Flatulence

Flatulence, commonly referred to as ‘farting’, is caused by gas in the bowel. The intestines produce between 500 and 2,000mls of gas daily, which is passed out of the anus at regular intervals. The gas, or ‘flatus’, consists of a number of gases including methane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

The varying smells depends on the ratio of gases, which is influenced by the foods we eat. Flatus is generated by swallowed air, digestion, high-fibre foods and the by-products of intestinal bacteria. , can produce excess gas.

Passing wind is normal, but the amount varies between individuals and depends on a number of factors including diet. Some people pass wind only a handful of times per day, others up to 40 times, while the average seems to be about 15. Symptoms of excessive (or embarrassing) flatulence include: rumblings in the lower abdomen.

Intestinal gas is a normal part of digestion

The gas is produced by different means, including: – the mouth isn’t vacuum-sealed, so small quantities of air are swallowed along with food and liquid. The oxygen and nitrogen from the swallowed air is absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine, and any excess is allowed to continue its journey through the bowel for expulsion. ‘Air-swallowing’ often occurs in people who are – stomach acid is neutralised by pancreatic secretions, and the resulting interaction creates gas (carbon dioxide) as a by-product.

– the bowel contains a host of bacteria that help digestion by fermenting some of the food components. The process of fermentation produces gas as a by-product. Some of the gas is absorbed into the bloodstream and breathed out by the lungs.

The remainder is pushed along the bowel

, but it can create excessive gas. The small intestine can’t break down certain compounds, which means extra work for the gas-producing intestinal bacteria, and accompanying flatus. High-fibre diets should be introduced slowly to allow the bowel sufficient time to adjust.

This is because the bacteria of the gut digest the sugars by fermentation, a gas-creating process. – certain people may be susceptible to gas production from fermentation of other carbohydrates such as fructose, present in many foods including honey, corn syrup and some fruits.

These short-chain carbohydrates together are now known as FODMAPS. Some of the more unpleasant or embarrassing problems with flatulence include: – this is caused by the muscles of the bowel forcing air through the tight ring of muscle at the anus. Suggestions include passing the air with less power, and reducing the amount of intestinal gas by making dietary adjustments.

– the gas produced by bacterial fermentation can smell, depending on the food eaten. Suggestions include limiting common culprits such as garlic, onions, spicy foods and beer. – this is caused by swallowing air, eating high-fibre foods, lactose intolerance or some digestive disorders.

Suggestions include reducing the amount of intestinal gas by making dietary adjustments and seeking medical advice. requires plenty of variety. Foods that tend to produce large amounts of flatus also contain essential nutrients and shouldn’t be eliminated.

Limiting their consumption is a better option

Examples of foods that commonly cause flatulence include:

• carrot eggplant onion
• Brussels sprouts cabbage. Many laxatives including lactulose
• sorbitol some fibre preparations also cause flatulence
• should not be used regularly
• except with medical advice. Suggestions to reduce the amount of flatus include
• Limit common food culprits

Don’t suddenly increase the amount of fibre in your diet. Reduce milk consumption if lactose intolerance is a problem. Consider taking charcoal products or other over-the-counter preparations. Some digestive system disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can produce a sensation of excessive flatus.

, changes to toilet habits, or any other uncomfortable symptom associated with digestion. Lactose intolerance can be diagnosed by a biopsy of the small intestine. This procedure is done by a specialist using an endoscope (camera attached to a thin flexible tube).

You will be given a sedative

Intolerance to short-chain carbohydrates (FODMAPS) can be diagnosed by a breath hydrogen test. A test carbohydrate is ingested, and a series of breath samples are obtained over 2 to 3 hours to detect if abnormal fermentation is taking place. About flatulence Some digestive system disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome Symptoms of flatulence passing wind often smelly flatus loud flatus abdominal distension and discomfort Causes of flatulence Swallowed air anxious Normal digestion Intestinal bacteria High fibre foods – fibre is essential to the health of the digestive system Lactose intolerance – the body’s inability to digest the particular sugars found in cow’s milk Intolerance of short-chain carbohydrates other than lactose Common complaints with flatulence Loud flatus Smelly flatus Excessive flatus Foods to limit to reduce flatulence A healthy diet dairy products – such as milk, if lactose intolerance is present dried fruit – raisins and prunes fruit – apple, apricot, peach and pear foods high in insoluble fibre – particularly seeds and husks legumes – beans, peas, chickpeas, soybeans and nuts vegetables Laxatives and flatulence Reducing intestinal gas Seek medical advice for excessive flatulence See your doctor if you experience unusual flatulence, abdominal pain Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Dietitian.

Key Points

• Flatulence, commonly referred to as ‘farting’, is caused by gas in the bowel
• Symptoms of excessive (or embarrassing) flatulence include: rumblings in the lower abdomen
• remainder is pushed along the bowel
• because the bacteria of the gut digest the sugars by fermentation, a gas-creating process
• Suggestions include limiting common culprits such as garlic, onions, spicy foods and beer