Causes of increased gas, bloating

The article was written by MSc Pham Thi Mai Thanh - Department of General Internal Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

The phenomenon of bloating and bowel movements makes people feel uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassed. The average person produces 0.5-1.5 liters of gas per day and passes stools 14-23 times per day. Passing before and after meals is normal.

The amount of gas produced in the body depends on diet and personal factors, however, most patients who complain of gas do not produce more gas than others, but because they are more sensitive to gas. In addition, certain foods or medications can cause gas production.

Gas swallowed when eating: Is the main source of gas in the stomach. Normally everyone swallows a little bit of air when eating, drinking or swallowing. You can swallow large amounts of gas when you eat too quickly or gulp, chew gum, or smoke. Most of the swallowed air is burped, only a very small amount goes to the small intestine. Your posture affects how much air will go down to your intestines. In the sitting position, most of the swallowed air travels up the esophagus and is burped out. In the lying position slightly tends to go down to the intestines and cause abdominal bloating. Ợ Steam often occurs naturally, not predetermined. Gasping after meals helps to reduce the amount of gas that causes bloating and reduces pressure in the stomach. Ợ Gas occurs more often after eating certain foods that relax the lower esophageal sphincter eg: Mints, chocolate, fatty foods...
Gas-producing foods : Foods containing chain carbohydrates Short, poorly absorbed gastrointestinal (GI) tracts called "FODMAPs" (fermentable oligo- di- and monosaccharides and polyols) in some people and cause gas, bloating, and pain. A low-FODMAP diet (which includes flour, barley, milk, and certain fruits and vegetables) can reduce gas. Starch and soluble fiber also contribute to gas production. Potatoes, corn, noodles and flour produce steam while rice does not. Soluble fiber (found in oat bran, peas and other legumes) can also cause gas, especially in the first few weeks of eating.

Lactose intolerance: Lactose is a type of sugar found in dairy products. Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body cannot digest lactose, causing abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
Intolerance to certain other sugars: Some people cannot digest certain other sugars found in foods such as fructose (found in dried fruits, honey, cane sugar, onions, artichokes and some beverages). contains corn syrup ) and sorbitol ( contained in sugar-free diet candies )
Some diseases make it difficult to absorb carbohydrates and lead to increased gas production. This problem also occurs in patients with Celiac (gluten intolerance - a protein contained in flour), short bowel syndrome and some other diseases such as diabetes or scleroderma.
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