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Controlling Intestinal Gas Naturally
by Dr. Rita Louise
Intestinal gas, flatulence, farting or breaking wind is a natural part of the
digestive process. This odorless gas, although at times embarrassing, is the
result of good digestion. Every day our body produces one to three pints of gas
that is ultimately passed. Intestinal gas is made up of oxygen, nitrogen,
hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane. If we notice an unpleasant smell, it is
because the gas contains other compounds, including hydrogen sulfide and
ammonia.
Bacterium that lives in our intestinal tract is what produces most intestinal
gas. It digests the food we eat; primarily sugars, starches and cellulose. When
ingested sugars are not been properly broken down, they can ferment and produce
gas as they pass through the small intestine. Contractions of the small
intestine propel this gas through the large intestine, where it is expelled out
the rectum. This prevents gas from accumulating in the body, which can cause
cramping.
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Certain foods produce more gas then others. Some healthy foods such as fruits,
vegetables, oatmeal, beans and peas often are the worst offenders. These foods
are high in soluble fiber. Fiber slows the digestion of starches in the small
intestine, thus promoting increased gas. Fiber, however, has many benefits
including promoting a healthy digestive tract, regulating our blood sugar and
maintaining normal cholesterol levels.
Normally we pass gas about fourteen times a day. Intestinal gas is only
considered excessive if it is being passed over twenty times per day. If someone
complains of excessive gas, but isn’t passing it over twenty times a day, then
something else may be going on. Perhaps the real concern is the foul odor to
their gas, an inability to hold gas back, or even a problem with soiling their
undergarments when gas is being passed.
Recommendations For Wellness
Avoid foods such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, coffee, eggs, fish,
prunes, radishes, dates, figs - or artificial sweeteners like sorbitol - which
can promote gas production.
Limit high fat foods. Fats slow the digestion of foods through the stomach and
small intestine.
Avoid milk and milk products, especially if you suspect you are lactose
intolerant.
Try taking a digestive enzyme or digestive bitter tonic before meals to help
improve carbohydrate digestion.
Activated charcoal tablets, when taken before a meal, have been shown to greatly
reduce gas formation.
Ginger, either fresh or in tablet form, is useful in relieving flatulence.
Catnip and fennel are herbs that are often used to ease bloating and reduce
intestinal gas.
Nature’s Sunshine’s Anti-Gas Formula contains a blend of herbs that assist
the body’s efforts to expel gas.
Supplementation with probiotics such as acidophilus and bifidophilus supports
healthy bacteria in the digestive tract and keeps gas-producing bacteria in
check.
© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2006. All rights reserved.
Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the books
Avoiding
the Cosmic 2x4 and
The
Power Within. It is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and
clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you
bring health healing and wholeness back into your life. Medical Intuition &
Energy Medicine Certification training classes are now forming. Visit
www.soulhealer.com
or call (972) 475-3393 for more information.
zodiacastro1@gmail.com Ph
93885 56053 7C Shaktan Manor Apts S T Nagar Trichur 680001, We
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