Stomach bloating immediately after eating, feeling like it’s being squeezed into the chest, chronic belching, severe pain in the lower abdomen—gas is a major health problem that bothers most people today. Scientifically speaking, the air released by the bacteria in the intestines during the digestion process of the food we eat turns into gas. When this exceeds the limit, the body shows severe discomfort. Here are the 5 major scientific reasons behind gas in the stomach:
Air entering the stomach while eating (Aerophagia): One of the main causes of gas is air entering the stomach without us even realizing it. Swallowing food too quickly without chewing, talking for a long time while eating, drinking juices and water through a straw, and chewing gum can cause excessive gas and bloating when large amounts of air enter the stomach.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO / Dysbiosis): There are billions of good bacteria in our large intestine that help with digestion. However, due to a change in diet or excessive use of antibiotics, the balance of these bacteria is disturbed and they spread excessively to the small intestine (SIBO – Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). When this happens, the food we eat ferments excessively and large amounts of gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane are released.
Gas-producing foods and carbonated drinks: FODMAPs (certain types of carbohydrates and fibers) found in some of the foods we eat are difficult to digest. For example, beans, nuts, tubers (beans, potatoes), cabbage, and broccoli produce more gas when they reach the intestines. In addition, carbonated drinks such as soda, colas, and beer directly reach the stomach when they are consumed.
Food Intolerances – Lactose & Gluten: Some people’s bodies refuse to digest certain foods. For example, they lack the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose found in milk and dairy products (Lactose Intolerance). When such people drink milk, it is not digested and rots in the intestines, causing excessive gas and diarrhea. The same problem is also seen in people with gluten allergy (Celiac disease).
Constipation and lack of physical activity: When stool does not pass properly and remains in the intestines for several days, bacteria in it work and continuously produce gas. When this gas has no way to escape, it causes severe pressure and stabbing pain in the abdomen. People who sit in the same position for hours also tend to have increased gas as the digestive process slows down.
