Gases

Flatulence is an excessive accumulation of gases in the intestines. The condition is manifested by bloating and copious release of a large amount of digestive gases. Most often, flatulence indicates dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, various infections, inflammation, and even neurosis. What you need to know about the condition and in what cases should you see a doctor?

What do you need to know about the gut?

The intestine is one of the main digestive organs in humans and multicellular animals. In the intestines, the absorption of substances necessary for the body occurs, as well as the formation and excretion of waste products of processed food. It is localized in the abdominal cavity, reaches 4 meters in length in a state of tonic tension (during life). After death, the organ goes into an atonic state, and its length increases to 6-8 meters.

The intestine consists of two segments – the small intestine and the large intestine. The small intestine is responsible for the digestion process, while the large intestine absorbs liquids and forms feces from food gruel. The walls, diameter and size of the lumen of the large intestine are much larger than those of the small intestine. This is due to the thickness of the muscle and connective layers, which are necessary for the high-quality work of the organ.

The main function of the intestine is to ensure the final absorption of the end products of nutrient metabolism into the blood. “Excess” substances and undigested components form feces, which are excreted from the body along with digestive gas. The intestine is inhabited by a huge number of bacteria that support the processes of digestion and form the intestinal microflora. Violation of the microflora leads to a malfunction of the body and can be manifested by flatulence, pain, constipation, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms.

General information about flatulence

The stomach and intestines of a healthy person normally contains about 1 liter of gases. They are formed as a result of the vital activity of the internal microflora of the intestine. By themselves, digestive gases are not a problem, but on the contrary, they indicate the quality of the digestive tract. During the day, the concentration of gases gradually decreases by 0,1-0,5 liters (excreted during defecation). If the work of the digestive tract is disturbed, the gas concentration increases to 3 or more liters. The process is accompanied by bloating, a feeling of heaviness and involuntary release of excess gas.

What is a gas mixture made of? Doctors distinguish several main components: nitrogen (24-90%), carbon dioxide (4,3-29%), oxygen (0,1-23%), hydrogen (0,6-47%), methane (0-26 %). Ammonia, indole, skatole, volatile amines (putrescine, cadaverine), other odorous gases and short-chain fatty acids are present only in trace amounts, while making up no more than 1% of the total intestinal gas mixture.

The condition with flatulence is aggravated by belching, hiccups, a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the abdomen, diarrhea or constipation. A person experiences attacks of cramping pains that disappear when the gas escapes and occurs with its subsequent accumulation. The act of releasing gas is called flatus. It can be voluntary or involuntary, and is often accompanied by a harsh sound called sphincter resonance.

Possible causes of flatulence

Increased gas formation can occur in the absence of pathologies or, conversely, indicate serious disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. First of all, the diet affects the concentration of gas. Eating foods high in carbohydrates or fermenting enzymes can lead to flatulence. These are the products:

• apples;
• cabbage;
• beans;
• carbonated drinks (both with sugar and without);
• kvass;
• tea mushroom;
• beer;
• black bread.

Flatulence can occur as a reaction to an allergen. For example, the consumption of dairy products by a person with lactose intolerance will certainly cause a malfunction in the digestive system.

Also, an increased accumulation of gases can indicate pathological conditions:

• dysbiosis;
• pancreatitis, colitis, enteritis, cirrhosis, etc.;
• acute intestinal infections;
• helminthiasis (intestinal parasites);
• intestinal obstruction;
• intestinal atony;
• neurosis;
• various inflammatory processes;
• aerophagia (swallowing too much air while eating).

How to normalize bowel function?

The quality of the intestines directly depends on the balance of the microbiome. Even Hippocrates said that “all diseases begin in the intestines”, which means that special attention should be paid to this organ. The microbiome is the bacteria that live in the gut, numbering in the hundreds of trillions. They are responsible for the quality of our skin, mood, concentration and even immunity.

Each person’s microbiome is unique. It is formed from birth and develops throughout life, absorbing our nutrition, habits, personal hygiene and ecology.

Remember: the more diverse the microflora, the healthier we feel. Is it possible to diversify it yourself? Yes. Play with your pets, start your own garden, try new foods more often, and exercise. So you populate the intestines with hundreds of new types of beneficial bacteria.

Doctors say that the microflora can be easily healed. The lifespan of each bacterium that is inside the intestine is about 20 minutes; the niche of dead bacteria is occupied by new bacteria that can otherwise affect health. Simply put, a person himself regulates his own microflora, populating the intestines with “good” probiotics, organic products, or “bad” fast food. Let us analyze in more detail the natural and medicinal methods of microbiome correction.

Natural/herbal ways

Minor disturbances in the microbiome can be easily neutralized with the right approach to nutrition. Normalize the water balance, as chronic dehydration causes not only flatulence, but also constipation, a feeling of heaviness / fullness, nausea and loss of energy. At least 1,5 liters of clean water per day will not only stabilize the microbiome, but will improve skin condition, mood and, ultimately, quality of life.

The next natural source of healthy intestinal microflora is fiber. It is found in vegetables, whole grains, nuts and grains. A healthy person should consume about 25-50 grams of fiber per day to ensure good bowel function. The main thing is to evenly distribute fiber in the daily diet, but it should be remembered that increased consumption of foods high in dietary fiber (vegetable fiber, pectin, raffinose) can also become a source of increased gas formation even in healthy individuals.

A beneficial effect is the introduction of leafy greens into the diet, containing not only fiber, but also a number of vitamins and minerals, with a minimum calorie content, further improving body hydration. A daily large portion of a salad with leafy greens will strengthen your health and definitely will not linger in the body in the form of excess weight.

Are you suffering from flatulence and constipation? Take a prune laxative. It is recognized that regular consumption of prunes not only has a laxative effect, but also prevents the development of bowel cancer. Another beneficial product for the microbiome is coconut oil. 1 to 4 tablespoons of oil per day have a laxative and antimicrobial effect without overloading the digestive tract. A similar effect can be expected from green tea, bananas and apple cider vinegar.

We should not forget about the need for vital minerals. Magnesium contributes to the improvement of the intestines, the lack of which provokes constipation, and hence the increased accumulation of digestive gases. Magnesium not only relaxes the walls of the body, but also normalizes the functioning of the nervous system. It is extremely important to introduce foods enriched with vitamin C into the diet. It regulates stools, affects the protective functions of the immune system, skin quality and mood. The simplest and most affordable way to regulate the microbiome is movement. Regular jogging, exercising, walking, yoga or strength training stimulate the intestines. Mechanical action also strengthens the abdominal muscles and speeds up metabolism. An active lifestyle and nutrition control is a real formula for success, due to which you will feel lightness, strength and healthy comfort. If this support is not enough for the body, consult a doctor.

 Medication

The drug effect on the microbiome is divided into several components. First of all, the doctor prescribes a special medicinal diet and regular meals. All foods that can provoke an increase in gas concentration should be excluded from the diet. Instead, a plentiful drink is introduced, a double portion of fiber in the form of vegetables, an individual set of protein and carbohydrate foods.

The next steps depend on the diagnosis and the underlying cause of flatulence. Therapy may include deworming, the use of cleansing enemas or gas tubes, surgery (if there is an obstruction to the release of gas). In most cases, the doctor uses a medical approach and prescribes adsorbents, surfactants, herbal preparations to neutralize flatulence.

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