Sometimes, gas can be a cause of discomfort in front of four people, right? This is actually very common. It is said that a normal healthy person passes air about 14 times a day. Even though we know that this is healthy and normal, sometimes the discomfort caused by this can be difficult to tolerate. If you are also tired of constantly filling your stomach and filling up with gas, you can control this condition with a few simple tips.
Be a little careful about what you eat.
Simply put, the beneficial bacteria in our intestines help our bodies digest certain food components that are difficult for our bodies to digest easily. This process often produces gas. This happens especially when these foods are digested in the large intestine. So, there are several types of foods that are the main contributors to gas in the stomach.
| Gas-causing food category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Lentils and nuts | Lentils, chickpeas, green peas, beans |
| Some vegetables | Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus |
| Foods containing fructose | Onions, pears, wheat, some sweet drinks |
| Foods containing lactose | Milk and milk products (yogurt, cheese) |
| Foods rich in soluble fiber | Fruits, oats, and nuts |
| Starch-rich foods | Corn, bread, pasta, potatoes |
| Artificial sweeteners | Foods containing Sorbitol |
| Cereals with bran | Foods made from brown rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat flour |
Now, when you look at this list, you might be thinking, "Wow, these are all good foods." That's true. But you don't have to eat all of them. Maybe one or two of these are the ones that are causing you gas. Think about it, some people get stomach problems when they drink milk. But others don't have any problems. And these things can change with age. For example, many people have difficulty digesting dairy products as they get older.
There are two simple steps to finding out which foods are causing you gas.
1. Keep a food diary: When you feel full or gassy, look back at what you ate a few hours before. Gas usually occurs within a few hours of eating. Write these down in a small notebook.
2. Try it little by little: Try the foods you suspect one by one. Imagine that you have eaten lentils and suspect that you have gas in your stomach. Try eating only lentils for one day without mixing it with anything else. Do you get gas? Or, after a day, try eating another food you suspect (e.g. cabbage). By testing one by one in this way, you can find out which food is causing you the problem.
How to change your eating habits?
The best way to reduce gas is to avoid the foods that cause you problems. But if you're having gas because of a healthy food like cabbage or brown rice, don't stop eating it completely. You can reduce the amount you eat a little. Then, gradually increase the amount of that food over a few weeks. This gives your digestive system time to adjust.
Remember, it's more important to manage the amount of healthy foods you eat than to completely give them up.
Should we consider a supplement?
Some supplements contain digestive enzymes that help with digestion. These help break down food particles that are difficult to digest. For example, if you have gas from dairy products, you can take supplements that contain an enzyme called lactase. There are also products that can help reduce gas from things like beans. However, it is essential to talk to your doctor before using any of these supplements.
Do you swallow air without realizing it? (Aerophagia)
We all swallow a little air without realizing it. It's normal. But when we swallow too much air, it's called aerophagia. This can cause bloating, gas, or belching. There are some things you can do to help you swallow more air. Pay attention to these things:
- Chewing gum
- Sugary carbonated drinks (soda)
- Swallowing food quickly
- Smoking
- Wearing dentures that don't fit properly
In addition, stress can also cause you to swallow air without realizing it. Sometimes we don't even realize we're doing it. If you're constantly feeling anxious or stressed, find ways to relax. You can also talk to your doctor about this and get advice on ways to reduce stress.
Give yourself some exercise.
Exercises like walking, cycling, and running help move air through the digestive system. This can help relieve bloating and discomfort. Getting some exercise into your body every day is a good solution to this problem.
When should I talk to a doctor about this?
If you make these lifestyle changes and there is no relief, and if frequent gas and bloating are a big problem for you, definitely see a doctor.
Sometimes, abnormal gas in the stomach can be a symptom of another medical condition. For example:
- Celiac disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Bacterial overgrowth in the intestines
- Some problems with the pancreas
Also, some medications you take can cause gas. So if you're concerned about this, it's important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor may suggest some tests to check for other underlying conditions. If the problem is with the foods you eat, your doctor may also prescribe a medicine that helps move gas through your intestines more quickly.
Take-Home Message
- Although gas is normal, there are ways to control it if it bothers you.
- Keep a food diary to find out which foods cause you gas.
- Change habits like chewing gum and eating quickly, and avoid swallowing too much air.
- Exercising daily helps a lot in reducing stomach discomfort.
- If these simple things don't make a difference, or if you have serious concerns about this, don't delay and talk to your doctor.

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