Intestinal gas, flatulence, farting or wind is a natural part of the digestive process. This odorless gas, although sometimes irritating, is due to good digestion. Every day, our body produces one liter of gas which is eventually eliminated. Gases in the intestines are made up of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane. If we notice a bad smell, it is because the gas contains other compounds, including hydrogen sulphide and ammonia.
The bacteria that live in our intestines are responsible for producing intestinal gas. It digests the food we eat; mainly sugars, starches and cellulose. When these added sugars are not broken down properly, they can burn and produce gas as they pass through the intestines. The contractions of the small intestine transport this gas through the large intestine, where it is expelled through the rectum. This prevents gas from building up in the body, which can cause bloating. Some foods produce more gas than others. Certain healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, oatmeal, beans and peas are often the worst offenders. These foods are high in soluble fiber. Fiber slows the digestion of starches in the small intestine, thereby promoting gas production. However, fiber has many benefits, including promoting a healthy digestive tract, regulating our blood sugar levels, and maintaining normal cholesterol levels.
Normally, we pass gas about 14 times a day. Intestinal gas is considered excessive if it passes more than 20 times a day. If a person complains of excessive gas, but does not pass it more than twenty times a day, there may be something else going on. Perhaps the concern is the bad smell of their gas, the inability to hold gas, or even the problem with their underwear getting dirty when the gas passes. Fortunately, there are many natural and alternative health remedies we can try that can help reduce or eliminate the embarrassment of intestinal gas from our lives. Suggestions for welfare
Avoid foods such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, coffee, eggs, fish, prunes, radishes, dates, figs - or sweet sweeteners such as sorbitol - which can promote gas production.
Limit foods that are high in fat. Fat slows digestion through the stomach and small intestine.
Avoid milk and milk products, especially if you suspect lactose intolerance. Try taking a digestive enzyme or bitter digestive tonic before meals to help improve carbohydrate digestion.
Activated charcoal tablets, when taken before meals, have been shown to reduce gas formation. Ginger, fresh or in tablet form, helps to stop flatulence.
Catnip and fennel are commonly used herbs to relieve constipation and reduce intestinal gas. Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas Formula contains a blend of herbs that help the body expel gas.
The addition of probiotics such as cidophilus and bifidophilus supports the good bacteria in the digestive tract and controls gas-producing bacteria.
