What causes gas?

Gas and gas pains are most commonly caused by swallowing too much air and by bacterial breakdown in intestines.

Undigested carbohydrates in the small intestine and fermented by bacteria in your colon. The unabsorbed substances are typically fibers and sugars, and the bacteria causes the production of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane in the form of flatulence. The bacteria as it breaks down rotting substances is what typically causes the unpleasant smell.

Gas can also be caused by swallowing too much air! This typically comes out at burps and belches. We swallow air all the time, just don’t often notice. We most often swallow air by chewing gum, smoking, eating too fast, and old people who’s dentures are not properly fitted!

Various high fiber foods, antibiotics, laxatives, and food intolerances can also be culprits for flatulence and gas pains.