Gas - Prevention

To reduce gas, you can:

Make changes to your DIET

--Keep a journal of all the foods that you eat for several days. Identify and avoid the foods that cause gas symptoms. 

--Limit foods that commonly cause commonly gas: vegetables, legumes (beans, peas), sugars and sugar substitutes, carbonated drinks, fried and fatty foods, artificial sweeteners, milk and other dairy products.

--Limit foods with air in them: whipped cream, milk shakes.

--Limit carbonated beverages and alcohol: soda, mineral water, beer.

 

Make changes to your EATING HABITS

--Eat smaller meals throughout the day.

--Chew your food thoroughly.

--Eat slowly.

--Eat in a calm environment.

--Avoid deep sighing.

--Avoid chewing gum, eating hard candies, drinking through a straw, and smoking. You can swallow more air with these activities. 


Make changes to your LIFESTYLE HABITS

--Avoid tight-fitting clothes.

--Do not lie down right after eating.

--Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, for at least 5 days a week.


References
1. Meek, Patrick D. APhA Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: Chapter 15 Intestinal Gas. 16th Edition.Washington DC: American Pharmacists Association, 2009: 247-262
2. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Simethicone. Oct  2010. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682683.html. Last accessed August 29, 2011.

 


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