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Health 52
Info Tip:
Intestinal Gas
Intestinal gas. Flatulence. Whatever you call it, it can be uncomfortable
and embarrassing.
Passing gas as often as twenty times a day is normal; excessive gas can be
caused by foods or lifestyle.
Some of the healthiest foods, including vegetables and beans, can cause gas,
but cooking techniques can reduce the effects.
Individuals vary in sensitivity when it comes to the sugars and enzymes in
certain foods. People who are lactose intolerant can’t digest milk products.
Others have an intolerance to high-fructose corn syrup; for others it may be
wheat gluten or artificial sweeteners.
Keep a written log of what you eat and how much gas you produce; it may help
you find patterns that can pinpoint the root of your problem.
Soda, beer and other carbonated beverages can bring excess air into your
digestive system. So can rapid eating and smoking, both of which can cause
you to swallow air.
Antibiotics may cause gas because they disrupt the normal bacterial flora in
your bowel. As part of the digestive process, bacteria are necessary to
break down sugars.
In rare cases, flatulence can be a symptom of a more serious medical
problem, so see a doctor if you’re concerned about a chronic condition.
Sources: Springfield Republican/Harvard Medical School, CNN/Mayo Clinic
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