[acb-diabetics] should you see a 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 version of this article:
http://diabeticgourmet.com/articles/680.shtml

"I would rather walk with God in the dark 
than go alone in the light."
~Blessed, Sugar

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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