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Everyone produces almost a liter of gas daily - and passes
it about 13 times everyday. It is caused either by bacteria in the intestines
feeding on indigestible food by-products like the fiber in several vegetables;
when we swallow carbon dioxide such as those found in soda and fizzy drinks; or
by swallowing too a lot of air, either normally during eating and drinking, or
compulsively, due to nervousness. Gas is either absorbed into the bloodstream
or expelled by flatulence (farting) or commonly by burping.
Is burping or farting bad?
Flatulence is normally a good sign: it may mean that you
have a healthy, high-fiber diet. Even so, that does not make it any less
embarrassing. When you wish to increase your dietary fiber intake in order to
reap the health benefits, do so bit by bit, and drink a lot of water or fruit
juice. Some drugstores sell gas remedies
such as Beano, which contains an enzyme that boosts break down of undigested
food so the bacteria have less to feed on.
Binging or stress-eating can also hinder normal digestion;
and lead to excessive gas. To lessen burping, try taking peppermints or
drinking peppermint tea after a meal.
Some doctors prescribe using over-the-counter products that containing simethicone, such as Ovol, which
dissipate air bubbles in the stomach.
For lactose-intolerant people - those who experience gas pains after
consuming dairy products - frequently find relief by using Lactaid, a product
that assists in digesting lactoses or milk sugars.
© 11/2011 Athena Goodlight