Gas Prevention Diet
Overview
Although gas occurs naturally, it can be controlled or lessened with a gas prevention diet. As with any diet, there are certain foods to avoid, and there are others that work with the body to maintain a healthy, balanced digestive system.
Intestinal gas is primarily composed of hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide — which are all gasses that are odorless. In about one-third of people, intestinal gas also contains another ingredient: methane. It’s unclear why some bodies produce methane and others do not. People who produce methane typically will have stools that float in water.
There are several possibilities that cause excessive gas:
- Swallowing air while eating or drinking
- Increased intestinal motility
- Excessive bacterial fermentation of foods in the bowel
- Smoking
- Chewing gum
- Drinking through a straw.
- Foods containing sulfur
foods to limit or omit from diet
vegetables
- beans
- broccoli
- peas
- pimentos
- radishes
- rutabagas
- sauerkraut
- scallions
- shallots
- soybeans
- turnips
- onions
- lentils
- brussel sprouts
- cabbage
- cauliflower
- corn
- cucumbers
- garlic
- kohlrabi
- leeks
fruit
- apples
- avocado
- cantaloupe
- honeydew melon
- watermelon
- raisins
- *raw fruits produce more gas than cooked or canned fruits
miscellaneaous
- milk
- cheese
- carbonated beverages
- beer
- nuts
- popcorn
- Splenda (sucralose)
- sugar alchohols (sorbitol, malitol, xytitol, isomalt)
- bran and whole grains**
**Bran and whole grain products may add to excessive gas. If you are following a high fiber diet, these foods should be introduced into your diet slowly.
Nutritional counseling is available with a registered dietitian in the office. For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact our office at (337) 232-6697.