We all pass gas. How much we pass depends on what we eat, how much air we swallow and the health of our digestive system. As a result, what is normal for one person may not be the same for someone else.

The human body produces approximately 0.5 to 1.5 liters of gas per day. If you’re on the higher part of that scale, you will pass more gas than someone who generates less. That could mean passing gas up to 20 times a day. If you experience a lot more than that, you may be dealing with excessive gas. Too much gas can be embarrassing at best. At its worst, it can be painful or a sign of intestinal disease.

Excessive gas can occur as burping, flatulence or bloating. Burping is usually caused by gas forming in the stomach from swallowed air. Bloating and flatulence occur when gas accumulates in the intestines during the digestive process.

When gas becomes excessive and/or foul-smelling, it is usually due to:

  • Swallowing too much air
  • Eating or drinking gas-producing foods
  • Gastrointestinal conditions, medications or food intolerances

As long as you aren’t experiencing any other gastrointestinal symptoms, you can start with diet and lifestyle modifications to see if the gas resolves. Our top tips for reducing gas are noted below.

1.) Reduce how much air you swallow.

Although it is impossible to avoid swallowing air, some lifestyle habits can increase the amount of air that you swallow. They include:

  • Chewing gum
  • Drinking through a straw
  • Eating or drinking too quickly
  • Smoking

Try eliminating gum. Slow down when you eat or drink, and avoid straws to see if any of those changes help. If you do smoke, this is another reason to quit.

2.) Avoid gas-causing foods.

There are a number of foods that are known to cause more gas than others. They include:

  • High-fiber foods, such as beans, legumes and wheat
  • Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts
  • High-fructose foods like onions and leeks
  • Dairy (cow’s milk, cheese, etc.)
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Carbonated beverages

3.) Keep a food diary.

Figuring out if you have a food intolerance can be difficult. Keeping a diary of what you eat and your symptoms can be a helpful step toward identifying trigger foods.

4.) Try an elimination diet.

Another way to determine which foods are causing your symptoms is to undertake an elimination diet. This is a restricted diet that typically lasts for several weeks before reintroducing foods one at a time to see which foods cause your symptoms to return. We recommend working with your doctor or a registered dietitian if possible.

5.) Stay hydrated.

Drinking plenty of water can help keep stool moving, giving it less time to ferment in your digestive tract and create gas.

6.) Try over-the-counter digestive supplements.

If diet or lifestyle modifications don’t work or if you need immediate relief, you can try anti-gas medications or supplements (such as digestive enzymes or probiotics) to help improve your digestive health. However, we recommend seeing your doctor to find out what is causing the problem, rather than relying on supplements or medications long-term.

When To See A Doctor

Excessive gas can be caused by gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, lactose intolerance, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It may also be as a result of an endocrine disease like diabetes or hypothyroidism, or be caused by certain medications. That’s why it is important to see your doctor if excessive gas is persistent.

Although excessive gas is usually nothing to worry about, it can be a sign of something more serious. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if excessive gas is chronic and/or painful or if it occurs with other symptoms, such as:

  • Stool changes
  • Bloating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Bloody stool
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Fever 

The team at GastroIntestinal Specialists, A.M.C., treats multiple conditions and diseases of the GI tract. Our board-certified physicians have more than 150 years of combined experience in providing quality care you can trust. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 631-9121 or visit gis.md/appointment-request.