Gas is produced when the food we eat is digested or when air is swallowed while eating. The main reasons that lead to this are as follows:
1. Carelessness while eating
Eating too quickly, talking while eating, and swallowing large pieces of food cause excessive air to enter the stomach (Aerophagia). This causes gas trouble.
2. Certain foods
Some foods naturally produce more gas when digested.
Example: peas, nuts, tubers (potatoes, yams), cabbage, broccoli, and legumes.
3. Carbonated drinks
When you drink soda, cola, and other carbonated drinks, a large amount of carbon dioxide enters the stomach. This causes belching and bloating.
4. Indigestion and constipation
When food is not digested properly and remains in the intestines, gas is produced. In people with constipation, the inability to pass air increases discomfort and stomach pain.
5. Dairy products (Lactose Intolerance)
Some people have difficulty digesting ‘lactose’, the sugar in milk. Such people may experience severe gas and diarrhea when they consume milk, yogurt, and ice cream.
6. Lifestyle and stress
Lack of exercise slows down the digestive process. In addition, excessive mental stress affects the acid level in the stomach and causes gas problems.
3 simple ways to avoid gas problems:
Chew your food: This will facilitate digestion and reduce the intake of air.
Drink water: Drink plenty of water at intervals, rather than drinking water immediately before or after meals.
Ginger and cumin: Drinking a little ginger or cumin water after meals can help reduce gas.