6 main causes of excess gas (and what to do)

Gas are naturally produced by bacteria that ferment food during digestion, and for the most part, it doesn't smell too bad, nor is it indicative of he alth problems. In addition to the production by bacteria, gases can also arise when a person eats too quickly, as it is common for air to enter the body, increasing the amount of gases formed.

However, the formation of gases can occur as a result of the use of antibiotics or consumption of slower-digesting foods, because there is an increase in the fermentation of microorganisms, which results in greater production and higher concentration of gases, can smell very bad and cause symptoms such as swelling in the belly, general malaise and abdominal pain in the form of a twinge.

The formation of gases is greatly influenced by a person's habits and lifestyle. Thus, the main causes of intestinal gas are:

1. Swallowing air during meals

When you eat too fast, due to stress or anxiety, for example, air can enter the body, which causes the formation of gases, this condition being called intestinal meteorism, which can be quite uncomfortable and cause bloating and abdominal pain. Here's how to identify intestinal meteorism.

What to do: In this case, it is important to eat more slowly to prevent air from re-entering the body during eating and thus the symptoms reappear. In addition, it is possible to relieve the symptoms through the use of some drugs such as luftal and dimethicone, for example.

2. Eating foods that are difficult to digest

Some foods, mainly carbohydrates, proteins and fats, have a slightly slower digestion and increase fermentation in the intestine, increasing the amount of gases formed. The main foods responsible for excess intestinal gas are:

Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, milk;
Chickpeas, peas, lentils, potatoes;
Beans, sweet potatoes, yogurt, eggs, wheat bran;
Soda, beer, onion, asparagus.

The combination of foods rich in fiber with foods that have a lot of fat also favors the formation of gases. However, a food that can cause gas in one person may not cause gas in another, so it's important to be aware of the food that caused the gas to rise.

What to do: It is important to avoid the food responsible for the increase in gas, in addition to having a light and easily digestible diet, as this way it is possible to promote the balance of the microbiota gastrointestinal tract and relieve symptoms of excess gas. Learn how diet can decrease gas production.

Also, drinking chamomile and fennel tea or cardamom tea, for example, can also help to eliminate gas more easily. See more about teas for gas in the following video:

3. Taking antacids or antibiotics

The use of antacids and antibiotics can alter the intestinal flora and thus the fermentation process of microorganisms, which could increase the production of intestinal gas.

What to do: In this case, it is important to consult the doctor to find out if it is possible to change the medication or discontinue its use if the gases are causing a lot of discomfort, in addition to evaluating the possibility of using medication to relieve the discomfort caused by gas.

4. Not practicing physical activities

The lack of physical activity slows down the digestion process, increasing the fermentation of food. In addition, sedentary people tend to have constipation, which also favors the formation of intestinal gas due to the permanence of faeces in the intestine for a longer time.

What to do: It is recommended to start practicing physical activities on a regular basis, as it is possible to improve bowel function and reduce gas. Thus, to start the practice of physical activity, it may be interesting to take a 20-minute walk every day and, as physical activity becomes more frequent, the walk can be done for longer or the practice of physical activity can be started. running, for example. Check out some tips to get out of a sedentary lifestyle.

5. Constipation

Constipation can also cause an increase in intestinal gas, as feces remain longer in the intestine, favoring an increase in fermentation and making it difficult for gas to escape, causing abdominal pain and discomfort.

What to do: It is important to invest in habits that help fight constipation, such as a he althy diet rich in fiber, drinking plenty of water during the day and exercising physical activity on a regular basis. In this way, it is possible to improve the functioning of the intestine and, thus, reduce the gases.

6. Carbonated drinks

Sparkling drinks can also increase the production of gases, because they make it easier to swallow more air.

What to do: In this case, the best thing to do is to eliminate the consumption of carbonated drinks, as this will improve the need to burp and eliminate gas.

Watch the following video and check out other tips to get rid of gas:

Intestinal gas in pregnancy

The formation of intestinal gas is a little higher in pregnancy and this is also due to the slowness of digestion that occurs at this stage as a result of the increase in progesterone in the bloodstream. The most common symptoms of gas in pregnancy are:

Stinging abdominal pain;
Noises in the belly;
Abdominal distension;
Feeling full stomach.

Also, constipation, also common in pregnancy, can make the situation worse. To avoid excess gas during pregnancy, it is important to avoid foods that cause gas, drink plenty of water and practice some type of physical exercise such as walking daily. Learn how to eliminate gases.