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What Causes Excess Gas In The Stomach

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What Causes Excessive Gas?

There are a plethora of over-the-counter products you can choose to relieve excessive gas buildup in your stomach.

  • Phazyme® or Gas-X® helps break up gas bubbles in the stomach and can be combined with antacids such as Mylanta II®, or Maalox®. These medicines come in different strengths of 125 mg, 180 mg, and 250 mg.
  • Some studies have shown activated charcoal tablets as an option, but it is unclear if there is a true correlation to gas reduction. Speak to a healthcare provider to determine if activated charcoal is the best option for you.
  • Lactaid® or lactose intolerant products can aid in lactose digestion for those with a lactose intolerance. This can help reduce gas buildup from dairy products.
  • If you are experiencing excess farting, Pepto-Bismol® can reduce the odor of the farts, and may reduce some gas. However, if you have an aspirin allergy, this treatment option should not be used.
  • Beano® is a digestive aid that can help break up the sugar in beans and vegetables that can cause excessive gas. Therefore, if you know the gas is not due to beans or vegetables, this treatment option may not be the best for you.
  • Your stomach has good and bad bacteria. The bad bacteria may contribute to excessive gas, therefore, a probiotic either in supplement or yogurt form may be helpful to restore the normal flora.

Reduce Fried Or Fatty Foods

Lowering the consumption of fried or fatty foods is a great help in lessening the amount of intestinal gas patients have to deal with each day. Fatty foods can cause embarrassing gas emissions and physical discomfort too. Fatty foods cause gas by delaying the emptying of the stomach, and eating them can cause bloating, extra gas, and pain in the abdominal region. Once an individual has eaten a diet high in fat, they may belch or pass gas more often as their stomach tries to digest the fat in the food.

Some examples of fatty foods are deep-fried foods, French fries, and processed meats like bacon or sausage. Added fat in a diet slows digestion down so much that individuals may also get acid reflux and heartburn when eating these foods. High cholesterol foods work in the same manner as do fried foods to give individuals gas and cause digestive problems.

Extreme Gas In Stomach:

There are two types of gas accumulation in the body: lower and upper gastrointestinal gas accumulation:

  • When we talk about gas accumulation in the lower gastrointestinal tract, the condition is referred to as flatulence.
  • When it is in the upper gastrointestinal tract, the condition is referred to as belching.

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Management Of Intestinal Gas

The management of intestinal gas depends on its source.

Exogenous Gas: To reduce this major source of intestinal gas, you must swallow less air. Gum chewing, smoking, poor fitting dentures, a chronic postnasal discharge, chronic pain, and anxiety or tension all cause you to swallow more air, as does gulping of food, washing food down with liquids, sipping hot beverages, and drinking through a straw. Limiting these activities will help cut down on the amount of air you swallow.

Endogenous Gas: There is little gas production in the small intestine because bacterial concentration is low. However, the colon contains many gas-producing bacteria that thrive on foods containing poorly digested starches and sugars . Smelly gas forms as the bacteria ferment these foods when they pass through the colon. This fermentation is similar to the production of bubbles in the fermenting of grapes into champagne. To decrease gas generated by digestion, there are certain gas-producing foods you might want to avoid.

In addition to beans and lactose, many fruits and vegetables are gas-producers. However, not everyone reacts in the same way to these foods. Rather than completely eliminating gas-producing foods from the diet and missing out on their important nutrient and fibre benefits, try eating them in smaller quantities throughout the day and gradually increase consumption, as tolerated.

What Are The Complications Of Intestinal Gas

Stomach Gas: Causes, Picture, Symptoms And Treatment

Extra gas can cause pain, discomfort and embarrassment, but its usually not a serious health problem. Gas buildup can sometimes feel more worrisome, though. Gas on the left side of the colon can cause chest pain that you might mistake for a heart attack. Gas buildup on the right side can mimic pain from gallstones or appendicitis. A health professional should check out these symptoms for any concerning underlying cause.

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How To Ease Trapped Wind

its important to note that flatulence, passing wind, farting whatever you want to call it is totally normal. A certain amount is a sign of a healthy gut, says Dr Megan Rossi . 10-20 times a day is considered normal and indicates your inner community of microbes are well-fed and happy, busy fermenting the leftovers as part of good digestion.

So whats not normal? Heres how to get rid of trapped wind safely and easily.

The Good Thing Is That You Can Reach Out To A Lot Of Kitchen Ingredients To Get Rid Of Gas Trouble Naturally Here Are The Five Best Home Remedies For Gas That Work Without Fail

  • Gas can lead to stomach cramps, bloating and heaviness
  • High carb foods and sugary juices can cause flatulence
  • Simple kitchen ingredients can help you get rid of gas trouble

A gassy stomach can strike anytime and can be very embarrassing, to say the least. It is actually quite a painful experience often leading to stomach cramps, bloating, heaviness and heartburn. Medically known as flatulence, it is a condition where excess gas gets collected in your digestive tract. But to deal with the problem, its first crucial to understand why it occurs. Gas can collect in your digestive system in two ways. While eating or drinking, you swallow the air that causes the oxygen and nitrogen to enter your body. The second and more important reason is when you digest your food gases like hydrogen, methane or carbon dioxide are emitted and get accumulated in your stomach. If not released or in excess, these gases can cause a lot of discomfort. A lot also depends on your daily food choices. High carb foods like beans, cabbage, chickpeas, and lentils or sugary fruit juices are not easily digested by the stomach. They pass through the colon which contains a lot of bacteria that help in breaking down the food while releasing gases that can accumulate and make you feel uneasy.

