Do You Have Gas?

Gas. It's cause for concern, especially when you are dealing with it regularly. Excess belching, bloating, and flatulence are all signs of something off in your diet. They are embarrassing, uncomfortable, and (sometimes) unacceptable. But what actually causes them?

Gas that causes belching is often attributed to swallowing too much air. An article produced by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) states, 'Everyone swallows small amounts of air when eating and drinking. However, eating or drinking rapidly, chewing gum, smoking, or wearing loose dentures can cause some people to take in more air.' So, the more rushed you are while eating, the more likely you are to suffer from uncomfortable belching and bloating.

Swallowing air isn't the only reason people get gas. Your body also cannot breakdown certain foods entirely, and when the un-processed foods pass from your small intestine to your large, they release various gases including carbon dioxide and methane. These gases create bloating and often cause irritable bowels until they are released through the rectum.

While belching, bloating, and flatulence are all normal processes of human digestion, societal norms necessitate a dismissal of gas in private. You may excuse yourself and step outside or into a washroom, but there are certain times when you haven't got the opportunity. Knowing what to eat and what not to eat is vital for these situations.

Here are some tips on lessening your gaseous tendencies:

1. Certainly, eat slowly. If there are foods you eat that leave you gassy, but you are still determined to eat them, try going slowly.

2. Stay away from chewing gum or sucking on hard candies.

3. Exercise. Blood flow keeps the intestine working.

4. Stay away from broccoli, cabbage and the magical fruit 'baked beans.

5. Observe your body. If you have a gas attack think back to what you last ate. Gas usually doesn't take long to develop, so you should be able to remember and then self-monitor your system.