Rosalee Brown

Flatus or passing gas is a normal function of the body. There are so many tabooed names for this function in Jamaica and we can all relate many stories, from childhood to adulthood, of hilarious or embarrassing situations caused by flatus. There is even a story of 'Mary Lee' whose demise was caused by hindering this naturalaction.

Irregular flatus

Although this action is normal, there are some individuals who experience unusually high incidences, cramping and a distinctive malodorous flatus. Flatus is composed of several gases including nitrogen, hydrogen and methane; the latter two can potentially catch fire. The flatus also contains fatty acids such as butyric acid which gives a rancid butter smell and hydrogen sulphide, which gives a rotten egg smell.

Source of the gas

Aerophagia or air swallowed is a major source of flatus in many individuals. So, the way you chew, talking with food in the mouth and the action of continuous chewing of gum, can be a source of swallowing air. Air is also produced in the intestines by various means such as through the types of foods eaten (which may produce gas when broken down) or through undigested foods which bacteria in the large intestine feed on, thereby producing gas.

Flatulence-producing foods

Soak your peas then throw off the water before cooking to avoid flatulence. - Andrew Smith/Photography Editor

Carbohydrate foods are a source of flatulence. This is especially so with many of the polysaccharides or complex starches. Many of the carbohydrate foods contain molecules such as inulin and raffanose, which are resistant to digestion and so pass into the large intestine where they are fed upon by colonic bacteria which produces large amounts of gas.

The troublesome foods are many of the healthy foods we are encouraged to consume daily. Foods such as peas, beans, nuts, lentils, onion, garlic, scallion, whole wheat products, oats, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and other vegetables from this family. Dairy products are also implicated in causing flatulence. Large fat and protein intake can also cause flatulence. Sugar-free products, which contain the sugar alcohol sorbitol and carbonated beverages, are other such foods.

Help for flatulence sufferers:

Eat with mouth closed to prevent gas ingestion.

Chew foods properly to aid digestion.

Soak legumes and discard water, then boil for a short time and discard water before final cooking.

Spices such as cumin, coriander, tumeric and caraway are among the spices which are said to counteract the production of gas in the large bowel.

Fennel is said to be effective in counteracting flatulence.

Ingest small amounts of acidic liquids with meals to promote the production of gastric acids.

Probiotics such as in yogurt and kefir are also said to reduce flatulence.

Charcoal tablets have been reported to reduce the odour and the amount of flatus.

Digestive enzymes have been used to reduce flatulence by making the food more digestible. Enzymes such as lactase to promote lactose digestion and alpha-galatosidase enzymes which digest some polysaccharides and so reduce flatulence (there are commercial preparations of these enzymes).

Bromelain, an ingredient in pineapple and papaine found in papaw, may be helpful in aiding digestion and thus reduce flatulence.

Bismuth subgallate, available in commercial preparations, can be used for reducing the odour of the flatus.

For persons who suffer from flatulence, it can be a challenge and some persons are even forced to avoid a range of foods which are beneficial to their health in order to maintain good company. Why not try some of the above suggestions to create a balance between your health and being pleasant company.