We all have a story in our lives that we are too embarrassed to tell, right? Imagine going out for a meal with your crush for the first time, or being in a quiet movie theater, or thinking you are alone, when suddenly a sound comes from your stomach... Isn't that really embarrassing? But don't worry, this is not something that only happens to you. The release of gas from the stomach, whether it is farting or belching, is a normal thing that happens to all of us.
In fact, the average person passes gas between 13 and 21 times a day. Yes, that's normal.
But the problem is, if you can't control this. Not only does it become a matter of embarrassment, but it can also start to affect your daily life. When your stomach is full of gas, when you overeat, your body feels pain. And your mind is not free. When you go out with friends, when you are at the office, or when you are with your partner, the fear of something like this happening in your mind takes away the joy of that moment. So when this physical pain and mental fear come together, there are times when you feel bored with your life.
But there's good news. It's actually very rare to have too much gas to control. Even if you think you have a lot of gas, you're probably within that normal range.
Find out for yourself what causes you gas.
Okay, so what do you do if you think you're overeating? The first thing you need to do is keep a little diary of what you eat and how you feel after eating it. There are some foods that are actually gas-producing (like beans, peas, and lentils). But did you know that many carbohydrates can cause gas? These include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, pears, apples, lots of dairy products, and anything that contains high-fructose corn syrup .
But the special thing here is that this varies from person to person. Your brother may eat yogurt and cabbage without any problems. But you may not be able to digest the same food and develop gas.
This is why it's so important to keep a food journal . Use a small notebook or an app on your smartphone for this. Choose the method that's easiest for you. After a while, you'll start to see a pattern. You'll realize, "Oh... I only get gas when I eat this food." Then you can cut back on those foods. Maybe the solution to the problem is that simple.
Some other simple ways to control gas
Small changes in your lifestyle can go a long way in controlling this gas problem. Let's see what they are.
| Habit / To-do | Why is that? / Description |
|---|---|
| Stop chewing gum. | As you continue to chew gum, you swallow more air without even realizing it. This air is what later comes out as gas. |
| Eat slowly. | Eating too fast also causes you to swallow more air. So, make a habit of chewing your food well and eating slowly. |
| Stop drinking carbonated drinks. | Carbonated drinks like soda, champagne, and some mineral waters contain a lot of gas. Instead, drink something like water or fruit juice (less gas). |
| Avoid certain fruit juices | Apple and pear juice can cause a lot of gas in some people. |
| Quit smoking. | When you smoke, you swallow a large amount of air along with the smoke. And smoking is not good for the body anyway. |
| Properly tighten the dentures | If you wear dentures, make sure they fit properly. A loose set of dentures can cause you to swallow more air while eating. |
| Reduce oily food | Although oil does not directly cause gas, eating foods high in oil can increase bloating and discomfort. |
Remember, if you still feel uncomfortable after doing all of this, don't worry about it. Sometimes it's best to seek medical advice.
What if these things aren't enough? It's time to see a doctor.
"If this gas problem is interfering with your normal life, it's best to see your doctor," says a gastroenterologist. Occasional stomach pain and bloating are normal. However, if it's accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight loss, anemia, and constant fatigue , it could be a sign of a problem that needs attention.
Often, different digestive system diseases have similar symptoms. That's why it's important to tell a doctor about your discomfort. Then he or she can do the necessary tests, find the real cause of your problem, and provide the right treatment that will bring you relief.
| Risk factors: Do you have gas in your stomach along with these? Then definitely see a doctor. | |
|---|---|
| If you lose weight for no reason. | If you have a persistent stomach ache . |
| If you have anemia . | If there is blood in the stool . |
| If you feel persistent fatigue . | If you have persistent vomiting or nausea . |
If you have symptoms like these, it could be a sign of a condition like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Lactose Intolerance (difficulty digesting milk) . Therefore, it is wise to consult a doctor and seek advice without fear or suffering in your heart.
Take-Home Message
- Passing gas 13-21 times a day is normal . Don't be ashamed or afraid of it.
- The best way to find out which foods cause you gas is to keep a food diary .
- This condition can be largely controlled with simple lifestyle changes such as eating slowly, stopping carbonated drinks, and avoiding smoking.
- If you have any warning signs like gas along with weight loss, persistent stomach pain, or blood in your stool, don't ignore them. Definitely see your doctor .
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