Everything You Unfortunately Need to Know About What Causes Gas & Bloating

By Sarah Parker Ward

Gas and bloating are just an uncomfortable part of life, and if you’ve ever had a stomach gurgle in the midst of a quiet office or at your child’s class performance, you can probably appreciate a few tips to remedy this awkward occurrence.

The Mechanics of Gas

While you’ve likely felt the unfortunate effects of gas before, you may not have considered the actual causes of such discomfort. Burping, bloating and flatulence are all a result of excess air in the digestive system. These gases are typically produced in the breakdown of food in the stomach and intestines.

Common Causes of Gas

We’ve all heard of certain foods that are likely to cause gas. There are even children’s rhythms about such things. But beans – arguably the most often cited source of gas – aren’t the only offenders. Here are a few others common culprits you may want to avoid, especially if you’re expecting to be in a confined social space:

• Beans
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Carbohydrates
• Carbonated Beverages
• Dairy Products (like cheese, ice cream & milk)
• Onions

If dairy products cause you gas or bloating due to lactose intolerance, you may also consider trying a lactose-free diet or using a lactase enzyme supplement like LACTAID^®.

Tips to Reduce Gas & Bloating

In addition to limiting the above foods, especially if they have a track record of causing gas in your system, here are some other simple ways to minimize and alleviate gas:

• Eat & drink slowly: Relax, savor and appreciate your food. When we eat quickly, you we inhale a lot of air. Deliberate bites with ample chewing aids healthier digestion.
• Avoid carbonated drinks: Carbonation, by default, has gas in it that then transfers into your digestive system. Opt for flat drinks instead.  
• Skip the chewing gum: Chewing gum can prompt us to take in extra air, which can lead to belching and bloating. If you’re looking for a quick breath freshener, keep a travel size bottle of mouth rinse on hand instead.
• Treat heartburn or indigestion: When you have heartburn due to indigestion, you may bloating or burping. Help control heartburn associated with acid indigestion with PEPCID^® Products.
• Get your move on: While a full-on exercise session right after eating isn’t comfortable or advisable, taking a brief walk or stretching can help your digestive system work more efficiently.
• Try over-the-counter remedies: Anti-gas remedies like MYLANTA^® are specifically designed to provide fast relief from gas and they’re even offered in convenient on-the-go mini tablets.

With these simple steps, you can beat the bloating and avoid the unfortunate awkwardness associated with gas. Keep your day – and your digestive system – moving smoothly.

Third-party references and links provided in this article are for educational purposes only. No sponsorship or endorsement is implied. Information was used from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

©Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2017