Is your stomach always full and you pass gas? (Gas & Bloating): Do you know what causes it?

Does your stomach feel like a balloon on some days and feel very uncomfortable? Do you have times when you feel gassy and tired all day long, even after eating a little? This is actually a common problem for many people. Sometimes it can be caused by the things we eat and drink. But sometimes there may be a medical condition behind this that needs a little more attention. So let's find out more about this today.

Who are the culprits hiding in food and drink?

Most of us know that eating foods like beans, lentils, cabbage, broccoli, and onions can cause gas. But there are a few foods and drinks that we don't think about much, but are the main causes of this condition. They are fruits, some sodas, and milk.

Simply put, there are two types of sugar in this food that cause problems.

1. Fructose: This is a type of sugar that is naturally found in fruits and fruit juices. It is also added to some sweetened beverages as a sweetener.

2. Lactose: This is a type of sugar found in milk and foods made from milk, such as cheese, yogurt, and skim milk.

When our bodies are unable to properly digest these two types of sugar, symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps, gas, and sometimes diarrhea occur.

Lactose and Fructose Intolerance

Does drinking milk cause stomach upset? - Lactose Intolerance

It is very common for people around the world to experience stomach discomfort after drinking milk or eating cheese. This is especially common among people in Asian countries like us. This is called lactose intolerance . This condition occurs when our intestines do not have enough of the enzyme needed to break down and digest lactose, a type of sugar.

Is eating fruit a problem? - Fructose Intolerance

Fructose intolerance is also a common condition , but it's often undiagnosed. Studies have found that fructose can cause gas in nearly half of healthy people.

There are special tests, such as breath tests, that your doctor can perform to confirm both of these conditions.

What if this isn't a food problem? Let's learn about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Sometimes, the cause of this problem is not just food. Another major cause behind gas, bloating, and changes in bowel habits is a condition called Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) .

IBS is a very common condition that affects our large intestine. However, it can be a little difficult to diagnose because the symptoms vary from person to person.

• Common symptoms: Gas and bloating are the main concerns.
• Changing symptoms: Along with stomach pain and discomfort, your bowel movements may change. You may experience constipation one week, diarrhea the next. Sometimes you may even feel the need to go to the bathroom all of a sudden.

Although the exact cause of IBS is not yet known, experts believe that stress, changes in hormones, and disturbances in nerve signals between the brain and the intestines may contribute to its onset.

Many people don't go to the doctor when they have these minor symptoms. They try different things by controlling their diet. If they have constipation, they eat more fiber, and if they have diarrhea, they stop drinking coffee and beans. But if it persists, it's best to seek medical advice.

When should we start thinking seriously about this? (Red Flag Symptoms)

Although gas and bloating are usually not dangerous, in some rare cases they can be early signs of a more serious condition, such as colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease .

Therefore, if you have any of the following red flag symptoms along with gas and bloating, see a doctor immediately without delay.

These symptoms are not usually seen in IBS or indigestion. Therefore, you should be very careful about these. Never go for medication on your own. The most important thing is to talk to your doctor, get the necessary tests done, find out the exact cause of the condition, and get treatment.