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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Foods that cause gas
Some foods contain substances that aren't easily digested. Because of this, they pass unchanged into the lower intestine, where they're finally broken down into simpler substances — including gas — by the bacteria found there. Common gas-producing foods and substances include:
- Beans and lentils
- Dairy products containing lactose
- Fructose and sorbitol, which are found in some fruits and are also used as sweeteners
Digestive disorders that cause gas
Excessive intestinal gas — belching or flatulence more than 20 times a day — sometimes indicates a digestive disorder such as:
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
References
- Gas in the digestive tract. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gas. Accessed Sept. 17, 2010.
- Gas-related complaints. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec02/ch008/ch008d.html?qt=gas&alt=sh. Accessed Sept. 17, 2010.
- Belching, bloating and flatulence. The American College of Gastroenterology. http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/gihealth/belching.asp?mode=print&. Accessed Sept. 17, 2010.
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