Full of Hot Air: Belching and Bloating

Way too commonly people are full of hot air. That air may come out your mouth in the way of belching or burping, or out your back end as gas or flatulence (and a few other nicknames). Although a minor amount of gas is normal, there comes a time when the excess build-up is not only uncomfortable, but an indication that something is wrong in your digestive tract.

Constipation is a common cause of gas. Gas builds up (for other reasons, which we’ll discuss), and the packed stool makes it difficult for the gas to pass. This causes more and more gas to accumulate, leading to bloating. When the gas pressure builds up enough and finally slips by the compacted stools, the results can be embarrassing. Emptying your bowels is a quick remedy.

Gas primarily is caused from incomplete digestion. Insufficient enzymes in your stomach results in food that ferments (or rots!) in your stomach, releasing organic acids (which is where heart burn comes from) and gas (which puts pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter eventually resulting in reflux). Small amounts here and there are not a big deal, but persistent poor digestion can lead to disease processes.

The food that you eat makes a big difference. Broccoli, cauliflower, beans, onions and dairy products have the worst reputation for causing gas. Difficult for many to digest, the addition of enzymes to the meal that you know for sure will cause gas is a simple remedy. Some people will get gassy if the food is raw, but not cooked. Beans soaked overnight or sprouted (better yet), help in avoiding gas and bloating.

Then there are food sensitivities. Gluten is one of the biggest, followed by dairy products. Starchy foods in general, such as corn and potatoes are common triggers. High fiber foods, dehydrated fruits (including raisins), and foods flavored with fructose or artificial sweeteners are high probability gas producers.

Drinking carbonated beverages, particularly sodas will invariably cause gas. Also, you can swallow too much air. This is usually because you are gulping your food or drink because of eating too fast or on the run, ingesting air along the way.

Another cause is an imbalance in the gut flora. Probiotics and cultured foods can help with this. Speaking of flora imbalance, antibiotics, which are the biggest contributors to an imbalance in gut flora, can cause excess gas. Statins, drugs used to reduce cholesterol levels is another medication that can have a side effect of gas and bloating. Other medications can as well.

So, whichever orifice it departs from, and whatever the cause, gas and bloating are not just offensive and embarrassing.  It can be uncomfortable and a red flag from the body that something is wrong within the digestive system. So, if you are full of hot air, it’s time to do something about it!

©2018 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.

Dr. Holly Carling

Dr. Holly Carling

Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with nearly four decades of experience. Dr. Carling is a “Health Detective,” she looks beyond your symptom picture and investigates WHY you are experiencing your symptoms in the first place. Dr. Carling considers herself a “professional student” – she has attended more than 600 post-secondary education courses related to health and healing. Dr. Carling gives lectures here in the U.S. and internationally and has been noted as the “Doctor’s Doctor”. When other healthcare practitioners hit a roadblock when treating their patients nutritionally, Dr. Carling is who they call. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’ Alene clinic.

Medical/Health Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article or podcast should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this article or podcast. Readers/listeners should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the author, but readers/listeners who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

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