You Docs: How to reduce the embarrassing sound and smell of gas
February 6, 2012
You Docs
Real flatulence is a showstopper, particularly when it’s loud and stinky.
And it happens more often than you think. You pass gas about 14 times a day. We all do. Fortunately, most of this gas-passing goes unnoticed.
Imagine a four-hour conference with 10 people — that’s 24 wind breaks! Can somebody say “meeting adjourned” please?
Most passed gas is nitrogen. Other products of digestion are carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen.
That embarrassing smell comes from hydrogen sulphide, which is produced when sulfur-rich food is digested by bacteria in your colon. Foods that promote sulphur smells include eggs, meat, fish, beer, beans, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.
Control the smell by eating leafy, green vegetables alongside those sulfur-rich foods and taking a probiotic daily (pill form works best). To enjoy beans without the soundtrack, soak them ahead of time or try Beano.
Other ways to reduce gas: Keep your bowels moving with regular exercise; eat smaller meals more often; rely on fruits, vegetables and whole grains to move things along. And stay hydrated to help avoid constipation.
Ah! Sweet silence.
YouDocs Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen are authors of YOU: Losing Weight. Order it at StarStore.ca. Submit questions and find more info at RealAge.com
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