An Overview of What Causes Gas

Gas is an embarrassing health issue that affects many people around the world. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle habits, health conditions, and more. In this article, we’ll explore some of the things that cause this uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptom.

Dietary Causes of Gas

The foods we eat can influence our digestive system and the amount of gas we experience. Common gas-inducing foods include beans and legumes, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, certain fruits such as apples, pears and peaches, dairy products, and high-grain foods, such as pasta, couscous and various whole grains. On top of that, some artificial sweeteners and drinks with added sugars can also cause an increase in gas.

Lifestyle Habits that Can Contribute to Gas

If you eat too much or too quickly, swallow air, commonly known as aerophagia, or consume large amounts of processed foods or carbonated drinks, chances are you’ll experience gas. Additionally, if you’ve recently quit smoking or changed your sleep pattern, chances are your digestive system will be affected and your gas may worsen.

Health Conditions Associated With Gas

There are certain health conditions that can cause persistent gas or lead to it temporarily. People with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) tend to experience excessive amounts of gas due to their digestive disorder. Additionally, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause an increase in gas as the contents of the stomach are pushed up and back into the esophagus. Finally, food allergies and intolerances can also cause an increase in gas as our body cannot break down certain food components and they pass through our digestive system unchanged.

Gas is a common health issue that affects millions of people around the world. While it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, it’s important to remember that the vast majority of causes of gas are related to dietary, lifestyle, and health habits, and therefore can be managed.