An adult passes gas 13-21 times a day on average. Gas is a normal part of the digestive process. However, if gas accumulates in the intestines and cannot be expelled, pain and discomfort begin to appear.
Anything that causes diarrhea or constipation can increase the frequency of gas, bloating, and flatulence. And the causes of gas formation are:
overeating
swallowing air while eating or drinking
chewing gum
smoking
eat certain foods
If you experience gas symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.
bothering you
change suddenly
accompanied by symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and weight loss
Your doctor can determine the underlying cause. If you don’t have a primary care provider, you can find doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
How to get rid of gas
Gas is often caused by what you eat. Food is mainly absorbed in the small intestine. What remains undigested is fermented in the colon along with bacteria, fungi, and yeast during digestion. This process releases methane and hydrogen, which are released in flat form.
For many people, changing their diet is enough to relieve gas and its accompanying symptoms. One way to determine which foods cause gas is to keep a food diary. Common offenders include:
high fiber foods
fatty foods
fried or spicy food
carbonated drinks
Artificial ingredients commonly found in low-carb, sugar-free products such as sugar alcohols, sorbitol, and maltitol
beans and lentils
Cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cauliflower
prunes or prune juice
lactose-containing foods such as milk, cheese, and other dairy products
fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs)—molecules found in many foods, including garlic and onions, that are difficult to digest.
over-the-counter glass beverages and supplements
Once you know which foods cause gas, you can change your diet to avoid the culprits.