Digestive System

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7.21   Flatulence – The average individual normally has 150-300 ml of gas  in the stomach and intestines at any one time. On average, people pass 500-2,000 ml of gas in 10-12 episodes daily. Gas is eliminated by belching or passing it through the rectum. Men produce more gas than women do, but the flatus of women contains more of the most offensive gas, hydrogen sulphide. Gas originates from swallowed atmospheric air, bicarbonate neutralization of stomach acids, diffusion of gases into the intestine from the blood and bacterial fermentation in the intestines. The main gases produced are hydrogen and carbon dioxide and minute quantities of other gases like methane and, of course, sulphur containing compounds especially hydrogen sulphide that raises the stink. Typical culprits are non-absorbable complex carbohydrates (like soya and red kidney beans); fructose; artificial sweetners such as sorbitol; medications; abnormal bacterial colonisation of the small intestine; abdominal distension, gaseousness and bloating; inadequate digestive enzymes; high fibre-rich diets; carbonated beverages; lactose intolerance; irritable bowel syndrome.

 Santokh Singh Parmar

Naturo-Food Therapist & Lifestyle Consultant

Mobile: +91(0) 9815922330

Websites: www.naturofoodtherapy.org & www.foodtherapy.org

Note: The above information and advice and indicative remedies are not a substitute for the advice, your doctor or naturo-food therapist may give you based on his/her knowledge of yourself.