Although excessive flatulence can cause bloating and pain, it rarely indicates a serious medical problem. Most gas is the by-product of bacteria fermenting food in the intestines. Certain foods--especially beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, apples, bananas, and cherries--have reputations as gas producers, although their effects vary from person to person. Other causes are the air from carbonated beverages, swallowing air while chewing with the mouth open, and inadequately chewed food. Less common culprits are allergies, postnasal drip, lactose intolerance, malnutrition, high-fiber foods, bulkforming laxatives, and certain medications, including cholesterol- lowering drugs and tranquilizers. More rarely, flatulence may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Proper digestion, whereby foods are absorbed by enzymes and digestive acids or acted on by beneficial intestinal flora, can help control the problem. B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, and folic acid will aid this process. The best prevention is to determine which foods cause excess gas and to modify your eating habits accordingly. Note that it is often a combination of different-- not individual--foods that makes flatulence worse.

Herbal Remedies

Peppermint Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tablespoon chopped dried leaves. Let steep for 5 to 10 minutes; strain, then drink warm three to four times a day. Tinctures and oil of peppermint may vary in their concentration.