General Information
Celiac is More than a Digestive Disease
Bread, pancakes, pretzels, pizza—the only thing most people fear about these foods is the calories, unless they have celiac disease. The wheat used to make these foods contains a protein called gluten. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, they can feel a host of uncomfortable and potentially severe symptoms. More than 2 million people [...]
Common Symptoms of Gas
The most common symptoms of gas are flatulence, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, and belching. However, not everyone experiences these symptoms. The type and degree of symptoms probably depends on how much gas the body produces, how many fatty acids the body absorbs, and a person’s sensitivity to gas in the large intestine.
Belching
An occasional belch during [...]
Which Foods Cause Gas?
Most foods that contain carbohydrates can cause gas. By contrast, fats and proteins cause little gas.
Sugars
The sugars that cause gas are raffinose, lactose, fructose, and sorbitol.
Raffinose
Beans contain large amounts of this complex sugar. Smaller amounts are found in cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, other vegetables, and whole grains.
Lactose
Lactose is the natural sugar in milk. It [...]
What Causes Gas?
Gas in the digestive tract—the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine—comes from two sources:
Swallowed Air
Aerophagia, or air swallowing, is a common cause of gas in the stomach. Everyone swallows small amounts of air when eating and drinking. However, eating or drinking rapidly, chewing gum, smoking, or wearing loose dentures can cause some people to [...]
Running Out of Gas
Everyone has gas and eliminates it by burping or passing it through the rectum. However, many people think they have too much gas when they really have normal amounts. Most people produce about 1 to 4 pints a day and pass gas about 14 times a day.
Drawing of the digestive system with parts labeled: mouth, [...]
Diagnosing IBS: Do You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
If you think you have IBS, seeing your doctor is the first step. IBS is generally diagnosed on the basis of a complete medical history that includes a careful description of symptoms and a physical examination.
There is no specific test for IBS, although diagnostic tests may be performed to rule out other problems. These tests [...]
