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How to Avoid and Decrease Problems with Gas

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.

How can I avoid or decrease problems with gas?

Problems with gas may be caused by certain foods, swallowing too much air, and certain medical conditions. Some of these conditions include surgery of the intestines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a condition that prevents your body from digesting lactose (sugar in milk). You may be able to relieve gas, bloating, and discomfort by avoiding foods that cause gas. Changes in eating habits and physical activity may also help.

What guidelines should I follow?

Not all common gas-forming foods affect everyone the same way. Try avoiding all gas-forming foods for a few weeks until you feel better. Next, try adding 1 gas-forming food back to your diet at a time. Continue to add 1 gas-forming food every few days until you find the foods that are causing problems for you. Avoid only the gas-forming foods that you know are causing problems for you. This will give you a bigger variety of foods to choose from so that you can eat a balanced diet. You may be able to tolerate small servings of some gas-forming foods.

Which foods are gas-forming?

What other changes can I make?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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