Gas Saving Tips... For Your Body

SEATTLE - It's a rather sensitive subject, especially in mixed company, but it's something we all do. In fact, the average person does it 15 to 20 times a day! I'm talking about flatulence, passing gas.

According to the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, "How "gassy" you are depends on what you eat, the balance of bacteria in your intestines, and whether you have any underlying gastrointestinal conditions.

Carbohydrates, sugar and starches tend to trigger the most gas. Beans are notorious for their musical quality. Other culprits include the high fructose corn syrup in soft drinks, sorbitol found in some fruits and sugar-free products, and the lactose in dairy products.

So how do you fight flatulence? Beano works. You can also soak beans overnight in cold water. Just rinse before cooking.

If fiber gives you problems, try adding high-fiber foods to your diet a little at a time. The editors say "probiotic" supplements, products containing good bacteria, may help. Peppermint oil capsules and chewing fennel seeds might work for some people.

There are a number of over-the-counter remedies the promise gas relief. The Wellness Letter says Simethicone will not reduce intestinal gas. Neither will activated charcoal tablets, although they can interfere with some drugs.

For More Information:

Flatulence (Gas) Treatment

Embarrassing Conditions

Belching, Bloating and Intestinal Gas

Gas in the Digestive Tract