4 Ways to Fight the Gas Monster

Have you ever sat in a really important meeting or been at an event and all the sudden been attacked by the gas monster. You sit in agony squirming in your seat and hoping that it will pass quickly and nothing embarrassing will come of it. You wonder why, why today, why right now, what did I do to deserve this torment.

The answer is quite simple. You did nothing wrong. Your body is just going through its normal cycle. It is perfectly normal to pass gas 14 times per day according to the National Institute of Health. Gas is made up of odorless vapors that at times can contain sulfur which can cause the unpleasant odor.

Although having gas is normal, it can still be uncomfortable and embarrassing problem to have. Understanding what causes it and finding ways to reduce the symptoms and treatment of gas can help most people find relief.

Gas is caused by two sources. The first one is the air that you swallow. Everyone allows small amounts of air to enter doing regular activities like eating or drinking, however eating or drinking rapidly, chewing gum or smoking causes you to take in more air leading to more discomfort with gas. The second cause for gas is the normal breakdown of certain undigested foods by harmless bacteria naturally present in the large intestine (colon). The body does not digest and absorb some carbohydrates and other foods in the small intestine because of a shortage or absence of certain enzymes.

The symptoms and problems that gas can cause can be bothersome but not life threatening.

1.) Belching- This symptom usually occurs during or after meals to release the gasses when your stomach is full of food. Some people belch more frequently than others due to swallowing too much air and releasing it before it enters their stomach.

2.) Flatulence- Another complaint that people bring up is flatulence. Flatulence is too much passage of gas through the rectum. Most people do not realize that it is perfectly normal to pass gas 14-23 times in a 24 hour period.

3.) Abdominal Bloating- Many people believe that abdominal bloating occurs due to too much gas in the abdomen, they do not realize that is actually the normal amount and distribution of gas, they are just unusually aware of it.

 4.) Pain and Discomfort-This is the most bothersome of all the symptoms. This is usually caused by the body’s production of too much gas. Your doctor may have you keep a journal detailing how much gas you pass during the day and to rule out if there are any other problems that may be causing the pain.

Now that we know why has occurs and some of the problems that it causes we can look at some ways of easing the discomfort or preventing them all together.

1. Diet-Your doctor may have you try to cut different foods out of your diet that are known to cause more than the normal amount of gas. It will have to be a period of trial and error because the same foods that cause gas in some may not cause it in others. You also don’t want to cut out all the foods that are known to cause gas because that would be a removal of a lot of nutrients from your diet. Foods that have shown to have higher gas producing agents are carbohydrates, sugars, lactose, starches and fiber. Some more specific examples are beans, cabbage, broccoli, soft drinks, certain fruits, and cheese.

2.Reduce Swallowed Air- If you suffer from a chronic belching problem a health professional may suggest that you try to reduce the amount of air that you swallow. A couple ways of doing that are avoid chewing gum, eating hard candy, eating at a slower pace, and stopping or cutting down on smoking cigarettes.

 

3.Over the Counter Medications- There are many non-prescription medications that you can get at your local drug or grocery store. Make sure that you take the time to read the labels because different supplements and digestive agents work for different foods that cause gas. Lactaid and Dairy Ease aid in the gas that is produced by foods like cheese and milk. Beano helps with the gas that is caused by beans and vegetables.

4.Prescription Medications- If you have tried these other methods and the problems with gas continue to persist and interfere with everyday life it may be time for something more serious and a trip to see your doctor. There have been stronger medications developed that may provide aid to you that have to be prescribed by a physician.

You don’t have to fall victim to the gas monster any longer. You now have the knowledge and ammunition to fight against it. Participating in   life’s moments and challenges can now be painless and enjoyable. Start living!

 

Copyright © 2007-2008 Nat Doroshenko of Healthy Male Enhancement.

This article may be freely distributed as long as this resource box stays attached.

About The Author

Nat Doroshenko is the CEO and owner of the male enhancement products company that is dedicated to provide consumers with the real truth about an all natural male enhancement product that guarantees results.