Intestinal Gas Guide

You have reviewed unidgestible carbohydrates, which are fermented by bacteria to create gas in the colon. Bacteria growth and gas production can also be promoted by fiber in your diet.

Undigested Fiber

Fiber is always undigested. It is healthy to have a high fiber diet. Fiber helps to prevent constipation and a diet that has plenty of fiber is a diet that contains healthy foods, like whole grains, fruits and vegetables. However, a diet high in fiber or a diet with an abrupt increase in fiber content can increase gas symptoms. There are several fiber types, and every type of fiber can cause gas. You may wish to reduce your dietary fiber if your gas symptoms are bothersome to you.

• Fiber-rich foods include whole and processed grains, fruits and vegetables, lentils and rice

• Fiber "supplements" include the over-the-counter constipation treatments psyllium (Metamucil and others), methylcellulose (Citrucel), and calcium polycarbophil (Fibercon).

When you continue: gas from swallowed air