should you see your doctor about intestinal gas?

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SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT INTESTINAL GAS?

By , MS, RD, CDN

Most people consider the release of intestinal gas an embarrassment. Some

people even complain about it to their doctors. Part of the problem is that

people are unsure how much intestinal gas should pass, if any.

When does it signal something wrong with a person's eating habits or state

of health?

A bloated feeling or excess gas is occasionally a symptom of serious

problems like intestinal obstruction, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel

disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. If your flatulence is chronic or

increasing, talk to your doctor.

It's normal, however, to pass gas 10 to 20 times a day. Most of the time,

this gas comes from swallowed air, incompletely digested food, gut bacteria

that produce a lot of gas, or a sluggish bowel that evacuates air slowly.

Some people may suffer more from gas as they age because the digestive tract

moves more slowly or produces smaller amounts of digestive enzymes. Some

people, like those with irritable bowel syndrome, may be sensitive to even

small amounts of gas, causing them to feel inaccurately that they produce

too much gas.

If your physician determines that your flatulent worries are unrelated to

disease, there are several possible reasons for a " gas problem. " People may

swallow air when they smoke, chew gum, or drink through a straw. Burping

often releases it, but air may pass all the way through the digestive tract.

Carbonated drinks (like soda and beer), poorly fitted dentures and rapid

eating can also be the culprits.

Gas produced within the gut usually comes from various types of

carbohydrates. Carbohydrates that are only partially broken down in the

upper digestive tract are fermented by bacteria when they reach the lower

intestines. For example, some people lack enough of the enzyme that digests

lactose, the sugar naturally found in milk. Dairy products like yogurt and

cheese, which already have most of their lactose broken down, may not create

as much gas for these people.

Special lactose-free milk and lactase tablets are also available. Some

research shows that people can often gradually build up to greater lactose

tolerance.

People may also experience more gas if they suddenly increase the amount of

fiber in their diets. Fiber is found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains,

beans and nuts. When you boost your fiber intake, you should do so

gradually.

Drink plenty of water, too.

Dried beans, often the topic of gas-related jokes, actually can generate

extra gas. In addition to fiber, beans contain a sugar called raffinose that

may arrive at the end of the digestive tract incompletely digested and ready

to ferment.

A gas-reducing enzyme supplement available in most supermarkets and

pharmacies might be helpful for some people. Digestion problems with beans

can also be sometimes avoided by soaking and rinsing them prior to cooking.

Like raffinose, other carbohydrates in cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts,

onions and even some fruits can be hard to digest for some people. Large

amounts of sugar-free candies and other desserts sweetened with sorbitol can

also lead to gas, when sorbitol ferments in the lower intestine.

When gas from any of these sources does not pass out of the body easily, it

can collect in part of the digestive tract, causing bloating and discomfort.

Staying physically active and drinking plenty of fluids helps gas move

through the gut.

Activity and fluids also shorten the transit time of foods through the

digestive tract, so gas is less able to form.

If you experience a constant or severe increase in intestinal gas or

bloating, you should talk to your doctor to make sure there is no serious

health issue. But remember that some gas is normal. Don't eliminate foods

from your diet that have many health benefits, like beans and broccoli, over

a little concern or embarrassment with gas.

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