Foods to Watch for Belching and Flatulence

In this world, there are only two things that can be considered as a first-class ticket to social suicide – belching and flatulence.

Really, those two human body functions never fail to bring intense embarrassment to anyone who commits them. We have all experienced this one way or another, whether intentional or not. That is why it is understandable if we look for ways to reduce the chances of these from happening.

Suddenly gulping too much air, drinking fizzy beverages, butterflies in the stomach, eating beans, all these should be minimized, if not avoided, to keep gas and belches from happening. Also, there are certain food items that can affect our body’s ability to produce gas. Trying things in small amounts, plus consultation with a nutritionist or a doctor, would be of great help as well.

Lactose-free foods

Lactose, a milk sugar, can be extremely troublesome for a few people. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, this is because not all of us can readily digest it. Undigested lactose goes straight to the colon, where the bacteria there convert the sugar into gas. Skipping dairy products or opting for lactose-free dairy substitutes can take care of that.

Low-fat foods

In general, maintaining a low-fat diet can help reduce the chances of belching and flatulence. Based on the report by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, low-fat foods do not stay in the stomach too long, preventing the rise of gas. Just take it easy when it comes to whole foods, like vegetables and grains. They are necessary for good health, but they can be gas-forming.

Carbonated drinks

Now, we have another reason to skip the fizz. According to the Mayo Clinic, carbonated drinks can increase production of gas in the stomach. Eating and drinking slowly can also help avoid flatulence and other stomach discomfort.

Yogurt

While lactose can be a bother, eating a cup of yogurt can actually be good for you. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, probiotics (the so-called “good bacteria” that can be found is yogurt) can help reduce gas formation by killing off the bacteria that cause them. Of course, each person has a different response, so be wary in this case.