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Air, Air From Everywhere!

There's just no nice way to talk about this topic. You can't sugarcoat it and you can't avoid it. It has to do with bodily functions - not something most folks find easy to discuss - especially in mixed company!

So let's take a look at the causes of burping, bloating and passing wind (flatulence) and what you can do to control them.

Burping

Simply stated, when you burp or belch, you rid your stomach of excess air. You take in air when you eat, talk, smoke, drink through a straw or drink carbonated beverages.

Want to reduce the number of times you burp? Try eating and drinking more slowly. Don't use straws or drink carbonated beverages or beer that release carbon dioxide. Don't smoke - smoking causes you to inhale a lot more air as well as toxic substances! Avoid chewing gum because that cause you to swallow more often, taking in more air.

Flatulence

Flatulence, or the passing of intestinal gas from the rectum, can cause a lot of embarrassment. The gas is produced when food that is not completely digested (usually sugars and starches) reaches the large intestine. Bacteria in the large intestines break the food down further into hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane.

Poorly digested sugars may include lactose (found in milk and dairy products), raffinose (found in beans), sucrose (a low-calorie sweetener) and fructose (a confectionary and beverage sweetener). Most starches, other than rice, can cause an increase in intestinal gas as well. Another producer of intestinal gas is soluble fiber (found in fruit, beans, peas and oat bran) when it is digested in the large intestine.

Want to reduce intestinal gas? Of course you do! Watch when eating some of the prime offenders, such as beans, dairy products, cabbage, broccoli, peas, onions, bananas, raisins, whole wheat bread and carbonated beverages. Reduce your high-fiber food intake that is likely to produce excess gas. Eat more slowly and try to get some exercise!

Bloating

When gas doesn't escape through burping or flatulence, it can build up in the stomach or intestines, causing bloating, discomfort and pain. Passing gas or having a bowel movement often relieves bloating and its discomfort. You may need to watch the same foods that cause intestinal gas, particularly your carbohydrate and certain fruits and vegetables intake.

Remember too that bloating can also be related to constipation, prescription and non-prescription drug side effects and hormone levels.

If you are bothered by excessive burping, flatulence or bloating, please be sure to bring it to our attention at your next chiropractic visit. Mention that you saw this article and would like to discuss it further. Please don't feel embarrassed - these are natural occurrences in everyone, whether they care to admit it or not!