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Complications Of Gas And Bloating

Gas production is a normal by-product of digestion, which at times gives you excessive flatulence and a mild bloat.

Seldom is it symptomatic of undiagnosed disease and is nothing to worry about as long as the bloating subsides in a short while. However, if the bloating discomfort becomes too much to handle and you feel that it is related to any serious gastrointestinal issue, consult your doctor.

Foods To Limit To Reduce Flatulence

What causes intestinal gas? v2
  • dairy products such as milk, if lactose intolerance is present
  • dried fruit raisins and prunes
  • fruit apple, apricot, peach and pear
  • foods high in insoluble fibre particularly seeds and husks
  • legumes beans, peas, chickpeas, soybeans and nuts
  • vegetables carrot, eggplant, onion, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.

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Avoid Foods Known To Cause Gas

One way to manage flatulence and belching is to eat fewer of the well-known gassy foods. Common culprits include:

  • Fruits like apples and pears
  • Vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and onions
  • Whole grains like bran
  • Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and ice cream.

These items contain fiber, sugars, and starches that don’t digest or absorb easily, eventually causing intestinal gas.

Foods containing sorbitol, a naturally occurring sugar found in fruit, are on some peoples gassy foods list. Other people are bothered by carbonated soft drinks and fruit drinks. If you discover that these foods are causing you excess gas, eliminate them from your diet or consume them in smaller portions. When it comes to foods to avoid, moderation is key, says Stephen Bickston, MD, a professor of internal medicine and the director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at the Center for Digestive Health at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Keep in mind that almost any food or combination of foods can cause gas.

Certain foods dont get along well in certain people, says Donald Novey, MD, an integrative medicine physician in Poulsbo, Washington. Some people find they are gassy if they eat fruits with proteins, or if they eat starches and proteins together. Its personal and requires a little experimentation to find out what the culprits are.

Garlic With Black Pepper And Cumin Seeds

Garlic is another option to treat the gas problem. It contains healing property and helps in proper digestion. Add garlic to your meals and soups to reduce the formation of gas.

Garlic and black pepper

Method: Take a cup of water and boil it. Now, take a few cloves of garlic and grind it. Add the ground garlic into the water. Add a few black pepper corns and cumin seeds. Let it boil for coupel of minutes and then take it off the fire. Strain the drink and let it cool. Drink this thrice day.

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Avoid Foods That Cause Trapped Wind

Foods that cause trapped wind include:

  • All varieties of beans, whether baked or raw

Our expert says its also a good idea to limit your protein intake as a high protein diet can cause digestive issues. Try limiting protein to 1kg per kilogram of your bodyweight daily for 2 weeks. Then if you want to increase, try balancing higher protein with fibre at each meal, Dr Megan Rossi says.

Cabbage is one of the foods to avoid if you struggle with trapped wind, Credit: Getty

Another Sure Alternative For Faster Result Eno

4 Causes of Bloating

Eno is clinically proven to provide fast relief from acidity and its symptoms such as bloating and upper abdomen discomfort.9 Eno gets to work in 6 seconds10 and helps balance excess acid in your stomach with just one dose. Eno works with your body and gets to work faster than any leading liquids and tablets antacid products#11-12.

Eno works on9

  • Burning sensation in the throat, chest and stomach
  • Sour taste in the mouth
  • Upset stomach due to heartburn or acid indigestion

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Other Conditions That Cause Gas

Gas is sometimes a symptom of a digestive condition. These include:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease. This term describes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract and includes ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease. Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain that can mimic gas pains.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome . This is a condition that affects the large intestines and causes a variety of symptoms, such as:
  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. This condition causes excess bacteria in the small intestines. It can also damage the lining of the intestines, making it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. Symptoms include:
    • indigestion that feels like gas
  • Internal hernias. This is when an internal organ protrudes into a hole in the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen. Symptoms of this condition include intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Colon cancer. Excess gas can be an early sign of colon cancer, which is cancer that develops in the large intestine.
  • What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor

    You may want to ask your healthcare provider:

    • Could a medical condition be making me gassy?
    • What tests can determine the cause of intestinal gas?
    • What steps can I take to cut down on intestinal gas?
    • What foods or drinks should I avoid?
    • Whats the best treatment for my gas symptom?
    • How can I tell the difference between gas and something more serious?
    • Should I look out for signs of complications?

