Gas in the stomach is primarily caused by swallowing air when eating or drinking, according to Mayo Clinicnon-profit entity dedicated to clinical practice, education and research.
In addition, the entity explained that gas is formed in the large intestine (colon) when bacteria ferment carbohydrates (fiber and some starches and sugars) that are not digested in the small intestine.
In fact, certain high-fiber foods can cause gas, including the following:
- Beans and peas (legumes).
- fruits.
- Vegetables.
However, there are other factors that affect such as:
- carbonated drinks, such as sodas and beer, which increase gas in the stomach.
- Feeding Habitssuch as eating too fast, drinking through a straw, chewing gum, sucking on candy, or talking while chewing, which cause us to swallow more air
- fiber supplements that contain psyllium, such as Metamucil, which can increase gas in the colon.
- sugar substitutes, or artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, which are found in some sugar-free foods and beverages and can cause excess gas in the colon.
Along the same lines, signs or symptoms of gas or gas pain include the following:
- Belching.
- Passing gas, but it should be noted that most people pass gas up to 20 times a day.
- Pain, cramps, or a feeling of a lump in the abdomen.
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen (bloating).
- Visible increase in the size of the abdomen (distention).
Therefore, to eliminate gas and reduce abdominal swelling, The Newspaper of Aragon, revealed three infusions that help as:
- Ginger infusion: This spice has healing properties that help with digestion.
- Chamomile infusion with anise: Chamomile is best known for relieving stomach discomfort and anise has digestive properties, since it controls flatulence and stomach inflation.
- Fennel infusion: This plant helps to deflate the stomach and prevents gases.
In any case, before consuming a drink, the first thing to do is consult a health expert so that he or she can guide the process and indicate what is most appropriate for each person, since the information given above does not way replaces medical advice.
For its part, other ways to eliminate gas and reduce abdominal swelling are:
- Eliminate certain foods. Among the foods that most commonly cause gas are beans, peas, lentils, cabbage, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, whole grain foods, mushrooms, certain fruits, and beer and other carbonated beverages. It is recommended to remove one food at a time to see if the gas improves.
- Read the labels. If dairy products seem to be a problem, the person may have some degree of lactose intolerance and so pay attention to what you eat and try low-lactose or lactose-free varieties. Certain indigestible carbohydrates found in sugar-free foods (sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol) can also cause increased gas.
- Eat less fatty foods. Fat slows digestion and gives food more time to ferment.
- Temporarily reduce your intake of high-fiber foods. Fiber has many benefits, but many high-fiber foods are also big gas producers. After removing them from the diet, slowly add fiber back to the diet.
- Try an over-the-counter remedy. Some products can help digest food, and many people believe that these products work.