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.
