Do you have a tendency to feel gas after eating certain foods? If so, you are not alone. In fact, most people do. This is due to some food ingredients. Raw onions are an example. They contain fructose, which is broken down by the bacteria in the intestines. Therefore, eating a large portion of raw onions will result in gas. So what should you eat to avoid gas?
Lactase
The reason your small intestine has difficulty digesting lactose is called lactose intolerance, and is a result of inadequate levels of the enzyme lactase. Lactose is the main sugar in milk, and without lactase, it cannot be broken down to give your body the energy it needs. Lactose intolerance is a common ailment, and is thought to affect as much as 36% of the U.S. population. Other risk factors for developing lactose intolerance include being pregnant, older, and/or of American Indian descent.
If you suspect that you have a lactose intolerance, your first line of defense is to limit your intake of dairy products. This can make it easier for your body to absorb nutrients. Milk and other dairy products are a common source of lactose, which causes gas and bloating in lactose-intolerant individuals. You may be surprised to learn that whole grains can also contribute to gas. These carbohydrates break down in the large intestine and release carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane. All of these gases then exit the body through the rectum.
Non-digestible carbohydrates
Many people have digestive problems as a result of certain nutrients found in certain foods. FODMAP foods, for example, are short-chain carbohydrates that can’t be digested by the small intestine. They end up in the large intestine where bacteria ferment them. The result is gas and bloating. So, it’s important to avoid these foods if you have a digestive disorder.
Most foods contain some type of non-digestible carbohydrates. Fats and proteins have little effect on gas production in the body. While some proteins may contribute to the gas smell, they’re not the main culprit. Most carbohydrates cause gas, including raffinose, lactose, and fructose. Raffinose is a type of sugar naturally found in onions, pears, prunes, and other fruits. Artificial sweeteners also contain this substance.
Fiber
Excessive intake of fiber can contribute to gas. To avoid this condition, gradually increase your fiber intake a few times a week. Add bran flakes or flax seeds to baked goods, and replace half of your pasta with brown rice or whole grain. If you’re unable to make this switch, try to limit your intake of these foods. They may help reduce gas, but be warned that too much fiber can make you constipated.
Fiber comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber tends to produce more gas than insoluble fiber. The latter contains extra gas-producing potential. Gas production may depend on the composition of your gut bacteria. If you have a different type of gut bacteria than most people, increasing your intake of soluble fiber can reduce your gas. For those with sensitive intestines, consuming more soluble fiber may help control gas production.
Sprouts
Some people may wonder if sprouts cause gas when indisn food. The answer is yes, but there are many different causes. It could be a bacterial infection. The bacteria that cause the gas is present in the sprouts themselves. They are difficult to digest and often contain enzyme inhibitors that make them harder to digest. So, while sprouts aren’t harmful in high doses, they should be cooked before eating.
Some foods contain high amounts of fiber, which can cause gas. Fiber, for example, can cause stomach upsets, but not sprouts. Brussels sprouts are not a good choice for people with indigestion. Instead, you should eat them occasionally in small portions. It doesn’t have to be this way. The food contains important nutrients that can benefit your health. Sprouts belong to the cruciferous vegetable family, which also includes cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage.
Artificial sweeteners
A comprehensive study has found that artificial sweeteners may alter the balance of the microbes in the human gut. The study looked at six artificial sweeteners approved for use in foods in the U.S. and Europe. The FDA has deemed them safe for most people. But is this true for humans? In this article, we’ll take a look at the safety of artificial sweeteners and what you should do if you’re using them.
While sugar substitutes are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some studies have linked these substances to health problems, including cancer. However, it is important to note that the amount of these sweeteners consumed in a day is far below the recommended daily intake for healthy people. The recommended daily intake of these sweeteners is usually less than half of a teaspoon per kilogram of body weight. You can find them in sugar-free cereals, desserts, and drinks, but be sure to limit them to low-calorie versions.
Refined carbohydrates
It is well known that refined carbohydrates increase the chances of gas in the digestive system. These foods contain high amounts of sorbitol, a sugar complex that stimulates the secretion of gas in the stomach. Several vegetables and fruits contain large amounts of sorbitol. So, avoiding refined carbs can reduce gas and bloating. If you find that you are suffering from gas in the digestive system, you can try to replace these food items with natural, unrefined carbohydrates.
Sugar alcohol, a refined sugar substitute, can also increase gas. This substance can mimic the same effect as regular sugar, causing a laxative effect and causing gas and bloating in the digestive system. It should be avoided in all forms. Luckily, there are several natural sugar substitutes that can help you control gas in your digestive system. But be careful! Almost all of these sugar substitutes contain sorbitol.