Flatulence

I find I like to write on a diversity of topics when I have useful information that is not generally known. This is one of those topics: There is an effective way of reducing flatulence.

Before continuing, I want to mention that I have no medical training. So, begin by consulting your doctor first and before making any changes.

From my experience, flatulence is caused by two independent factors: 1) Eating food that your body cannot completely digest: Bacteria in your large intestine then break down this undigested material producing gas. 2) Excessive harmful microorganisms in your digestive tract. These microorganisms cause gas as well as illness. I'll deal with each issue separately.

First, foods that your body cannot completely digest. These foods vary with individuals. In my case, I, especially, limit my intake of milk. Other foods that give me gas include processed meats (Examples: bologna, ham, salami, beef jerky), dried fruit, and soy milk.

Some people find using a lactase enzyme (e.g. Lactaid) for lactose intolerance helps. Or using an alpha galactosidase enzyme (e.g. Beano). Neither of these work for me. So I simply avoid the foods I can't eat.

Finding out what you can't eat will take some time. You just eliminate a few foods at a time and see what happens. Don't eliminate all fiber from your diet; you don't want to become constipated.

I should also note that your body will adapt to some foods after a period of time. This can take a long time (up to 6 months) if you're eating a large amount of the food in question. So, if you're making a change in your diet, take this into consideration.

A couple of examples: 1) It took a long time before I was able to eat banana smoothies without gas. Now, this is not a problem. 2) Beans stopped giving me gas, after a much shorter period of time, once I began eating them on a daily basis.

Note: Beans need to be fully cooked or they will always give you gas. The beans should be cooked until you can easily squash a bean between your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

Second: There is a second cause of flatulence: excessive quantities of harmful microorganisms in your digestive tract. There are both beneficial and harmful organisms in your digestive tract. You want more of the first and less of the second. How do you accomplish this? Keep reading.

First: don't drink lemonade. Lemon juice is an antimicrobial; it kills organisms both good and bad in your digestive tract. Soon, harmful microorganisms will gain the advantage and you will have more gas as a result.

Using lemon juice, in recipes, in my experience, does not create a problem.

Second: raw garlic. Raw garlic is also an antimicrobial. Cutting up several cloves of garlic, and swallowing them with water, is highly recommended as a remedy when you're sick. This can also temporarily reduce flatulence. However, consuming cut up garlic, on a daily basis, may also result in excessive flatulence since garlic kills both beneficial as well as harmful microorganisms.

Note: Do not use a garlic press when you consume raw garlic directly. This results in stomach pain.

Third, always eat a healthy, primarily plant-based, diet. Eating a variety of healthy foods will improve your health and reduce flatulence.

I should mention that it may take some time for your body to adjust to a healthier diet without this causing gas. However, this is essential. Go slowly if you need to.

Fourth: Avoid red meat, of any kind. This results in unnecessarily smelly flatulence.

Fifth, be careful about what and where you eat. Don't unnecessarily introduce harmful bacteria into your digestive tract. One example: I stopped buying organic lettuce, which is often contaminated. This definitely made a difference. I also avoid accepting free food samples.

Sixth: It's important to consume healthy probiotics. I eat yogurt, with live bacterial cultures, every week. I also use kimchi.

Don't eat yogurt, or any other dairy product, when you're sick. This will make you sicker and also cause unnecessary flatulence.

Seventh: avoid the regular consumption of soft drinks. This, in my experience, causes a problem.

Start with a healthy, primarily plant-based diet, and follow the other recommendations provided. Then, experiment with your diet and see what foods need to be eliminated. That's, basically, what you need to do.

Some final comments follow.

Recognize that drugs—including prescription medications—may also cause digestive problems, including gas. Some herbal supplements, laxatives and other products may also cause gas. Tums, in my experience, is an example.

Avoid products that may be damaging to your health, like simethicone. I don't see a problem with the occasional use of activated charcoal.

Do whatever is necessary to reduce your anger and stress. These make you sick more often and can also increase flatulence. Make full use of the articles published on this site.

Avoid eating foods that are getting close to being spoiled. What you are doing is ingesting large amounts of harmful bacteria.

Once you've figured out what foods you need to avoid—and your body has adjusted to eating a healthy, primarily plant-based diet—the flatulence should diminish. Except when you get sick. At least, this has been my experience.

Nobody ever is completely free of flatulence. It's part of the digestive process.

Drinking milk, when you're sick, will only make you more sick. This will also cause gas even if you're not lactose intolerant.

To avoid getting sick, it is especially important that you eat a healthy diet.

I think you may now have everything you need to effectively deal with the issue of excessive flatulence. However, I would encourage you to do your own online research in regard to your particular situation. And again, its always a good idea to get personal medical advice from a physician.

Finally, if the above suggestions are insufficient, there is a United States Food and Drug Administration approved over-the-counter treatment for flatulence and other problems related to bowel odors. It's called Devrom. Check out their website.

Disclaimers: 1) Information and statements regarding dietary supplements, except as noted above, have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 2) Discuss all medical issues with your physician before making any changes.

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