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Q.

How can I control my gas?

Related Topics: Flatulence
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A.

Changing your diet, quitting smoking, and avoiding chewing gum and carbonated drinks may limit the amount of gas you pass.

Dairy products are more of a culprit than beans, especially as we age, says Lawrence Kosinski, MD, a gastroenterologist in Chicago and a spokesperson for the American Gastroenterological Association.

"The majority of us will lose the ability to absorb the sugar that is in milk, called lactose, and it will cause patients to have gas and bloating, and sometimes even loose stools," he says. Opt for lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk and take the enzyme lactase if you eat cheese. Yogurt may not cause any problems if it has active cultures.

Beans, broccoli, and cauliflower produce gas, but cooking them longer may reduce the gas later, as may taking an over-the-counter pill (Beano).

If you have IBS and are bothered by chronic gas, try eating rice instead of wheat, Kosinski says.

If gas results from boosting fiber intake, expect it to level off in a few weeks as your body adjusts.

Non-sugar sweeteners can also cause gas, says Harry Aslanian, MD, an associate professor of gastroenterology at the Yale University, School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

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