Flatulence

Flatulence Is Characterized By Increased Formation, Accumulation And Insufficient Release Of Gases In The Gastrointestinal Tract, Which Can Lead To Discomfort And Exhaustion.

 

Flatulence is characterized by increased formation, accumulation and insufficient release of gases in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to discomfort and exhaustion. Gases are usually formed as a result of ingesting air when eating certain foods and beverages, swallowing saliva, or neutralizing acids with soda, but can be a sign of a more serious condition. Elimination of gases from the body occurs through the mouth (by belching) or by passing them through the anal canal. The digestion of food releases gases, mainly in the form of hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. Their volume depends on the age of the person and his diet. In most cases, changes in diet and lifestyle can help control overeating.

Symptoms of flatulence

• feeling of heaviness in the abdomen;
• pain;
• attacks of gas colic that subside after frequent flatulence;
• nausea;
• belching;
• diarrhea or constipation;
• decreased appetite;
• unpleasant taste or smell in the mouth;
• which cause gases are usually high in certain polysaccharides (especially oligosaccharides such as inulin). Inulin belongs to a class of dietary fiber known as fructans. Foods that are harmful and can worsen flatulence are:
  • vegetables (artichokes, broccoli, leeks, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, onions, Brussels sprouts, turnips);
    fruits (grapes, bananas, pears, raisins);
• cereals (wheat, oats);
• barley products and porridges;
• millet;
• rye bread;
• yeast in pastries like bread;
• fresh pastries;
• legumes (beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas );
• fatty and salty fish;
• smoked products;
• fatty meat;  
• hard-boiled eggs;
• dairy products (whole milk, cream, ice cream, etc.);
• exotic dishes;
• fatty dishes;
• spices;
• sugar substitutes (sorbitol, aspartame);
• nuts (cashews and others).

 

Foods to avoid:

Sugars

If the body lacks the enzymes needed to break down sugars in the diet, bloating and gas can occur. Examples of dietary sugars include:

• raffinose (found in beans and green vegetables);
• lactose (present in milk and dairy products);
• fructose (found in onions, artichokes, and wheat);
• sorbitol (an artificial sweetener common in sugar-free foods).

Starch

Starchy foods, such as potatoes, corn, and wheat, can cause flatulence.

 

Fiber

Dietary fiber can aid digestion, but only if the body is used to it. A sudden increase in their intake can lead to gas and bloating. If you want to increase the amount of them in your diet, it is best to add one serving a day and drink more water to help the fiber dissolve better.

Oat bran peas and fruits contain soluble fiber. This type of fiber produces the largest amounts of gas. To reduce gas, you may not need to eliminate all of these foods from your diet.

Keep a diary of meals for a week and accompanying symptoms to identify specific foods that trigger flatulence. Another approach to dealing with the problem is to eliminate a type of food that causes gas for a few days and monitor the changes in symptoms. Continue to eliminate foods gradually until symptoms improve.

What can cause flatulence?

• Beans: The complex carbohydrates in beans are difficult for the microorganisms in the gut to digest. known as intestinal flora, which produces methane. When complex carbohydrates reach the colon, bacteria feed on them and produce gases.
• Lactose intolerance: When eating food containing lactose (eg milk), some people do not have the necessary enzymes to break it down. Bacteria feed on lactose, which produces large amounts of gas.
• Celiac disease: In Gluten intolerance in some people results in excessive flatulence when consuming barley, wheat, and rye, as well as products containing them.
• Artificial sweeteners: Sorbitol and maltitol are often added to sweets, chewing gum, and sweet foods without sugar. Some people get gas and diarrhea or both when consuming these products.
• Fiber supplements: Adding these supplements to your diet can cause flatulence in some people, especially if they contain psyllium.
• Carbonated drinks and beer: They can cause gas to build up in the gut.

Conditions and medicines that can make flatulence worse

• Basic health conditions: The following chronic diseases can cause flatulence: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis. Anyone who has a sudden or worsening increase in flatulence should consult a doctor.
• Gallbladder problems: Gallstones and cholecystitis can cause extra gas.
• Constipation: Stools can make it difficult to excrete excess gas, which leads to their additional accumulation and discomfort.
• Gastroenteritis and other intestinal infections: Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection of the digestive system or food poisoning can cause gas accumulation. These can be infections caused by E. coli (Escherichia coli), amebiasis (amebiasis), and giardiasis (giardiasis/giardiasis).
• Antibiotics: They can disrupt the normal intestinal or bacterial flora in the gut, which causes flatulence.
• Laxatives: Regular and excessive use of laxatives may increase the risk of developing flatulence.
• Other causes include pregnancy, hernia, pancreatitis, Hirschsprung's disease, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), endometriosis, and others. If you notice signs of poisoning, blockage, or blood in the stool, emergency medical attention is needed.

Flatulence is not a serious problem. In most cases, a change in lifestyle and diet is needed to deal with it.

 

Flatulence diet

Flatulence can be avoided if you do not eat foods that are likely to cause them, such as those containing large amounts of carbohydrates that cannot be digested.

 

Sample menu for flatulence

• Breakfast: green tea with rice porridge.
• Snack: cottage cheese with sour cream.
• Lunch: vegetable soup, boiled chicken, bread, beet salad, compote.
• Afternoon snack: rusks, sour.
• Dinner: buckwheat porridge, steamed meatballs, carrot salad.

 

Useful foods for flatulence

In the presence of such a problem, it is good to steam, stew, or cook dishes. Food should be consumed warm (not too cold and not hot) in small portions up to 6 times a day.

The menu should consist of products that do not provoke the formation of gas in the intestines or contribute to their reduction. . These are:

• low-carbohydrate vegetables (eg green beans, carrots, beets, pumpkin, okra, tomatoes, and bok choy);
• vegetable soups;  
• low-sugar raw fruits (eg apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, grapefruit, peaches, pomegranates, strawberries, and watermelon), prunes;
• freshly squeezed juices (orange, lemon, apple); They can reduce symptoms in some people.

If lifestyle and diet changes are not enough to eliminate flatulence, some medications may help. Activated charcoal tablets absorb gas in the intestines and reduce the symptoms of flatulence. Consult your doctor before using charcoal.

 

Baby gas relief

 

Babies often have painful gas because their digestive tract is smaller and their digestive system is still forming. Your baby's stomach may be stiff and in an attempt to relieve the pain caused by the gas, it may contract its legs towards the breast.

Tips for reducing gas in infants:

 Use a colic pacifier to slow down the flow and reduce the amount of air in the baby's tummy when feeding. This will prevent flatulence.
• When breastfeeding, watch the foods you eat. Dairy products, tomatoes, and other foods that cause the mother's flatulence can do the same to the baby.
• Help the baby burp during and after feedings to expel the gas.
• After the baby is fed, place him on your shoulder in an upright position, holding him with your hands, to help it release excess gases. Lying on your stomach can also help.
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Relieving gas during pregnancy

During pregnancy, high levels of progesterone cause a woman's muscles to relax. This can lead to flatulence as digestion lasts longer and food spends more time in the gut. Flatulence and belching may also occur.