Nutritional Guidelines
Dietary Considerations considering the following situations:
There are two major sources of intestinal gas; swallowed air and gas formed by certain foods. Swallowed air is increased by using straws when drinking, talking while eating, chewing gum, and smoking. Gas formed by foods is affected by the amount and type of food that is consumed.
Foods That May Cause Gas:
- Beer
- Carbonated drinks
- Milk / milk products
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Strong Cheeses, such as Roquefort and Brie
- Corn
- Bran cereal
- Cucumbers / pickles
- Beans and lentils
- Eggs
- Radishes
- Fatty foods
- Spicy foods
- Fructose, natural sugar in fruits
- Very cold fluids
- Smoothies, remember they are whipped and this adds air
Everybody tolerates foods differently. Some of these foods may produce excessive gas. It is best to try each one separately to see if they cause a problem for you. If any of these foods are your favorites, try eating smaller quantities or adjust the time for eating them to avoid gas production at inopportune times.
What to do:
- Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
- Avoid gulping food down too fast
- Avoid skipping meals. More gas is produced by an empty bowel
- Pouring warm carbonated beverages over ice will help disperse some of the carbonation
- Stir some of the carbonation out of problem beverages before drinking them
- Eating yogurt can help reduce or prevent gas
- Avoid smoking and chewing gum
- Be sure dentures fit properly
- Postnasal drip can result in excess swallowing of air