The No. 1 aid for flatulence

Veröffentlicht am: October 15, 2024
Irina Fink
Irina Fink

Naturopath

How often does your stomach pinch? Flatulence is still a taboo subject, even though it plagues almost all of us from time to time. Flatulence is usually harmless, but can sometimes be a sign of intestinal illness.

Neither funny nor pleasant ... flatulence!

Flatulence is unpleasant and can affect our everyday lives. But how does flatulence develop in the first place?

Flatulence is when there is too much air in the intestines. We feel a squeezing and pinching sensation. The most common symptoms include belching, abdominal pain and farting. 

Flatulence occurs in two ways:

  • When large quantities of air are swallowed

  • When undigested food residues are broken down by bacteria in the large intestine during digestion

The resulting gases are normally transported into the blood and then into the lungs, where they are simply exhaled. Sometimes, however, this is not enough and excess gas has to escape via the anus - we fart.

➤ We all fart about 10 to 20 times a day! 

What are the causes of flatulence?

Flatulence is usually caused by poor dietary and lifestyle habits:

  • A diet rich in flatulent foods (cabbage, beans, onions, ...), carbohydrates (white flour), fiber & protein (especially animal) and fatty & sweet foods. 

  • Unhealthy eating habits such as "swallowing air" - Especially when we eat and drink, we swallow a lot of air, which can accumulate in the stomach. Late, hasty and poorly chewed food also causes bloating.

  • Sugar substitutes (sorbitol & xylitol) which are often found in sugar-free foods

  • Food intolerances cause flatulence, diarrhea and the like and should therefore be clarified

  • Certain medications can damage the intestinal flora

  • Stress weakens the intestinal barrier and therefore has a negative effect on overall health

In some cases, they can even be a symptom of an illness, such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome or other intestinal diseases.

Foul-smelling gases are produced, for example, during the breakdown of certain proteins in the form of sulphur compounds! 

This helps with flatulence in the long term

Our No. 1 TIP for flatulence and other intestinal complaints - our NEW and exclusive intestinal cleansing package!

During an intestinal cleanse, the intestinal flora is rebuilt from scratch in various steps and the cause of bloating and the like is eliminated. During an intestinal cleanse, the intestines are cleansed, the liver and other organs are strengthened, the body is relieved with valuable bases and the beneficial intestinal bacteria are supported or repopulated with the help of pro- and prebiotics.

Further measures against flatulence:

  • Switch your diet to healthy, fresh and unprocessed foods. Consume more fiber-rich foods (e.g. whole grains). But beware: a sudden switch to more fiber can initially lead to more bloating. Don't let this stop you, as the intestinal flora has to get used to it first. It is best to increase your fiber intake gradually.

  • Check for any food intolerances

  • Drink a lot - just not while you are eating, otherwise you will swallow more air, which leads to more flatulence. Also eat slowly and consciously and chew your food well. 

  • Exercise regularly

  • Reduce stress, as this can have a direct negative effect on the gut

  • Avoid chewing gum, as this causes more air to be swallowed and the sugar substitutes promote the development of flatulence

Conclusion:

Every intestinal flora is different. Some people tolerate certain foods better than others. Some people also have more gas-producing bacteria. If we don't eat properly, can't tolerate something or swallow a lot of air, we get flatulence. 

Flatulence is usually harmless, but can also indicate intestinal diseases or an intestinal flora disorder. As such a disorder can lead to poorer nutrient absorption, allergies and chronic illnesses, care should be taken to maintain healthy intestinal flora. In order to support the intestinal flora from the ground up, an intestinal cleanse, for example, is suitable.

 

Sources (in English):

American Psychological Association. (2018, November 1). Stress effects on the body. [Available at: https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body]

Levitt, M. D., Furne, J., Aeolus, M. R., & Suarez, F. L. (1998). Evaluation of an extremely flatulent patient: case report and proposed diagnostic and therapeutic approach. The American journal of gastroenterology, 93(11), 2276-2281. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1572-0241.1998.00635.x

Tomlin, J., Lowis, C., & Read, N. W. (1991). Investigation of normal flatus production in healthy volunteers. Gut, 32(6), 665-669. https://doi.org/10.1136/gut.32.6.665