Problems and Remedies

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When someone has persisting bloating and flatulence, lab tests and x-rays are first conducted to exclude the presence of medical disease. Colorectal cancer often presents with the symptoms of abdomen discomfort and bloating. Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease may have similar symptoms. It's important to remember that gas and bloating are vague symptoms that can be associated with many medical diseases, so consultation with your primary care provider should always be the first step.

Certain foods are inherently gas-producing. Gas-producing foods include beans, cabbage, onions, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, fluffy wheat products such as bread, apples, peaches, pears, prunes, corn, oats, potatoes, milk, ice cream, and soft cheese. Foods that produce minimal gas include rice, bananas, citrus, grapes, hard cheese, meat, eggs, peanut butter, non-carbonated beverages, and yogurt made with live bacteria.

Eating a high-fat meal can generate a large amount of carbon dioxide, some of which is released as gas. That's because carbon dioxide is produced in the small intestine when bicarbonate is released to neutralize stomach acid and fat during meals. Treatment Strategies 1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals. 2. Avoid high-fat meals. 3. Consult your primary care provider to rule out the possibility of fat malabsorption. Signs of fat malabsorption include loose and light-colored stools.

Gas that has a strong odor usually results from the metabolism of sulfur-containing proteins and amino acids in the intestines. Treatment Strategies 1. Chew meat and other protein foods carefully. Avoid excessive protein in your diet. 2. Taking activated charcoal tablets can help to remove the odor.

Hydrogen and carbon dioxide are produced by colon bacteria in the presence of poorly absorbed carbohydrates. If flatulence is accompanied by diarrhea and weight loss, it may indicate a malabsorption disorder such as lactose intolerance or pancreatic insufficiency, and should be evaluated by your primary health care provider. More common is excess flatulence after eating large amounts of poorly absorbed carbohydrates such as beans or foods to which you have a food sensitivity. Common food sensitivities include milk and wheat products. Treatment Strategies 1. Chew food carefully. Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth. Any work your teeth don't do, your stomach will have to do later. 2. An alternative practitioner may suggest an elimination and challenge diet. This is a diagnostic diet to help uncover food sensitivities and intolerances. 3. Consult your primary care provider to rule out malabsorption disorder if you are also experiencing weight loss and diarrhea.