[acb-diabetics] Should you see your doctor about intestinal gas?

[Patricia LaFrance-Wolf]

SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT INTESTINAL GAS?

 

By Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN

 

Most people consider the release of intestinal gas an embarrassment. Some
people even complain about it to their doctors. Part of the problem is that
people are unsure how much intestinal gas should pass, if any.

When does it signal something wrong with a person's eating habits or state
of health?

 

A bloated feeling or excess gas is occasionally a symptom of serious
problems like intestinal obstruction, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel
disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. If your flatulence is chronic or
increasing, talk to your doctor.

 

It's normal, however, to pass gas 10 to 20 times a day. Most of the time,
this gas comes from swallowed air, incompletely digested food, gut bacteria
that produce a lot of gas, or a sluggish bowel that evacuates air slowly.
Some people may suffer more from gas as they age because the digestive tract
moves more slowly or produces smaller amounts of digestive enzymes. Some
people, like those with irritable bowel syndrome, may be sensitive to even
small amounts of gas, causing them to feel inaccurately that they produce
too much gas.

 

If your physician determines that your flatulent worries are unrelated to
disease, there are several possible reasons for a "gas problem." People may
swallow air when they smoke, chew gum, or drink through a straw. Burping
often releases it, but air may pass all the way through the digestive tract.

Carbonated drinks (like soda and beer), poorly fitted dentures and rapid
eating can also be the culprits.

 

Gas produced within the gut usually comes from various types of
carbohydrates. Carbohydrates that are only partially broken down in the
upper digestive tract are fermented by bacteria when they reach the lower
intestines. For example, some people lack enough of the enzyme that digests
lactose, the sugar naturally found in milk. Dairy products like yogurt and
cheese, which already have most of their lactose broken down, may not create
as much gas for these people.

 

Special lactose-free milk and lactase tablets are also available. Some
research shows that people can often gradually build up to greater lactose
tolerance.

 

People may also experience more gas if they suddenly increase the amount of
fiber in their diets. Fiber is found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains,
beans and nuts. When you boost your fiber intake, you should do so
gradually.

Drink plenty of water, too.

 

Dried beans, often the topic of gas-related jokes, actually can generate
extra gas. In addition to fiber, beans contain a sugar called raffinose that
may arrive at the end of the digestive tract incompletely digested and ready
to ferment.

A gas-reducing enzyme supplement available in most supermarkets and
pharmacies might be helpful for some people. Digestion problems with beans
can also be sometimes avoided by soaking and rinsing them prior to cooking.

 

Like raffinose, other carbohydrates in cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts,
onions and even some fruits can be hard to digest for some people. Large
amounts of sugar-free candies and other desserts sweetened with sorbitol can
also lead to gas, when sorbitol ferments in the lower intestine.

 

When gas from any of these sources does not pass out of the body easily, it
can collect in part of the digestive tract, causing bloating and discomfort.
Staying physically active and drinking plenty of fluids helps gas move
through the gut.

Activity and fluids also shorten the transit time of foods through the
digestive tract, so gas is less able to form.

 

If you experience a constant or severe increase in intestinal gas or
bloating, you should talk to your doctor to make sure there is no serious
health issue. But remember that some gas is normal. Don't eliminate foods
from your diet that have many health benefits, like beans and broccoli, over
a little concern or embarrassment with gas.

 

Online/Printable Version:

http://diabeticgourmet.com

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