7 Common Causes Of Excess Stomach Air
L ‘ Air in the stomach or flatulence, is one of the most common symptoms and inevitable in the life of every person. It is caused by bacteria that colonize the intestine and can result from internal problems or a reaction to external agents.
Although this is not a serious health problem, sometimes flatulence episodes become so recurrent that they are a source of embarrassment. Although many can hide it, the air in the stomach accumulates and causes unpleasant odors, creating social stress.
For this reason, it is very important to know the possible causes and the good habits to adopt to reduce the frequency of such episodes. Today we want to share the 7 most common causes of stomach air so that you can take the necessary steps to avoid the problem.
1. Imbalances in the bacterial flora
Excess air in the stomach can be the result of a bacterial imbalance in the flora that protects the intestine.
This situation is common after suffering from digestive diseases such as gastroenteritis or an infection. As the pH of the stomach changes abruptly, air production increases and some bacteria proliferate more easily.
In these cases it is convenient to increase the intake of probiotic and prebiotic foods, ideal for repopulating the healthy bacterial flora.
2. Fermentation of food in the intestine
Some bacteria present in the digestive system have the task of fermenting food, to facilitate digestion.
Although it is typically an activity that takes place in the large intestine, sometimes the bacteria pass to the small intestine and cause premature fermentation.
Since the food has not been fully digested, the gases increase and spread throughout the digestive tract, until they are released in the form of flatulence.
Most worryingly, they can cause inflammation, pain, and other symptoms that negatively affect quality of life.
3. Eating too fast increases the air in the stomach
People who eat very quickly, either for lack of time or for simple distraction, tend to suffer from constant episodes of air in the stomach.
This is due to the fact that large quantities of air are ingested during meals, which increases its presence in the intestine and, consequently, causes burps and flatulence.
4. Excessive intake of dairy products
Although some people have never had problems assimilating dairy products, various difficulties can still arise over the years.
Age and continued exposure to certain factors can decrease levels of the lactase enzyme, which is responsible for helping digest dairy products.
If symptoms or digestive problems occur after digesting these foods, the body is likely indicating an intolerance to them.
In these cases, the only solution is to avoid consumption, replacing them with other lactose-free alternatives.
5. Hormonal changes
The hormonal changes that occur in women during menopause, as well as those of those suffering from hormonal diseases, lead to the excessive accumulation of intestinal gas.
Although it has not been possible to determine exactly which hormones cause this reaction, hormonal imbalances have been shown to cause noticeable changes in digestive activity.
To keep them under control and reduce their recurrence, it is advisable to increase physical activity and water consumption.
6. Sensitivity to gluten
Flatulence is one of the most obvious signs of food allergies or ailments such as celiac disease. These autoimmune conditions lead to severe absorption problems which lead the body to break down the lining of the small intestine.
They also cause belly inflammation, pain, and other symptoms that prevent proper digestion.
For this reason, it is of primary importance to properly identify these disorders, especially since it is necessary to modify the diet to keep them under control .
7. Accumulation of residues
Constipation or the buildup of debris in the intestines can become a potential cause of stomach air and other digestive disorders.
When residues are retained in the colon, the bacterial flora is altered and more air than normal is produced. Furthermore, the intestine has difficulty absorbing nutrients and subsequently discarding those it does not need.
In case you suffer from this condition, it is advisable to increase the consumption of water, fiber and other foods with digestive properties.
Remember that the most effective way to keep the problem under control is to improve eating habits, reducing the consumption of those foods that generate it. Follow each of these tips and consult your doctor if necessary.
