Bloating & abdominal discomfort

 Abdominal bloating due to excessive gas production  is a frequent complaint  Gas  in our  digestive system is part of the normal process of digestion. The digestive tract is actually a tube and can get filled by gas either while eating or distally when  it is produced in excess in the colon .This leads to bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Some tips 

1. Those who eat too quickly go an adding lot of air  in their    stomach which can cause abdominal discomfort  and burping. So eat slowly and do not talk much while eating .

2. Avoid fatty foods and lot of oil .

3. Exercise regularly.

4. Another source of abdominal gas is  when bacteria ferment carbohydrates in the large intestine .Some of  fiber, starches and some sugars present in our food  aren’t digested in the small intestine. Even though trillions of bacteria present in our gut  consume some of that gas, still some of  the remaining gas remains and may lead to bloating.

5.Gas production is more when we  eat foods   like beans , some fruits .It may also be due to food intolerances like lactose intolerance , or proteins such as gluten in wheat and other grains. One  has to master his /her  own food , avoid what disturbs you , no doctor can make you wiser in this context.

 A word of caution:

Excess gas can be a symptom of chronic intestinal conditions, such as diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease,  Small bowel bacterial overgrowth.

An increase or change in the bacteria in the small intestine can cause excess gas, diarrhea and weight loss.

When to see a doctor ?

Kindly see a doctor  if excessive gas production is associated with weight loss , bleeding , change in bowel habits , loss of appetite , diarrhea

To conclude , gas production is part of digestive process , unless a person has warning signs as detailed above no need to worry. Eat what suits your gut , slowly and calmly .Avoid fatty foods and oil ,Exercise regularly as it causes effective evacuation of increased gas .

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References

Azpiroz F. Intestinal gas dynamics: mechanisms and clinical relevance. Gut. 2005 Jul;54(7):893-5. doi: 10.1136/gut.2004.048868. PMID: 15951528; PMCID: PMC1774596.