    A note from Cleveland Clinic

    While intestinal gas is common, the symptoms belching, flatulence, bloating and stomach discomfort can be embarrassing and even painful. Gas is sometimes a symptom of a more serious health problem. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. The right treatment can ease gas symptoms so you can go about your day in confidence.

    Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/11/2020.

    References

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    Excessive Belching And Symptoms Of Cancer

    Most of the time, belching is not a sign of cancer. However, excessive burping that occurs with other symptoms can be signs of certain cancers, including gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

    If youre belching a lot, there are other symptoms to watch for that could be a sign of a more serious health condition, including:

    • Discomfort in the abdomen, usually above the navel
    • Feeling full after eating only a small meal
    • Heartburn or indigestion
    • Vomiting, with or without blood
    • Swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen

    Treatment For Gas In The Digestive Tract

    Your Healthy Family: Is your ongoing gas, bloating and stomach pain SIBO?

    Specific treatment for gas in the digestive tract will be determined by your doctor based on:

    • Your age, overall health, and medical history

    • Extent of the condition

    • Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

    • Expectations for the course of the condition

    • Your opinion or preference

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    Can Shingles Affect The Gastro Intestinal Tract

    Can shingles affect the gastro intestinal tract? Since a bout of shingles in Dec. 2017, I have experienced lack of hunger, queasy stomach and sometimes stomach pain when ingesting food. When food has been taken, bowels become erratic and sometimes with spontaneous movements. Movements sometimes occur two or three times a day tho little food is eaten. Sometimes bowels appear to contain micous. Movements occur with little or no normal indicators such as stomach growling or gas passing. Occurences sometimes by just standin from a sitting position with no prior need to excrete felt before standing.

    Age: 58

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    What To Expect At Your Office Visit

    Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:

    • What foods do you commonly eat?
    • Has your diet changed recently?
    • Have you increased the fiber in your diet?
    • How fast do you eat, chew, and swallow?
    • Would you say that your gas is mild or severe?
    • Does your gas seem to be related to eating milk products or other specific foods?
    • What seems to make your gas better?
    • What medicines do you take?
    • Do you have other symptoms, like abdominal pain, diarrhea, early satiety , bloating, or weight loss?
    • Do you chew artificially sweetened gum or eat artificially sweetened candy?

    Tests that may be done include:

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    Causes Of Excessive Gas By Foods

    When it comes to food, what causes excessive gas? Food and drink are the most common reasons for causes of excessive gas formation in the stomach. Below are some foods that can cause stomach trouble.

    • An inability to break down certain sugar compounds in the digestive tract can lead to those sugars sitting in the intestines, which then begin fermenting and causing gas. If gas is an issue, cut back on consuming products with added sugar, such as chocolate bars, cookies, cakes, sodas, and hard candies. Indulge cravings with natural sugars such as honey or maple syrup.
    • Imbalances in gut flora can cause flatulence. Our stomachs have both good and bad bacteria that enter through food and water. If theyâre not kept in check, the bad bacteria can multiply and grow, causing imbalance issues in the gut. This imbalance leads to bloating, cramps, and bad gas. Eating foods that encourage the growth of good bacteria is essential to preventing this from happening. Traditional fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, sauerkraut, pickles, and miso are excellent choices.
    • Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are some of the worst offenders, but only if your body isnât accustomed to eating them. While they do produce more gas in the stomach, if theyâre eaten regularly enough, the body will adapt to that level of gas production.
    • Other foods that cause gas are prunes, Brussels sprouts, onions, lentils and raisins.

    Symptoms Of Intestinal Gas

    Stomach Gas: Causes, Picture, Symptoms And Treatment

    For most, the passage of gas through the digestive tract causes no symptoms, but some experience frequent burping or belching, uncomfortable abdominal bloating, and repeating flatus. Researchers have noted that when some individuals drink a beverage, they might swallow twice as much air as liquid, especially if drinking through a straw. As gas builds up, the abdomen may painfully distend, especially right after eating. Sometimes bloating is so severe that clothing becomes tight or may no longer fit.

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    Best Ways To Get Rid Of Gas And Bloating Fast

    Do you often feel there are excessive gas and bloat inside the stomach? Gas and Bloating is a very common problem among many people. It is uncomfortable and embarrassing. You may also feel gas pains and bowel sounds from the intestinal tract.

    Abdominal bloating or gas occurs typically when good bacteria ferment the undigested food in the large intestine.

    Fermentation will produce gas which often leads to burping, belching, flatulence, and pain. The gas will disperse naturally after some time. However, if you can not expel the gas in the intestines, you may feel the abdominals tight, hard to touch, and even pain.

    Abdominal pain that is caused by gas originates typically between the chest the pelvis. This pain is often cramp-like, sharp, achy, or dull. Sometimes it causes the area to appear larger than usual. The gas pain may be mistaken for chest pain, gallstones, appendicitis, and another stomach upset.

    Gas and bloating is a natural result of the digestion process. However, sometimes this may be an indication of other bowel health issues. Before choosing a proper treatment, you need to understand the causes first.

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