How to Reduce Bloating and Gas
Today in class we had an exam and I just let one go. It was dead silent during the exam and it echoed. I just pretended I didn’t hear it and kept reading my exam. I tend not to do well with certain foods but I just eat it anyways. So I thought I would make this video on how to reduce bloating and gas because for some people it can be very embarrassing. Passing gas is a normal body function and it is not realistic to eliminate it completely; however it can be quite embarrassing in excess. I will cover some non-pharmacological treatments as well as over the counter medications you can try.
What causes gas?
- Lactose Malabsorption
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Celiac Disease (Not Common)
o Intolerance to gluten
- Certain Foods or Drugs (Do not discontinue a prescribed medication without consulting your doctor)
- Air entering GI tract from swallowing
o This may be caused from sucking on hard candies, chewing gum, smoking, wearing poorly fitted dentures, poor eating habits and being overly anxious.
Symptoms:
- Bloating
- Belching
- Discomfort
- Cramping
Do not self-treat if:
- Debilitating Gas
- Severe gas along with persistent Diarrhea
- Sudden change in the location and severity of abdominal pain
- Gas symptoms persist for more than several months
- Stomach bleeding, unintentional weight loss.
Non-pharmacological Treatments:
- Avoid foods that increase gas. This can include:
o Milk
o Legumes
o Prunes
o Dark Leafy Vegetables
o Starch
o Cheeses
- Here is a chart:
Vegetables Legumes Fruit Carbohydrates Liquids Dairy Fatty Foods
Onions Most Beans Raisins Wheat Carbonated Milk Fried foods
Celery Dried beans Bananas Cereals Beer Ice Cream Fatty Meats
Carrots Peas Apricots Breads Wine Cheese Gravies
Brussel Sprouts Baked Beans Prunes Bagels – - Rich Cream Sauces
Cabbage Soy Beans – Pretzels – - -
Kohlrabi Lima Beans – - – - -
Sauerkraut – - – - – -
- Eat and drink slowly in a calm environment.
- Chew food thoroughly
- Try not to wash solid food down with a beverage
- Eliminate smoking
- Do not overeat in one sitting.
- Try not to lie down or sit in a slumped position immediately after eating.
- Develop a regular routine of exercise and rest.
- Keep a Food Diary
Over the Counter Medications:
- Charcoal (CharcoCaps, Activated Charcoal Tablets)
- Simethicone (Mylicon, Gas-X, Mylanta Gas, Alka-Seltzer Anti Gas)
- Lactase (Lactaid, Dairy Ease)
o Used to break down carbohydrates so that it can be absorbed.
o Taken with food
- Alpha-Galactosidase (Beano)
o Taken with food
Symptoms do not resolve after taking appropriate over the counter medication and dietary changes were made, please see your primary care provider to access your problem and they may prescribe prescription strength medications to help you out and to determine if something else is the problem.
References:
1. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs 15th Edition. American Pharmacists Association. Copyright 2006.
2. Lexi-Complete. Copyright 2010.
This is the exact info. i need. Thanks dude.