SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT INTESTINAL GAS?

[Guest guest]

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.

Online version of this article:

http://diabeticgourmet.com/articles/680.shtml

" I would rather walk with God in the dark

than go alone in the light. "

~Blessed, Sugar

[Guest guest]

there is a cereal called

Bran Buds

this is made for people with irritable bowels, high in fiber and found in the

local grocery store. no drugs and i put water on it and a spoon of yogurt and a

little fresh fruit. this solved a lot of problems and is natural. karen

SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT INTESTINAL GAS?

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.

Online version of this article:

http://diabeticgourmet.com/articles/680.shtml

" I would rather walk with God in the dark

than go alone in the light. "

~Blessed, Sugar