We consider flatulence a natural result of the food digestion process, and it usually comes out through the mouth by belching or through the anus.
But these gases may exceed their limits and be trapped inside the body, causing a lot of distress and pain for the person suffering from them.
The problem usually ends with modifying the diet, but sometimes there are reasons that cause this condition that need treatment.
Learn with us through the following paragraphs about the causes of excessive gas in women and how to treat and prevent this problem.
Common Dietary and Lifestyle Causes of Excessive Gas in Women
Nutritional and lifestyle reasons that cause increased production of flatulence:
First, food-related reasons
Foods rich in fiber: Despite the importance of eating dietary fiber such as those found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, they may increase the production of flatulence as they are fermented in the intestines by bacteria that produce gases.
Lactose intolerance: Lactose is the sugar found in milk and its derivatives, and it causes flatulence for a percentage of people because they are unable to break it down and digest it.
Artificial sweeteners: such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol can cause gas and diarrhea for some people.
Carbonated drinks: They increase the amount of gas that reaches the digestive system and also contain high levels of sugar that is fermented, releasing more gases.
Swallowing air: As a result of eating quickly or chewing gum.
Second, lifestyle-related causes:
Smoking: Smoke fumes irritate the digestive system, and smokers can swallow them, which leads to increased gas retention.
Lack of physical activity: Laziness and lack of exercise slow down the digestive system, which encourages gas retention in the abdomen and increases its production.
Stress: Stress and nervous pressure contribute to gas retention in the abdomen.
In addition, there are other causes related to health problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and celiac disease or some medications that can consider as a causes of excessive gas in females. (Hasler, 2006)
How to Prevent and Manage Excessive Gas
Here are the most important ways to treat excessive gas production and how to prevent it:
Modify the diet:
This is done by identifying the foods that cause excess gas in females and males, in order to reduce or avoid them completely, such as:
- Foods rich in fiber, These include fruits, legumes, and vegetables rich in sulfur compounds, such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, garlic, onions, and leeks.
- Dairy products, if you suffer from lactose intolerance.
- Foods rich in fructose, such as honey and fruits.
- Artificial sweeteners.
- Soft drinks.
- Fats and Fried foods.
You can also do the following:
- Gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet.
- Eat small meals throughout the day instead of large meals, as these meals are easier for the digestive system to handle, and do not cause gas buildup.
Lifestyle modifications:
- Avoid smoking.
- Regular moderate exercise.
- Avoid stress or deal with it in the right way by practicing yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation.
Over-the-counter medications:
Such as activated charcoal, simethicone, and nutritional supplements containing the enzyme lactase, which digests lactose sugar if you suffer from lactose intolerance.
All of these methods can help you treat and prevent Causes of Excessive Gas in Females (Jones, 2005)
Read Also: Pain in Lower Left Abdomen in Females
References
Hasler, W. L. (2006). PubMed. Retrieved from Gas and Bloating: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5350578/
Jones, M. P. (2005). PubMed. Retrieved from Bloating and intestinal gas: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16009032/