subject: How To Stop Embarrasing Flatulence and Gas [print this page] How To Stop Embarrasing Flatulence and Gas
Did you know that taking antibiotics can give you gas? This is one side effect you may not have heard about, and these side effects can last a life time. Antibiotics do more than kill bacteria that cause infections, they also kill the helpful bacteria that live in the large intestine.When the good bacteria are destroyed, that is when all the unfriendly bacteria and other organisms like yeast take their place and generate toxins that lead to gas, bloating and diarrhea. In other words you could end up with far too much bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria.In order to control flatulence, you need to restore your body's natural bacterial balance, and here are a few things that you can do to help your entire digestive system to work more efficiently. These tips will go a long way towards reducing discomfort and the embarrassment of flatulence.One way to restore your natural bacterial balance is to take probiotics. This is a supplement that contains 2 to 3 billion units of acidophilus, bifidum and other organisms. When you buy probiotics, make sure that they are refrigerated in the store, and in that way you will know that the organisms are alive and active. You should take probiotics while taking antibiotics, as well as for a minimum of two weeks afterwards.Another good way to reduce flatulence is to take digestive enzymes after each meal. Some people don't produce enough of these types of enzymes, especially if they are older then fifty. Many people find that they get the best results by combining digestive enzymes with probiotic supplements.You may be the type of person who is sensitive to the proteins and sugars in certain foods, which can also result in bad digestion and gas. This can be tricky, as it can be hard to know what is causing the problem. The best way is to experiment with different foods by eliminating them from your diet one by one for 10 days. You will know you have found the culprit if your gas is reduced. These are some of the worst offenders.Dairy products, as many people lack the enzyme lactase that the body needs to digest the lactose in milk and other dairy foods.Fruit juice, as they contain the sugar fructose that causes gas in many people.Artificial sweeteners like xylitol and sorbitol which can also make some people gassy.Wheat, as many of us are sensitive to its protein, gluten.Beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cucumber and cauliflower which all contain the carboyhydrate raffinose. In the long run these healthy foods can reduce gas because the body's bacteria will undergo alterations in order to deal with raffinose if you eat them often enough.Before you panic and think that you have a flatulence problem, remember that normal is passing gas anywhere between 6 and 21 times a day. Keep a notebook to keep track, as many people think they have a problem, when in fact they are normal.
