Flatulence is considered a normal aspect of daily life, and many people are affected by it. However, the release of foul-smelling and unpleasant intestinal gas can be embarrassing. It is possible to reduce or eliminate them simply by making some changes in your lifestyle, increasing the speed with which food moves through the intestine and colon and reducing the bacterial flora present in it.
Steps
Step 1. Start by making a note of what you eat using a diary
Your food diary can help you identify which foods are causing you foul-smelling gas. Note the time you eat, the food and the quantities. Then take note of the reaction your food causes to identify trends and patterns.
Step 2. Chew a lot and eat slowly
Chewing a lot and eating slowly will help ease digestion and prevent air from building up in your stomach.
Step 3. Drink water and other fluids 30 minutes before eating
Drinking plenty of fluids with meals can interfere with the digestive process and reduce stomach acid, which is necessary for digestion. Remember to drink water no less than 30 minutes before each meal.
Step 4. Don't consume artificial sugars and sweeteners
Most sweeteners contain a compound known as sorbitol, which causes digestive problems and increases the formation of foul-smelling intestinal gas.
Step 5. Eat large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables
Fresh produce contains a lot of fiber and helps the body break down and digest complex foods, which contribute to the production of intestinal gas.
Step 6. Eat fewer amounts of foods that are high in sulfur, which contribute to gas formation
Some examples of these foods are: beans, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, high-yeast bread, cheese, and carbonated drinks.
Step 7. Consume more ginger
Ginger is a natural spice that helps stimulate salivation, bile and gastric juices to improve digestion. Add ginger to meals and recipes or drink ginger tea after meals to aid digestion.
Advice
- Consult a healthcare professional, nutritionist, or dietician before making any drastic changes to your diet in an effort to eliminate foul-smelling gas. In some cases, not consuming certain healthy foods such as beans, fruits and vegetables can have adverse consequences, especially with foods that contain the nutrients to improve health and well-being.
- Consult your healthcare provider before taking over-the-counter medications or taking treatments that prevent or eliminate intestinal gas. In some cases, foul-smelling intestinal gas indicates more serious health problems that cannot be solved with certain over-the-counter medications, such as irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, or colon cancer.
