Bloating caused by gas compression significantly reduces the comfort of life as it causes noticeable growth and pain in the abdomen. Stomach gas compression leads to abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
It is important to investigate the source of gas jamming due to many reasons. The problem of gas compression, which does not indicate a serious disease, can be eliminated by practical measures. Associate Professor Mustafa Kaplan from the Department of Gastroenterology at Memorial Kayseri Hospital gave information about the problem of gas jamming and treatment methods.
It may be associated with meal patterns and certain nutrients
Gas, which is caused by the functioning of the digestive system, is a natural phenomenon. The gas trapped in the body is excreted through the anus and mouth. As a result of the inability to excrete the resulting gas outside the body, compression and bloating occur. Excessive gas production or impaired movement of the muscles of the digestive tract, which occurs after eating, leads to bloating in the abdomen. This condition, which occurs due to food patterns or nutrients, may also be a precursor to some diseases.
Observe yourself by regulating your eating habits
Air ingested while eating sometimes causes a feeling of bloating in the abdomen. Usually burping after meals is a result of this condition. In addition, carbonated and fermented beverages (such as acidic drinks, mineral water) cause extra air ingestion, leading to gas jamming.
In the process of processing nutrients in the intestines, gas appears and can get stuck. Some high-fiber foods can cause people to produce large amounts of gas. Mainly legumes such as beans and lentils, and some whole grains can lead to this condition. Fatty foods can slow digestion and emptying of the stomach. This may have benefits for satiety (and possibly help with weight loss) but it can be a problem for people with a tendency to bloating. To see if it helps, you should eat less beans and fatty foods.
Foods that cause stomach gas
- Legumes such as kidney beans, beans and chickpeas
- Garlic and onion
- Green vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.
- Yogurt with cheese from milk and dairy products
- Whole grain foods with a high content of fiber with some fruits (such as oranges, apricots).
Watch out for these problems!
Reflux, which occurs when acidic gastric secretion escapes back into the esophagus, is another cause of gas compression. Reflux disease, commonly known as heartburn, occurs when acidic gastric sap escapes back into the esophagus. Gas compression with the feeling of food coming to the mouth is very common in reflux patients.
Due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), movement occurs in the intestine. Most patients experience bloating, and about 60% of them report bloating as the worst symptom. Carbohydrates called FODMAP can cause bloating and other digestive symptoms, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome. For this, it is recommended to avoid high FODMAP (wheat, onion, garlic, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, artichokes, beans, apples, pears and watermelons). Gas jam problem occurs frequently in patients in this group.
Slowing of bowel movements can lead to increased bacteria, especially in the small intestine. Bacteria can lead to the formation of gases.
Celiac disease is also one of the causes. When gluten containing nutrients are consumed, the immune system of patients in this group can damage their intestinal cells. Deterioration in the intestinal structure is the cause of gas compression.
Intestinal hernias, constipation, colon cancer, peptic ulcers are also among the causes of gas compression. Gas compression can also be seen in case of ‘pancreatitis’, where the pancreas is inflamed.
Food intolerance due to food allergies and enzyme deficiency or inability to digest the substance in the food are effective in the formation of gases. Like lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, egg allergy and wheat allergy.
Sweeteners are often considered an alternative to sugar. But they can cause high amounts of digestive problems. Bacteria in your large intestine can produce gas while digesting sweeteners.
Recommendations for stomach gas compression and bloating
It was determined that approximately 16-30% of people experienced regular bloating and gas compression. Some practical measures can be taken regarding gas compression and bloating. These are listed as follows:
- People who have problems with bloating and gas compression often have increased sensitivity to food in the stomach. Therefore, eating in smaller and less meals can be very useful.
- It is very important to chew nutrients well. Thorough chewing of nutrients in small pieces will also reduce the amount of air ingested.
- A food diary should be kept to understand that some foods cause more gas or bloating than others.
- Chewing gum, using straws, talking or eating in a hurry also causes an increased amount of air ingestion, causing gas to get stuck.
- Sweeteners such as xylitol, sorbitol and mannitol, which cause gas compression, should be avoided.
- Increases constipation, bloating and gas compression. Increased water intake and physical activity can be effective against constipation.
- Probiotic supplements can help reduce the symptoms of gas and bloating, as they improve the bacterial environment in the intestine.
- Bloating and gas compression can also be caused by a change in the function of the muscles in the digestive tract. Drugs called ‘antispasmolytics’ that can help reduce muscle spasms have been found to be beneficial. Peppermint oil is a natural substance that is believed to function in a similar way. Peppermint oil is known to be effective against bloating and other digestive symptoms, at least in IBS patients.
- Drugs with a symiccon active ingredient; reduces bloating, gas and stretching. Lubiproston and linaclotide active drugs reduce bloating in irritable bowel syndrome, which suffers from constipation.