Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, Fourth Edition (103 page)

Everyone has gas. It’s normal. In fact, we “pass gas” an average of 10 to 15 times a day. Most of our gas comes from swallowed air. Chewing gum, drinking carbonated beverages, and eating whipped foods such as egg whites and whipped cream all contribute to swallowed air. The gas we pass is mainly nitrogen (up to 90 percent), carbon dioxide, and oxygen, which are odorless. Gas and bloating are also a product of the fermentation of small pieces of undigested foods by the bacteria in our intestines. Fermentation produces stinky gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide, which has the odor of rotten eggs. Other substances, like butyric acid, cadaverine, and putrescine are present in tiny amounts, but they are noted for the mighty fragrance they give to gas.

Some of us experience excessive amounts of gas, which can be not only embarrassing but also an uncomfortable sign that something is out of balance. Millions of people have bloating and discomfort associated with gas. If you’ve ever made wine, you’ll recall putting a balloon on the top during the fermentation process that
allowed for expansion of the gases produced. Our bellies act like a balloon, expanding to contain the gas produced by fermentation.

Foods from the cabbage family, dried and sulfured fruits, and beans all contain sulfur that gives gas a rotten-egg odor, but sulfur also has critical use throughout our bodies. Cucumbers, celery, apples, carrots, onions, and garlic are all commonly known to cause gas. People with lactose intolerance often experience gas when they eat dairy products. Eating a high-fiber diet is healthful but can cause gas until your intestinal flora adjusts. You may have insufficient levels of hydrochloric acid, intestinal flora, pancreatic enzymes, or a dysbiosis that is causing your problems. Food sensitivities, especially to wheat and grains, can also cause excessive gas.

You will probably find the answers to your gas issues in the DIGIN model. If they’re not solved by these simple suggestions, look deeper. I remember one man whose flatulence was causing difficulties at work. His coworkers complained. He had stool testing and discovered he had parasites. Once treated, his gas normalized.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth test

Organic acid testing

Comprehensive digestive stool analysis with parasitology

IgE and IgG allergy testing

Lactose breath test

Self-test for lactose intolerance by eliminating all dairy from your diet

Chew your food well and eat slowly.
These simple activities can have far-reaching effects on healthy digestive processes and gas reduction.

Increase fiber gradually.
Most of us need to dramatically increase the amount of dietary fiber we eat, but raising these levels too quickly can cause a lot of gas and discomfort. Our flora goes wild with sudden increases in dietary fiber, and the fermentation causes gas. Increasing your fiber intake more slowly will solve this problem. High-fiber foods include whole grains, beans, and many fruits and vegetables.

Consider possible lactose intolerance.
The inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk, is a frequent cause of gas. Eliminate all dairy products for at least two weeks and see if there is improvement. Make sure to eliminate all hidden dairy products found in foods. Products such as Lactaid and Digestive Advantage LI really help for the times you do eat dairy products.

Supplement with probiotics.
Use of a supplemental probiotic bacteria can make a tremendous difference in your ability to digest foods. Beneficial flora can help
reestablish the normal microbial balance in your intestinal tract. Take one to two capsules or powdered probiotic supplement as directed on label. Products differ in dosage. Mix powdered supplement with a cool or cold beverage; hot drinks kill the flora.

Try digestive enzymes.
Many people find that supplementation with digestive enzymes at meals, either vegetable, bromelain, papaya, or pancreatic enzymes, really helps prevent gas. Take one to two digestive enzymes with meals.