Causes Of Flatulence
Flatulence is a natural process of passing gas from the rectum, and though not many would like to admit it, everyone experiences it. This occurs due to a gas buildup in the colon. Generally, the problem flares up intolerable levels due to some aberration in one’s diet. Usually, the problem really manifests itself when one eats too much, makes a stark change in the diet, or has too much fecal matter in the colon. Correcting this problem requires a dietary break, and clearing the intestines of all waste matter. This is something like, rebooting a computer to solve a software glitch. A bit treatment for the intestinal flora is also required and this cannot be rectified purely by fasting.
When we eat food it passes from the mouth to the stomach. This is the first center of gas production because of the reaction of hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin with food. This is a simple chemical reaction of acids coming into contact with alkaline and organic substances. The gas that builds up in the stomach then accumulates till the pressure is enough to open the esophageal sphincter travel up the food pipe and out of the mouth in the form of a burp. After the stomach, the food is worked upon by various enzymes and bile while it travels to the small intestine. This is a long convoluted tube that is the last stage of food processing and absorption. Here, bacteria exist to break down complex sugars like polysaccharides and cellulose. There is a fine balance here which requires the right kind of food particles and the right type of bacteria. Any change in these two factors can cause diarrhea or gas production. An example is the case of lactose intolerance caused by the deficiency of the enzyme lactase. Because of this deficiency the complex sugar lactose goes straight to the intestinal bacteria that go hyperactive because of the abundance of a complex sugar, resulting in flatulence. If all is well, the food is absorbed and waste is passed on to the colon, where it is dehydrated and expelled from the rectum.
Home Remedies For Gas
The first step to dealing with gas is to stop eating for a day and have a lot of aloe vera juice or milk of magnesia. This will cleanse the system of all fecal matter that could be irritating the intestines. After you have cleared the intestines, gorge on some probiotic yogurt, which will replace the populations of bacteria that were lost. The day after you do this, you can resume regular eating – in moderation.
