What Foods Cause Stomach Gas?
- Eating too much cabbage can cause excess stomach gas.cabbage image by Marius Lazin from Fotolia.com
Many people suffer from the pain and embarrassment of stomach gas. Although a variety of factors can contribute to excess gas, the problem can be exacerbated by food. Because every person's body is affected differently by different foods, keep a journal of what foods you eat, and cut certain foods out of your diet if they seem to be causing your gas problem. - Broccoli and other carbohydrate-heavy vegetables are a major cause of stomach gas.broccoli image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
Carbohydrates, especially those found in vegetables, can create gas in the stomach because they contain sugar chains that are difficult to digest. The worst offenders include cabbage, legumes (including beans), onions, broccoli and cauliflower. Items found on a low-carb diet can also increase stomach gas, especially those containing sugar alcohol sweeteners such as lactitol or sorbitol. - Milk can trigger problems in people with lactose intolerance.Container of milk. Plastic milk bottle image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
Dairy products can provide a problem for people with lactose intolerance, a condition that often goes undiagnosed. The sugar in cheese, milk and ice cream can cause excessive gas, especially in women. Yogurt, however, is not a problem for people with lactose intolerance and is beneficial to the digestive system, especially ones with live cultures. - The sugars in soda can negatively impact a person's digestive system.glass of soda image by Kalani from Fotolia.com
Sugars, both those found naturally in fruits and those added to processed foods, can add to gas problems. Fruits that are particularly problematic include raisins, prunes, bananas, apricots and peaches. Fruit juices can also cause gas and bloating. Fructose, the sweetener commonly found in most sodas, also affects many people, and, according to a study done by the University of Iowa, has been connected to irritable bowel syndrome. - Some people have trouble digesting grains like those found in bread.bread image by worklady from Fotolia.com
Similar to people with lactose intolerance, many people cannot easily digest certain grains, especially those that include gluten. Products such as breads, cereals and pastries can ferment in some people's stomachs, causing very uncomfortable gas. Some people also have difficulty digesting grains such as barley, rye and oats as well as nuts and seeds. - The fat in gravies and some sauces can cause gas.sausages and celeriac mash with onion gravy image by green308 from Fotolia.com
Fatty foods, or any foods that one would describe as "rich," often cause stomach problems. Culprits in this category include creamy sauces or gravies, as well as fried food or meats that include excess fat. - Avoid red wine when combating stomach gas.red wine image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
Drinking water can help tremendously with stomach gas, but other beverages can cause problems. Not only is the fructose in soda problematic, but the carbonation can also increase intestinal gas. Other drinks to avoid include red wine and dark beer.
