Why do I have gas?

Everyone has gas. Burping and "passing gas” is normal. But because it is embarrassing, many people believe they pass gas too often or have too much gas. A person actually having too much gas is rare.

Most of the time, gas in the body is odorless. The odor of passed gas comes from sulfur made by bacteria in the large intestine. Sometimes gas causes bloating or pain. Not everyone has these symptoms. How much gas the body makes and how sensitive a person is to gas in the large intestine have an effect on how uncomfortable one feels.

What can I do about gas?

Changing what you eat and drink can help prevent or reduce gas. If you feel like you have too much gas, you might want to try these things.

1.     Cut down on foods that can cause gas.

The amount of gas caused by certain foods varies from person to person. The only way to know your own limits is to keep track of what you eat and how much gas is causes later. You may want to keep a food diary. Write down what you eat every day and any symptoms you may develop to help determine which foods cause you the most problems.

Foods That May Contribute to Gas Production 

•      Milk Products: Milk, ice cream, cheese

•      Vegetables: Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts,

•      cauliflower, cucumbers, sauerkraut, kohlrabi, asparagus

•      Root Vegetables: Potatoes, rutabaga, turnips, radishes, onions

•      Fruits: Prunes, apricots, apples, raisins, bananas

•      Cereals & Breads: Cereals, breads, pastries, and all foods containing wheat and wheat products. Check labels

•      Fatty Foods: Pan-fried or deep-fried foods, fatty meats, rich cream sauces and gravies, pastries, and any high-fat food. Check labels

•      Liquids: Carbonated beverages, fizzy medicine 

2.      Drink plenty of water and clear soup but not “fizzy” liquids. 

Try not to drink liquids that can cause gas, like soda and beer.

3.      Eat more slowly and chew your food more.

When you eat fast, you may swallow too much air and this can also cause gas.

This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed.It is not a substitute for your care team’s medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment forspecific medical conditions.

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