11/21/13
FLATULENCE

Flatulence or “passing gas” is a normal biological process, like sweating, burping or breathing. It is usually a source of laughter and or embarrassment. Everybody farts, some people more than others. It is normal to pass gas from 6 to 20 times per day. In the majority of cases, it is not a serious condition.
When we eat, drink or swallow saliva, we also swallow tiny amounts of air. This swallowed air accumulates in the stomach. The gas within our digestive system consists mainly of nitrogen and oxygen. When we digest food, gas, mainly in the form of hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide is released. As the gas builds up, the body releases the gas by either burping or farting. Other causes are:
Beans - gas builds up inside the gut. Complex carbohydrates in beans are very difficult for humans to digest. They are digested by microorganisms in the gut - gut flora - methane-producing archaea. When the complex carbohydrates reach the lower intestine, bacteria feed on them, during which they produce gas.

Lactose intolerance - when lactose-containing foods, such as milk are consumed, the bacteria feed on the lactose and produce excessive amounts of gas.

Celiac disease - intolerance to gluten, a protein found in barley, wheat and rye. People with this condition who eat foods containing gluten tend to have flatulence problems.

Artificial sweeteners - sorbitol and mannitol are found in candies, chewing-gums and sugar-free sweet foods. A considerable number of people develop either diarrhea, gas or both when they consume these substances.

Fiber supplements - if you add them too rapidly to your diet, especially the ones containing psyllium, they can cause flatulence.

Carbonated drinks - Fizzy drinks and beer may cause a build-up of gas in the intestinal tract.

Some health conditions - sometimes, a more serious chronic condition may be the cause of flatulence. Examples include Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis.

Antibiotics - these medications can upset the normal intestinal flora (bacterial flora) in the bowel, which can lead to flatulence.

Laxatives - people who take laxatives regularly and in excess have a high risk of developing flatulence.

Constipation - the feces themselves make it harder to expel excess gas, resulting in further accumulation and discomfort.

Gastroenteritis - an infection of the bowel/stomach. In many cases, there is s a lot of gas build-up.
Flatulence is not usually a reason to go and see your doctor, unless the symptoms are severe, which could indicate the presence of an underlying digestive condition. The signs and symptoms that could indicate a digestive conditions of are, if flatulence occurs frequently and often involuntarily. If a lot of wind is released and or is consistently foul-smelling. If there is a sharp, jabbing cramp like feeling in the abdomen or if there is a bloated feeling or knotted sensation in the abdomen, are all signs that are not normal and should be brought to the attention of medical professional.
Treatment options for flatulence in most cases, is a change in lifestyle and diet. Lowering the amount or avoiding foods that have high levels of unabsorbable carbohydrates such as artichokes, beans, broccoli, cabbage, cashews, cauliflower, dairy products, garlic, oats, potatoes, radishes, scallions, wheat and wheat products. You can replace them with carbohydrate foods that are easier to digest like bananas, citrus fruits, grapes, lettuce and rice. You can also try eating smaller meals or eating slower and doing more exercise.
Other remedies for flatulence are charcoal pads. If placed inside clothing, they will absorb released gas, and will help reduce the impact of foul-smelling farts. Charcoal tablets that are available OTC (over-the-counter) at pharmacies. Charcoal absorbs the gas in your stomach, reducing the symptoms of flatulence. (Before taking any medications, even OTC medications, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist)
Regardless of what we do to try to stop the act of flatulence, it is a part of human nature and it will always be there. It is a function that is unavoidable in keeping our body in homeostasis. So, the next time you are in an important meeting, or get into a crowded elevator, and you accidentally let one go, do what everybody else does and pretend it wasn’t you.