Having flatulence alone is nothing to worry about, as it is often caused by foods rich in necessary fiber. However, hydration and controlling the amount digested helps reduce gas.
If you’re feeling excessively gassy or bloated, don’t despair. An ordinary person passes gas 5 to 15 times a dayexternally – but perhaps not for the reasons you imagine.
Believe it or not, passing gas is a sign that your intestine is working properly.
This happens because foods that cause gas tend to be complex carbohydrates high in fiber and heart-healthy, which your body can’t digest but the bacteria in your gut can.
But some foods considered less healthy can make your gases more noticeable (bad smelling).
Here’s a list of the foods most likely to cause gas, the ones that make your gas more pungent, and when it’s important to see a doctor.
1. Fatty foods
This is a factor that impacts the smell, not the frequency. Fatty foods slow down digestionwhich means they remain in the intestine for longer, creating more unpleasant odors.
This is because they contain methionine, an amino acid that contains sulfur and creates that rotten egg smell when it is digested.
Remember: fatty foods = slower digestion = stronger smelling gases.
2. Beans
We’ve all heard the rhyme about beans, right? The more you eat, the more gas you release.
We can point the finger at raffinose – a complex sugar found in beans and lentils that the body has difficulty processing. When it reaches the intestine, bacteria transform it into gases such as hydrogen, methane and sulfur with a strong odor.
3. Eggs
Contrary to popular belief, eggs generally don’t make us pass gas. If you notice this happening, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, you may have an intolerance or allergy, so it is best to consult your doctor.
But they contain our old familiar methionine. Therefore, if you don’t want strong-smelling gas, don’t eat eggs with foods that cause gas, such as beans or fatty meats.
4. Onions
Onions, artichokes, garlic and leek contain fructans – carbohydrates that can cause gas and bloating.
5. Dairy
This doesn’t affect everyone, but if you have lactose intolerance? Well, you probably know what happens if you accidentally eat cheese, ice cream, anything with milk or yogurt. Gas and bloating soon after.
This is because – regardless of whether they come from cows, sheep or goats – dairy products contain a sugar called lactose.
Unfortunately, lactose intolerance is relatively common.
6. Wheat and whole grains
Oats, pasta, bread and some cereals contain fructans and fiber that cause gas. For most people, this is part of normal digestion. But if you are sensitive to gluten (found in wheat, barley and rye), these foods can cause gas or discomfort.
7. Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage
Many cruciferous vegetables contain sulfur – and we know what that can do. They are also very high in fiber, which means the intestine may have difficulty digesting vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale, causing gas.
8. Fruits like apples, mangoes and pears
These fruits are rich in a natural sugar called fructose, which some people have difficulty digesting. Apples and pears are also loaded with fiber, which can mean extra gas.
Is it possible to stop releasing gases?
Short answer: not exactly – and you shouldn’t try either. Foods rich in fiber are essential for good healtheven if they sometimes cause a little gas.
But you can make things easier for yourself.
Add fiber gradually
Fruits, vegetables and legumes can cause gas, but eating several portions of these foods a day is much more important than eliminating gas.
If you are not used to it, increase the amount of food too quickly may cause discomfort. So go slowly.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can cause constipation, so it’s probably no surprise that if feces remain in the intestine, they have more time to ferment and cause unpleasant-smelling gas.
Stay hydrated throughout the day (the NHS recommends six to eight glasses of water) and try peppermint tea for gas and bloating.
Avoid bubbles and extra air
As carbonated drinks literally add gas to your digestive system. The same happens with chewing gum or swallowing air when eating soup or cereal with a spoon. If he swallows air, he needs to go somewhere.
When should you worry?
Most gases are harmless. But you should consult a doctor, preferably an external professional, if:
- It is affecting your life and home and medication treatments have not worked.
- Have stomach pain or bloating that do not pass or that return.
- You have recurring constipation or diarrhea.
- If you have lost weight without trying.
- There is blood in the stool three weeks ago.
Otherwise, accept the fact that passing gas is great for your gut health — even if not always for your social life.
