Many gastrointestinal conditions can be aggravated by foods that cause gas. Everyone reacts to foods differently, so keep track of the foods you eat and your symptoms. Share this information with your doctor.
Foods that commonly cause gas include:
Gas is also caused by swallowing excess air, which can be caused by rapid eating, chewing with your mouth open, gum chewing, drinking through a straw, and smoking.
Some medicines, particularly cholesterol-lowering medicines, are associated with increased gas production.
Cutting gas-producing foods from your diet could also mean fewer healthy foods in your diet. Your doctor may suggest that you limit high-fat foods in your diet. There are also prescription and over-the-counter medicines that can help. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat gas.
RESOURCES:
American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org/
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
http://www.cdhf.ca/index.html
Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca/
References:
Gas in the Digestive Tract. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gas/. Updated January 2008. Accessed June 9, 2010.
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/.
Last reviewed June 2010 by Brian P. Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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