Everyone’s body contains a lot of gas, not only in the lungs, but also in the gastrointestinal tract. Gas is expelled through the throat and mouth – known as belching, and through the anus – known as farting.
These are normal physiological reactions of the human body. In ancient times, people would feel embarrassed and ashamed of farting, and there were even women who committed suicide because men farted in front of her and felt humiliated.
Nowadays, children know that “a fart is a kind of gas that runs around in your stomach ……”. It is estimated that most people produce about 500 to 1,500 milliliters (about 1 to 3 pounds) of gas per day, with an average of 14 exhausts per day. In most cases these gases are odorless and tasteless, and their main components are carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sometimes methane (biogas). The unpleasant odor is mainly sulfide-containing substances produced by bacteria in the large intestine that break down food.
Most of the gas swallowed into the stomach escapes through burping, which contains mainly carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen, while the remaining gas enters the small intestine, where some of it is absorbed by the small intestine and a small portion enters the large intestine and is expelled through the anus. Carbon dioxide is also produced when stomach acid is mixed with bicarbonate, but most of it is absorbed into the circulation and does not enter the large intestine.
The lack or deficiency of certain digestive enzymes in the small intestine makes it difficult for carbohydrates to be digested and absorbed by the body, such as sugar, starch and fiber in many foods. These enter the large intestine, where beneficial bacteria break them down and produce carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and in about 1/3 of cases, methane (i.e., methane gas), all of which is eventually expelled through the anus. People who produce methane (biogas) gas do not necessarily produce more gas or have any special symptoms, their feces often float in the water, and it is not clear why they produce methane while others do not.
Some bacteria in the large intestine “eat” hydrogen, while others produce it, and the amount between the two may explain why some people have more gas than others.
Gas in the intestine can cause bloating or pain in some people, depending on the amount of gas and the sensitivity of the individual to intestinal diastole. Of course, it can also be annoying and embarrassing if the gastrointestinal tract produces too much gas and the gas does not stop.
What can I do about excess gas?
Adjusting your daily intake of meals and beverages can help prevent excessive gas production. If you are bothered by your excessive gas production, you may want to try the following methods before seeing your doctor.
1.Eat less gas-producing foods
Gas-producing foods: As the name implies, these foods produce gas in the gastrointestinal tract, and their production varies from person to person, with the amount of gas produced varying in each individual. Some foods that make you produce more gas may not for others, so the only way to find out your own food restriction chart is – to try it.
Here are some commonly known gas-producing foods:
Beans; broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onions, artichokes, asparagus; pears, apples, peaches; whole grains and bran; soft drinks and juices; milk and dairy products such as cheese and ice cream; lactose-containing foods such as breads, cereals and salad dressings; sugar-free candy and chewing gum.
2. Drink more water, non-foaming beverages and clear soups
Do not drink gas-producing beverages such as soda, soft drinks and beer. If you have to drink, fill the cup before drinking to reduce the foam.
3.Prevent excessive swallowing of gas:
Chewing slowly and talking less can reduce gas swallowed during meals and drinking; do not chew gum and do not eat hard candy; smoke less or quit smoking; orthodontic denture that does not fit properly.
4.Journaling
It is a good habit to carefully record all the food you eat each day (including the quantity), as well as the number of times you swallow gas. Review these records after a period of time, you will be able to find the cause of excessive gas production.
If you still can’t solve these troubles, this diary will also help you answer your doctor’s questions about your eating habits and symptoms when you see him or her.
Summary
Everyone has a lot of gas in their gastrointestinal tract; people often think they are passing too much gas when they are not; frequent outgassing is usually normal
Two ways to reduce gas in the body: 1. eat less gas-producing foods; 2. swallow less gas.