Image of digestive system. Why Do I Have Gas?
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Why Do I Have Gas?




For more
information, see:
Gas in the
Digestive Tract

 Illustration of digestive system Everyone has gas. Burping or passing gas through the rectum is normal. Because it is embarrassing to burp or pass gas, many people believe they pass gas too often or have too much gas. They do not realize that passing gas 14 to 23 times a day is normal. An occasional burp during or after meals is normal, too. It is rare for a person to have too much gas.

Most of the time gas is odorless. The odor comes from sulfur made by bacteria in the large ines, and asparagus.

  • Fruits such as pears, apples, and peaches.
  • Whole grains such as whole wheat and bran.
  • Soft drinks and fruit drinks.
  • Milk and milk products, such as cheese and ice cream.
  • Packaged foods that have lactose in them, such as bread, cereal, and salad dressing.
  • Dietetic foods and sugarfree candies and gums.

  • Drink plenty of water, non-"fizzy" liquids, and clear soup.

    • Try not to drink liquids that cause gas, like soda and beer. If you do drink these liquids, pour them into a glass first to let some of the "fizz" out.

  • Reduce the amount of air you swallow. Here are some ways to avoid swallowing air:

    • Eat slower and chew more. This will cut down on the amount of air you swallow when you eat.
    • Avoid chewing gum and eating hard candy.
    • If you smoke, try to cut down or quit.
    • If you have false teeth, see your dentist to make sure they fit right.

  • Keep a diary.

    Write down the foods (and the amounts) that seem to cause you the most problems. Also keep track of the number of times you pass gas. You may be surprised to find that it is within the 14 to 23 times a day that is considered normal.

    If you are troubled by gas, you may want to see your doctor. Take your diary with you to help you answer the doctor's questions about eating habits and symptoms.

    		•

    Remember

    		 1. Everyone has gas in the digestive tract.
    2. People often think they pass too much gas when they don't.
    3. Passing gas 14 to 23 times a day is normal.
    4. Two ways to reduce the amount of gas you have are the following:
      • Cut down on the foods that cause gas.
      • Reduce the amount of air you swallow.

      National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

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      The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Public Health Service. Established in 1980, the clearinghouse provides information about digestive diseases to people with digestive disorders and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. NDDIC answers inquiries; develops, reviews, and distributes publications; and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about digestive diseases.

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      		 NIH Publication No. 97-4156
      March 1997

      e-text posted: 20 February 1998