Stomach bloating after eating, continuous belching, shortness of breath, feeling of heaviness in the chest, and sometimes severe stomach or back pain due to gas—this is a major discomfort experienced by most people today. The air we swallow and the gases produced by bacteria in the stomach and intestines as part of the digestive process turn into gas. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind persistent gastralgia:
Swallowing air while eating (Aerophagia): The main reason for gas is that we unconsciously bring air into the stomach. When we eat quickly while talking, swallow without chewing properly, drink juice and water through a straw, and chew gum, a large amount of air enters the stomach. Scientifically, this is called aerophagia. This air later causes discomfort as belching and gas.
Some foods and carbohydrates that are difficult to digest: Cabbage, broccoli, tubers (potatoes, yams, cassava), and legumes (peas, chickpeas, lentils) contain complex carbohydrates called oligosaccharides. Our small intestine cannot digest these. This is because they reach the large intestine and when the bacteria there ferment them, large amounts of hydrogen and methane gases (gas) are released.
Gut Dysbiosis / SIBO: There are billions of good bacteria in our digestive system that help with digestion. However, when the good bacteria decrease and the bad bacteria increase due to excessive use of antibiotics or poor diet, gas is produced in double the amount. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) also causes severe indigestion.
Constipation and slow digestion: When stool does not pass properly and accumulates in the intestines, the digestive process slows down completely. Bacteria work on the waste in the intestines for a long time, which continuously causes gas and bloating. Gastritis will not completely resolve without constipation.
Lactose and Gluten Allergies (Food Intolerances): Some people do not have the ‘lactase’ enzyme to digest lactose, the sugar in milk (Lactose Intolerance). When such people consume milk, tea, and yogurt, they experience severe gas and diarrhea. Similarly, severe gastritis is also seen in people who are allergic to the protein gluten in wheat (Celiac Disease).