Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Sometimes a Change in Diet Can Help

March 20, 2008
READERS:
If you have a problem with gas, sometimes a change in diet can help. Temporarily avoiding certain foods can help identify causes of gassiness. Some of the "usual suspects" include:

Dairy products: The sugar lactose in dairy foods is a common cause of gas. Nonprescription products such as Lactaid or Dairy Ease may help. And many who are lactose intolerant may still be able to eat yogurt or aged cheeses.

Some vegetables: Carbohydrates found in onions, radishes, cabbage, celery, carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and legumes (including dried peas and beans) can produce gas. Products that contain simethicone (Beano, Phazyme, Gas-X), may be helpful.

Too much fruit sugar: Prunes, raisins, bananas, apples and apricots as well as juices made from prunes, grapes and apples can cause gas.

Too much fiber: Cutting back on high-fiber foods, and then gradually increasing them, can help identify the amount that can be tolerated.

Some sweeteners: Sweeteners used in sugar-free chocolates and candies can cause diarrhea in some people. These sweeteners include sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol.
In addition to these foods and food products, watch out for fatty foods. Fried food, fatty meats and some sauces can cause gas. Avoiding carbonated and sparkling drinks may help, too.

— Adapted from Mayo Clinic Health Letter