Gas in the stomach is a common health problem that bothers most people regardless of age. Bacteria in the large intestine naturally produce gas as part of the process of digesting the food we eat. But when the amount of this gas increases, it causes bloating, heartburn, and belching. Here are the main reasons that lead to this:
Aerophagia: Eating too fast, swallowing without chewing properly, and eating while talking can cause a large amount of air to be swallowed along with the food. Also, drinking drinks through a straw and chewing gum can cause air to be swallowed.
Excessive consumption of gas-producing foods: Some types of foods take longer to digest, so they produce more gas. Examples include tubers (potatoes, yams), legumes (peas, chickpeas, kidney beans), cabbage, broccoli, and onions. Carbonated drinks containing artificial sweeteners and gas (soft drinks) are also the culprits.
Indigestion and constipation: Not eating on time and eating heavy meals late at night can cause indigestion. In people with constipation, since the stool stays in the intestines for a long time, bacteria start to decompose it and produce large amounts of foul-smelling gas.
Food intolerance: Some people cannot digest the ‘lactose’ contained in milk or milk products (Lactose Intolerance). Similarly, there are people who cannot digest the ‘gluten’ in wheat. When such people eat these foods, they experience severe gas and diarrhea in the stomach.
Intestinal diseases and bacterial imbalance: There are good bacteria in our intestines that help in digestion. But when these balances are disrupted due to excessive use of antibiotics or a wrong diet, gas increases. Gas problems are also a major symptom in people with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), acidity, and stomach ulcers.
