FLATULENCE / FLATUS

Breaking wind or flatulence may not be life threatening, but it is uncomfortable and embarrassing, especially if it happens a lot.  Relief can be found by changes to the diet and with the help of supplements such as digestive enzymes, probiotics and certain herbs.  Although passing wind / flatulence is a normal bodily function and most adults do it as often as fifteen times a day, even the smallest amount of wind can cause discomfort for some people, whilst in others the frequency of flatulent episodes and the amount of wind emitted are much more than average.

What causes flatulence / farting?

Flatulence results when excess gas builds up in the digestive tract and is then expelled through the rectum. Chemical reactions that occur after eating certain foods are the most common cause, the main culprits being cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts, onions and beans. These foods contain complex carbohydrates which are not completely digested in the stomach and small intestine. After they arrive in the large intestine, they are broken down by the harmless bacteria that live there. Gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane are a by-product of these bacteria and the unpleasant smell of some intestinal wind is caused by hydrogen sulphide and other sulphur compounds.

In some people milk and milk products often cause wind and bloating but this is often the result of lactose intolerance.  Excessive flatulence can be a symptom of a disorder that actually hinders digestion such as coeliac disease or a lack of digestive juices. It may also be caused by stress. Stress interferes with the digestive process which results in completely undigested food passing into the large intestine.  Air swallowed at times of stress can also pass down the gut and cause flatulence.

Self help for excessive flatulence

If flatulence is accompanied by stomach pain that continues for several days it is recommended that you change your diet and if it does not disappear, you see you doctor.

What can be done to help?  Avoid carbonated drinks; chew food thoroughly and eat slowly. If you eat too quickly you tend to swallow more air.  Supplements such as ginger, peppermint, digestive enzymes and probiotics will also help aid digestion.