Intestinal gas can be an occasional and embarrassing irritant. It can also be a chronic source of misery and discomfort. If intestinal gas is causing you a great deal of pain, determining the source is key. You will also need to consider where the gas is forming, whether it's in the small intestine or the large intestine.

By monitoring the condition with a food and beverage diary, you can actually determine what foods and beverages are causing the majority of your problem. Remember that it can take up to 40 hours for what you eat to leave your body. Some food combinations can be especially problematic. This article is going to look at various aspects of intestinal gas and what it’s like for a person undergoing a bad case of intestinal gas. 

Causes of Intestinal Gas

There are many foods that can cause intestinal gas, such as

• cruciferous veggies
• fiber-dense foods such as beans and legumes
• carbonated beverages

If you're trying to bump up your fiber intake, make sure you don't overload the gut with roughage and fiber. A formerly sluggish gut can become very unhappy when it has to work too hard.

Some individuals react badly to fructose. Others develop gas when they drink milk or consume other dairy products. A food diary can help you make connections between what you ate and how you feel for the next 40 hours, giving you information that you can use to increase your knowledge of your body.

You may also gain more control over the condition if you change your eating pace. Those who eat very quickly or when in a distracted state may not be aware of how much air they are taking in as they eat. Take your time, chew thoroughly, and swallow small bites of your meal. If this means that you have to set down your utensils between each bite, do so.

There are also diseases that can increase your intestinal gas. Ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and lactose intolerance or allergies can all give you bouts of painful intestinal gas. Discuss your concerns with your physician if your symptoms can't be tied to a specific food or drink.

Treating and Relieving Intestinal Gas

There are many medications that can help you reduce the pain and embarrassment of intestinal gas. Over the counter meds are fairly common. You may also find that medications to help you manage your lactose intolerance, either over the counter or by prescription, can help you stay more comfortable.

Do your best to protect your gut from overload and damage. Increase your fiber intake gently by adding a small serving of raw fruits and veggies to each meal. Incorporate an apple into your snacking routine.

Make sure you take a long look at your chosen beverages. Consuming several carbonated beverages a day can put a lot of air into your gut. Alcohol consumption on a regular basis can alter your stomach acid content and move food into your gut that is not fully broken down, which will increase your gas production.

If you choose to cut back on broccoli and cabbage to reduce intestinal gas, make sure you also look at your onion and garlic intake. Many people struggle to fully digest onions and garlic, as well as leeks. If you love a burger smothered in grilled onions or a plate of onion rings but suffer the consequences, you may experiment by cutting out onions for a week just to see how you feel.