Flatulence Has Many Causes

February 27, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I suffer from EXTREME gas. It never goes away. I have tried many different prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs but nothing has helped. I also try to watch my diet carefully in an attempt to avoid common gas-causing foods.

I read your column regularly and have noticed that you offer some really good suggestions to people with all sorts of medical problems. I hope you can offer me some help.

DEAR READER:
Gas can have several causes from the foods we consume to medications to medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes as we age, we simply have more gas, as well.

In your brief note, you don’t give an age, any health problems you may have or list any medications (including herbals and OTCs) you may be taking. I can, therefore, only given general advice. [Read more...]

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September 24, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have been having a problem with flatulence. I know fried foods and fish cause the problem but sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint what really gives me so much gas.

I want to avoid Bean-O or other medications to prevent the problem. Please advise me what I can do.

DEAR READER:
Millions of bacteria grow within the colon and certain foods cause those bacteria to thrive. In fact, as much as 90% of intestinal gas is formed by bacteria that feed on certain sugars and carbohydrates.

You apparently have made the connection between diet and gas. Other than fried foods, wheat products, Brussels sprouts, legumes, cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, dairy products, potatoes, carbonated beverages and carrots all play a role. It would be impossible to eliminate everything from your diet, and each individual is different when it comes to gas production. [Read more...]

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