From embarrassing gas to uncomfortable heartburn, everyone has digestive problems from time to time. The good news is there are some simple solutions for many of your troubles. Learn about what causes your discomfort, how to prevent and manage digestive problems, what questions to ask your pharmacist, and when to see a doctor.
The Digestive System
How does the digestive system work?
It may seem like digestion only happens in your stomach, but it’s a long process that involves many organs. Together they form the digestive tract.
Digestion begins in your mouth, where saliva starts to break down food when you chew. When you swallow, your chewed food moves to your esophagus, a tube that connects your throat to your stomach. Muscles in the esophagus push the food down to a valve at the bottom of your esophagus, which opens to let food into the stomach.
Your stomach breaks food down using stomach acids. Then the food moves into the small intestine. There, digestive juices from several organs, like your pancreas and gallbladder, break down the food more, and nutrients are absorbed. What’s left goes through your large intestine. The large intestine absorbs water. The waste then moves out of your body through the rectum and anus.
Digestive problems can happen anywhere along the way.
Gas & Bloating
Bloating and passing gas can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Here’s what you need to know.
What is gas?
Gas is a normal part of healthy digestion. Air that is in your digestive tract is either released through your mouth as a burp or through your anus as gas. You typically pass gas 13 to 21 times a day.
What causes gas?
Gas is created when you swallow air, such as when you eat and drink. But it’s also a by-product of the breakdown of food. Some foods cause more gas than others. You may also be more sensitive to particular foods and may have more gas when you eat them.
Taking some medications can also cause gas.
Which foods cause gas?
You’ve probably noticed you feel gassy after eating certain foods. Cut back on the common culprits:
Apples
Asparagus
Beans
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Milk and dairy products
Mushrooms
Onions
Peaches
Pears
Prunes
Wheat
What causes bloating?
When gas builds up in your stomach and intestines, you may have bloating -- swelling in your belly and a feeling of fullness. It may happen to you more often if you have:
A stomach infection
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This digestive condition causes stomach pain, cramping, and diarrhea or constipation.
Celiac disease (When people with this condition eat gluten, their bodies produce antibodies that attack the intestinal lining.)
Hormonal changes that happen around women’s periods
Constipation
While bloating is usually just uncomfortable, it can sometimes cause pain in your belly or sides.
How can I reduce gas and bloating?
Diet and lifestyle changes can make a big difference:
Cut back on fatty foods.
Avoid fizzy drinks.
Eat and drink slowly.
Quit smoking.
Don’t chew gum.
Exercise more.
Avoid foods that cause gas.
Avoid sweeteners that cause gas such as fructose and sorbitol. They are often found in candies, chewing gum, energy bars, and low-carb foods.
What OTC medicines treat excess gas?
If you have a lot of gas or are very uncomfortable, an over-the-counter medicine may help.
Lactase supplements. If dairy is causing your problems, taking these tablets or drops just before you eat will help you digest lactose (the main sugar in dairy foods) and reduce gas.
Alpha-galactosidase. This digestive aid comes as liquid or tablets. You take it before you eat to help your body break down the complex carbs or sugars that cause gas, such as those found in beans, broccoli, and cabbage. Caution: People with the genetic condition galactosemia should avoid it. It may also interfere with some diabetes drugs like acarbose (Precose) or miglitol (Glyset). If you take medication for diabetes, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this aid.
Simethicone (Mylicon). Taking these liquids or tablets can relieve the uncomfortable bloating and pain from gas.
Probiotics. These supplements contain "friendly" bacteria that can help digestion. In addition to tablets and powders you sprinkle on your food, foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut contain probiotics.
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