Bloating after eating, hearing a gurgling sound from the stomach, passing large amounts of flatulence with or without a foul odor—this is a major digestive problem that can even depress many people mentally. Normally, it is normal for a person to pass gas 10 to 20 times a day. But it becomes a symptom when the amount increases. This is because the bacteria in our intestines produce excessive gases when they break down food. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind this:
Fermentation of Complex Carbs: Some of the complex sugars and fibers present in some of the foods we eat are not fully digested in the small intestine. When these reach the large intestine, the billions of good bacteria there start fermenting these foods. As a result of this process, large amounts of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane are released. This is why more gas is produced when legumes, peas, nuts, cabbage, and tubers are eaten.
Lactose and gluten intolerance (Food Intolerance): Some people’s bodies lack the enzymes to digest certain foods. For example, they cannot digest the ‘lactose’ found in milk and milk products (Lactose Intolerance). When such people eat milk, tea, and yogurt, it reaches the large intestine without being completely digested, and bacteria rapidly ferment it, causing severe flatulence and diarrhea. This can also happen to people with gluten allergy (Celiac disease).
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): Usually, good bacteria are found more in the large intestine. However, in some people, due to poor digestion or excessive use of antibiotics, these bacteria can enter the small intestine and multiply. This is called SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). Since the bacteria start fermenting food in the small intestine, such people experience excessive flatulence and bloating within half an hour of eating.
Constipation and Indigestion: In people with constipation, undigested food (feces) accumulates in the large intestine for several days. The longer the stool remains in the large intestine, the more time the bacteria have to ferment it. This causes a large amount of gas to be produced, and these gases are released along with the foul smell of the stool (due to Hydrogen Sulfide gas).
Aerophagia: When we swallow food too quickly without chewing it, talk loudly while eating, drink cold drinks through a straw, and chew gum, we unknowingly swallow a large amount of air. Some of this air goes through belching, while the rest goes down into the intestines and comes out as flatulence.
