The passing of intestinal gas is a normal process, but it can
become unpleasant, uncomfortable, or embarrassing. Intestinal
gas has two primary sources: bacteria in the intestines and air
swallowed by mouth (aerophagia). Certain foods greatly increase
the production of gas in the intestines by providing nutrients
to gas-producing bacteria. Common gas-increasing foods include
beans, beer, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, fructose, onions,
prunes, red wine, and sorbitol. In general, high-fiber foods
cause more gas than low-fiber ones, and, for this reason, people
who switch to a whole foods diet frequently experience more gas.
Certain medical conditions can also increase gas-related
symptoms, including celiac sprue, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease
, fat malabsorption, irritable bowel syndrome , lactose
intolerance , and ulcerative colitis . Finally, some people may
experience significant gas discomfort without actually producing
more gas than other people. Treatment of excess gas begins with
treating the underlyin