helps in reducing flatulence.
