How to overcome flatulence

By Mohamad Ali

Flatulence, a digestive disorder, is actually the abnormal amounts of gas in the gastrointestinal tract which gets passed out through the anus. It is often accompanied by a distinctive noise which is due to the vibration of the anal sphincter and occasionally by closed buttocks. The flatus is flammable, as both methane and hydrogen are flammable gases. The odor in flatulence comes from hydrogen sulphide derived from foods in the diet, and other sulphur- or nitrogen-containing compounds including methanethiol. Flatulence is often accompanied by bloating, abdominal pain, belching and wind.

Irrespective of its cause, flatulence is the result of food not being completely digested or is being digested inadequately. The causes include bacteria, indigestion, and motility disorders. Other possible causes are swallowing air when smoking, talking while eating or drinking or performing similar actions too fast. It is a normal part of being human, but it can cause an alarming rate of embarrassment in certain situations. How many times have you been subjected to the unpleasant odor emitted from someone around you? Diet is the most important consideration in all cases of chronic, excess gas formation. Flatulence is a signal from your body that there is a problem that needs to be solved.

The solutions to the problem of flatulence are outlined below:

1. Check on the food combination during a meal. Starch and citrus combination will increase flatulence. So is the mixing of fruit and vegetables at the same meal. Melons with anything else have a similar effect. Junk food, refined food and fried foods in all chaotic combinations can also cause flatulence.

2. Excessively large meals definitely upset the digestive enzyme capacity and will lead to indigestion leading to fermentation and gas. Do not drink between meals. Eating slowly and chewing food longer allows the enzymes in saliva to break the food down before it enters the stomach and digestive tract.


3. Gas forming bacteria generally feed on certain carbohydrates and sugars. So, if these carbohydrates are reduced or eliminated from the diet, rectal gas can usually be significantly reduced. If the food consists of sweets, excess meat, refined carbohydrates, and with low fiber content, the bacterial flora change leading to poor digestion. The big offenders causing flatulence include cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, garlic, wheat, yeast, onions, apple peels, and bran.

4. Activated charcoal absorbs the gas and toxins in the gut. Take 1 -2 tablets in acute flatulence. Eat slices of ginger after a meal. It will aid in the digestion and will prevent flatulence.