Obstacles in the digestive process are the main cause of gas. The 6 main things that lead to this are:
1. Swallowing Air
When you eat food quickly or while talking, excess air enters the stomach. This then turns into gas and pushes it up. Also, drinking drinks through a straw and chewing gum can cause air to enter.
2. Dietary mistakes
Roots (potatoes, yams), pulses, nuts, flour dishes (porota), and foods fried in oil take longer to digest. When these ferment in the stomach, excessive gas is produced.
3. Carbonated drinks
The gas contained in soda and soft drinks directly reaches the stomach. This increases the pressure inside the stomach and causes gas to rise up (Acid Reflux).
4. Lack of digestive juices
Due to not chewing food properly or not drinking enough water, digestive juices do not work properly. When food is not digested properly, it produces gas.
5. Constipation
When food does not leave the stomach properly, waste accumulates in the large intestine and gas is prevented from going down. This pushes air up and causes heartburn and bloating.
6. Certain medical conditions
Gas is also common in people with ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and lactose intolerance (difficulty digesting milk).
3 simple ways to avoid gas:
Chew food: The digestion process starts in the mouth. Chewing food well helps in digestion.
Cumin/ginger water: Drinking a little cumin water or ginger water after meals is effective in reducing gas.
Avoid sedentary work: Sitting for long periods of time slows down digestion. Taking frequent walks can be beneficial.