Dietary snacks, foods rich in carbohydrates, legumes and milk are the most common causes of gas, American gastroenterologist Felice Schnoll-Sussman, a specialist at Weill Cornell Medical Center (USA), told Men's Journal.
The specialist considered one of the main reasons for the increase in gas formation to be foods containing carbohydrates that are not fully digested in the small intestine. These include cabbage, onions, garlic, wheat, apples and pears. These carbohydrates enter the large intestine, where they are fermented by intestinal bacteria, naturally producing gases.
In particular, legumes, including beans and lentils, as well as broccoli, can cause severe gas. However, the doctor noted that these are foods that are generally considered healthy and are a source of fiber and other nutrients.
Sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and xylitol can also contribute to this. They are used in sugar-free products, some protein foods and processed foods and can increase gas formation.
"Bloating after consuming milk and other dairy products may indicate lactose intolerance. Another common cause of bloating is increasing the amount of fiber in the diet; the intestines need time to adapt to the change in diet," the specialist explained.
However, increased gas formation is not always directly related to food. According to the gastroenterologist, a person can swallow a significant amount of air without realizing it. This can be facilitated by eating quickly, chewing gum, drinking through a straw, drinking carbonated drinks, and talking while eating.
