Overview
Passing gas is unavoidable. The most common types of gas produced in your intestine are methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. None of these has a scent. Offensive smelling gas is caused by bacteria that release small amounts of gases that contain sulfur, advises the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Gas can be a bit embarrassing, but it is necessary for digestive health. If you have excessive gas, however, consult a health-care professional to check for a digestive condition or food intolerance.
Pressure
Passing gas aids in keeping pressure within your intestinal tract low. It also prevents painful stretching of your large intestine, small intestine or stomach, according to Aetna Intelihealth. Excess gas can lead to cramps, bloating, pain and diarrhea, advises the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. If you experience gas entrapment syndrome, in which gas is not passed, your pain might worsen as you bend over, such as to tie your shoe.
Regularity
You need to get rid of gas because as waste products and food move through your digestive tract toward your rectum, the trapped air in your large intestine is pushed ahead of it, advises Intelihealth. Not allowing things to move through your colon can lead to constipation. Constipation can worsen symptoms of abdominal stretching, and you may have increased smooth muscle spasms in your colon around gas bubbles when constipated, says Seller. It i;s normal to pass one to four pints of gas daily. Passing gas 14 to 23 times in a day is normal as well, advises the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Health
Foods that cause gas are actually healthy, so you lose nutritional benefits when you avoid them in attempt to cut down on flatulence. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, beans and peas, apples, bananas, celery, carrots and eggplant are all gas-producing culprits. They are also fiber-rich, nutrient dense foods. The gas in your intestines gets there one of two ways. Either you swallow air or gas is created in your large intestine when the bacteria there digest food. In addition to fiber-rich foods, the most common sources of gas are sweeteners, sugars and lactose in folks who are lactose intolerant, advises North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Fiber-rich foods help prevent and relieve constipation and provide other health benefits including lowering your risk for heart disease and diabetes. –livestrong.com
