The two sources of GI tract gas and bloating are:
Gas and bloating due to exogenous gas
Most people swallow air without ever realizing that it’s happening. When air is introduced to the stomach, most of the time it is released back up through the esophagus and mouth, with a complicated series of motilities and functions. The air that does not escape through belching, will move into the intestinal tract, where small amounts are absorbed into the blood stream and escape as vapors through exhaled air, and the rest is passed through, as flatulence.
Gas and bloating due to endogenous gas
Endogenous gas is a more complex culprit, and while a certain amount is perfectly normal, much intestinal gas can be prevented. The intestinal tract is enriched with as many bacteria as there are cells in the body. However if these friendly flora in the colon are out of balance due to a poor diet, undigested food, or the overuse of many medications, including antibiotics (aging is also a factor) then the bacteria responsible for creating gases during their digestive duties will outnumber the bacteria that feed on them. If they are outnumbering the non-gas producing bacteria, you will experience excess intestinal gas, bloating and flatulence as it moves through the system.
The 5 odorless gasses produced in the colon are:
The 3 odorous gasses produced in the colon are:
What can you do to prevent excessive gas, bloating and flatulence?
When undigested carbohydrates pass through your system, reaching the colon, there are certain bacteria present to break them down by fermenting them. It is these bacteria that produce the gasses that result in your bloating and flatulence.
*Tips
*Please know that I am not a medical doctor or a health practitioner. I cannot diagnose your stomach problems nor can I guarantee a cure. I am here to share my knowledge, which applications have worked for me and to offer suggestions of where you may go physically, emotionally and spiritually for healing and self-empowerment. If you choose to explore alternative medicine, do not independently stop taking your prescribed medications. Always consult with your current doctor as well as your new practitioner when changing your medical program. Find a Naturopath near you.