Description Though entirely a normal, healthy process, flatulence can range from a humourous to a very embarrassing situation. Most flatus produced is the result of helpful bacteria in your digestive tract breaking down undigested, intact carbohydrates that enter the small intestine. Two specific carbohydrates, raffinose and stachyose, cannot be digested by digestive enzymes and must wait for the bacteria to ferment them. One natural result of this process is the production of hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, and other gases. On average, the human body produces one to three pints (0.47 to 1.42 litres) of gas daily which is expelled by flatulence or burping. In general, people pass gas eight to twenty times daily. And while this may seem like a lot, it is perfectly normal. The odour that we so keenly detect (in amounts as low as 1 part per 100 million) is composed of methane and other trace gases comprising less than 1% of the digestive gas.
Symptoms and Signs:Excess passing of gas is the most direct symptom. Digestive upset may indicate further problems such as an enzyme deficiency.
Causes: Flatulence is typically caused by beans, cellulose-rich vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower, dairy products, corn, potatoes, high-fibre, and high-starch foods. English peas, soybeans and black-eyed peas are all high in gas-inducing raffinose and stachyose carbohydrates. Limas, pintos, black beans and other legumes also contain these carbohydrates, in lower quantities. One or more enzyme deficiencies in the body can lead to excess gas production. Lactase, which breaks down the milk sugar lactose, is the most commonly lacking enzyme and makes dairy products difficult to digest. Approximately 75% of the adult population experiences lactase deficiency or lactose intolerance. The inability to digest milk sugars also increases as we age. Foods can ferment and produce gas if they remain in the digestive tract too long. This usually occurs after eating a particularly large meal and may also stem from an enzyme or hydrochloric acid deficiency.
What to Expect: Flatulence will continue until the quantity of gas has been expelled from your system. As previously mentioned, passing gas is a normal function of the digestive process and should not be of concern unless significant quantities are being produced. If you experience abdominal or stomach pain for more than three days while passing gas, see your naturopath or other health practitioner.
Remedies
Food Preparation Soaking beans in a large pot of water overnight helps eliminate the carbohydrates that lead to excess gas production. Pour out the water and refill the pot before cooking. In addition, add a small whole carrot to the pot after soaking. This Appalachian tradition further aids digestion. If you are not accustomed to eating high-fibre or bean-rich foods, your body will naturally produce more gas until you adapt to the new diet. Start with small quantities and work your way up.
Herbs Carminative herbs help sooth the digestive tract and reduce flatus. Gas relieving compounds present in many of these herbs include camphor, carvone, eugenol, menthol, and thymol. There are a wide variety of carminative herbs to choose from, including allspice, caraway, cloves, cornmint, dill, fennel, horsebalm, peppermint, sage and thyme. Herbs from the mint and carrot families also have carminative properties, including aniseed, basil, bergamot, chamomile, cinnamon, coriander, garlic, ginger, hyssop, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, nutmeg, onion, oregano, rosemary, savory and tarragon. Add these herbs to starchy, bean-rich meals. When soaking beans (see Food Preparation, above), add wormwood to the pot. This traditional Chinese approach reduces flatulence in the same manner as the small whole carrot. A Mexican approach adds wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides) to the pot.
Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. Carbo vegetabilis: Acute flatulence accompanied by excess belching. Burning pain in the stomach and abdomen. Person feels cold and faint and desires fresh or moving air. Lycopodium: Common remedy used for digestive problems. Person has a ravenous appetite though eating small amounts causes floating and feeling of fullness. Rumbling gas originates in the abdomen, and presses upward, inhibiting breathing. Person has a desire for sweets and feels worst in the late afternoon or evening.
Lifestyle As mentioned in Causes, above, milk products are difficult to digest for the majority of the population. If you suspect a lactose deficiency, eliminate milk products from the diet and note any improvements. Re-introduce them slowly and track any increase in symptoms. A variety of rice and soy alternatives are available if dairy products cause digestive upset. Consult your local health food store. Your dietician, naturopath, or other health practitioner will also be able to recommend alternatives. For more information, see the dedicated section on Lactose Intolerance. Pay attention to how you swallow your food. Many people unknowingly take in large quantities of air when they eat, particularly if they eat/drink quickly, or "inhale" their food. The excess air ends up in your stomach and must eventually be expelled through belching or otherwise. Sit back and enjoy your meal. Eat small bites. Sip slowly. And converse with your fellow diners. While you are at it, note the position you are in when eating. Taking in food while slouching, lounging, or lying down prevents gas from escaping your system. Avoid carbonated beverages such as pop, soda water, and beer. The gas in these products can irritate your digestive system and contribute to the volume of gas in your body. Chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, smoking, and some nervous reactions all lead to excess air intake. Strive to reduce and/or eliminate these habits and determine the source of your nervousness, if applicable. Sorbitol, an artificial sweetener present in many sugar-free gums, candies, and dietetic foods, is known to cause flatulence. Avoid commercially prepared products containing this concentrated additive. The sugar naturally occurs in smaller quantities in apples, peaches, pears, and prunes and does not cause digestive upset. Improperly fitting dentures also lead to excess air intake. If you suspect a poor fit, see your dentist.
Miscellaneous Activated charcoal is highly effective when dealing with many forms of digestive upset. It is most commonly used to treat food poisoning as it adsorbs (attaches to) foreign molecules and aids in their elimination from the body. Start with 2 to 4 capsules and take another 2 to 4 capsules six hours later. Consume a large quantity of water to aid in elimination. Bear in mind that activated charcoal is a powerful substance that can eliminate both helpful and harmful molecules in your body. Use for acute situations only.
Actions and Remedy Listings | Activated Charcoal (Acute) | Add Small Whole Carrot To Pot Of Beans When Cooking | Avoid Milk Products | | Avoid Carbonated Beverages | Avoid Gum Chewing | Avoid Smoking | | Avoid Commercial Sorbitol Products | Avoid Sucking Hard Candy | Carbo Vegetabilis | | Carminative Herbs | Change Eating Position | Check Denture Fit | | Lycopodium | Pay Attention To Swallowing Habits | Soak Beans Overnight (With Wormseed or Wormwood) | | Start New Fibre/Bean Diets Slowly | | |
See also Digestive Problems
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